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We would be happy to collaborate with Green Peace in tackling issues in in Pacific. We however worry that the relationship between Greenpeace and Australian government is fragile and thus we want both institutions to harmonise before we engage.

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The Australian government recognises the noble cause of Greenpeace and its goals in the fight against climate change. We have made great progress so far, working together with other states and organisations to achieve goals for the common good in this fight. Nevertheless, our question to Greenpeace is:
Is Greenpeace truly committed to assisting governments in these processes to affect real change, or is it more focused on making political statements through illegal, often dangerous means? It is important that we have your support at this time, so we can continue to find global solutions to this crisis together.

Yours sincerely,
John Wilson
Australian Government Minister

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Lobbying with us for the best possible outcome

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Lobbying with us for the best possible outcome

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To whom this may concern,

I am writing to you today on behalf of the political-ethical delegate of the AOSIS. We implore you to lobby the largest polluters of the world in gaining recourse for their reckless actions. Will you be willing assisting us in this cause?

Regards,

Delegate Connell on the AOSIS

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The UNHCR is committed to creating a new body within the UNCHR that has a prime focus on ‘Climate Change Refugees’. We are hopeful that by creating a formal legal definition, it will legitimise the need for states to respond by accommodating those that will be displaced by climate change.

The UNHCR optimistically asks Greenpeace if they will support the creation of this new entity, and co-operate with our campaign strategy to influence states to put into action the regulations set out in the Paris Agreement?

Kind regards,
Allyson (UNHCR legal representative)

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Climate Refugees: Greenpeace Legal Position Statement

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Climate Refugees: Greenpeace Legal Position Statement

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Climate change refugees are in need of an international legal precedent if they are to survive displacement. Greenpeace is primarily concerned with extreme weather events and rising sea levels that have resulted in alarming displacement estimates. An incredible 42.4 million people were displaced due to disasters in 2010 (IDMC 2017). This should be viewed as a human rights issue as Article 14 (1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) states that ‘everyone has the right to seek… asylum from persecution’ and climate-related oppression should be considered a form of persecution.

The COP23 meeting in Bonn was a movement towards further dialogue with the Fijian president calling for mobilisation on the issue and “action for climate empowerment” (2018). However, COP23 failed to achieve a plan for implementation of preventative and reactive measures. It instead debated ‘technical details and the small print of intergovernmental climate policy’ (Bauer 2017).

This is an opportunity to close loopholes that have hindered international agreements historically by creating a norm of international agreements that are bound by law rather than voluntary, increasing the chances of success. National governments and international foundations must seek to advocate for climate change displacement solutions. Non-governmental and civil society organisations have brought the issue into international debate and Greenpeace is committed to providing endangered states with a voice and aid.

Therefore, we propose that jurisdiction in the form of an international legal binding agreement, is headed by the United Nations. Under this agreement global responsibility for climate-related displacement would be assumed and states would be answerable to enforceable proportionate quotas of refugees for states.

Greenpeace as a non-state actor is able to see beyond bias and weighted economic agenda and believes that climate refugees from the Pacific should be granted automatic acceptance into Australia if their culture and way of life is under severe, climate-related threat. Greenpeace urges the government of Australia to look to their neighbours, accept responsibility and assist in drafting an international, legally bound agreement.

References

Bauer, S. 2017, ‘COP23: not great but good enough’, German Development Institute, 23 November, viewed 17 May 2018, <https://www.die-gdi.de/en/the-current-column/article/cop23-not-great-but-good-enough/>.

COP23 Fiji 2018, “Exchanges between countries, states and regions, civil society, the private sector, and ordinary men and women have the power to inspire action” – COP23 President at the Dialogue on Action for Climate Empowerment, viewed 17 May 2018, <https://cop23.com.fj/exchanges-countries-states-regions-civil-society-private-sector-ordinary-men-women-power-inspire-action-cop23-president-dialogue-action-climat/>.

Internal Displacement Monitoring Centres 2017, Global Internal Displacement Database, IDMC, viewed 16 May 2018, <http://www.internal-displacement.org/database/displacement-data>.

United Nations 1948, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, United Nations General Assembly, Paris.

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THE ENVIRONMENTALMOVEMENT AND THE MODESOF POLITICAL ACTION byRUSSELL J. DALTONSTEVE RECCIA

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THE ENVIRONMENTALMOVEMENT AND THE MODESOF POLITICAL ACTION byRUSSELL J. DALTONSTEVE RECCIA

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http://vedegylet.hu/okopolitika/Dalton%20et%20al%20-%20Modes%20of%20political%20action.pdf

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CODE OF ETHICS
I. PURPOSE Greenpeace, Inc. and Greenpeace Fund, Inc. (hereinafter collectively as “Greenpeace”) are committed to the highest possible standards of ethical, moral and legal business conduct. In keeping with this commitment, this policy aims to ensure that all employees are aware of the level of conduct and integrity that is expected of Greenpeace employees.
II. SCOPE This policy applies to all Greenpeace employees, including part-time, temporary and contract employees.
III. OBJECTIVES The objectives of the Code of Ethics are to:
A. Provide Greenpeace employees with guidelines for identifying potential conflicts of interest and breaches of trust;
B. Help ensure that Greenpeace employees do not place themselves, or permit themselves to be placed, in a position which would constitute a conflict of interest or breach of trust; C. Correct and cure inadvertent minor violations without disciplinary action and in conformity with the purpose of this policy; and D. Promote high standards of professional conduct and values among Greenpeace employees. IV. RESPONSIBILITIES A. General Counsel. The General Counsel shall implement and administer the Greenpeace Code of Ethics. The General Counsel shall also ensure that the ethical standards set forth herein are promoted; and investigate any reported violation of this policy and approve and administer any subsequent corrective action. B. Department Heads. Department heads shall ensure that all employees under their supervision are familiar with the Greenpeace Code of Ethics. Department heads shall advise the General Counsel of any perceived violation of this policy by a member of their staff, and institute appropriate preventative or corrective action. P:\legal\Governance\Policies\Code of Ethics.doc Effective: 08-01-04 2 V. PROHIBITED CONDUCT A. Disqualification from Greenpeace Activity. No current Greenpeace employee shall have a financial or other private interest, direct or indirect, personally or through a member of his or her immediate family, in any matter upon which the employee is required to act in the discharge of his or her professional duties. Where such conflict exists, the employee must disqualify himself or herself from acting or participating. B. Improper Use of Professional Position. No current Greenpeace employee shall use his or her official position for a purpose that is, or would to a reasonable person appear to be, primarily for the private benefit of the employee, rather than primarily for the benefit of Greenpeace. C. Improper Use of Greenpeace Property. No current Greenpeace employee shall use or permit the use of any Greenpeace funds or property under his or her professional control, direction, or custody for a purpose which is, or to a reasonable person appear to be, for other than Greenpeace’s benefit. D. Acceptance of Gifts or Loans. No current Greenpeace employee shall solicit or accept any retainer, gift, loan, entertainment, favor, or other thing of monetary value from any person or entity where the thing solicited or accepted was, or to a reasonable person appear to be, solicited or accepted with intent to confer or obtain special consideration or influence as to any action by such employee in his or her professional capacity. E. Disclosure of Privileged Information. No current Greenpeace employee shall disclose or use any privileged or proprietary information gained through his or her professional position for the immediate or anticipated personal gain or benefit of the employee or any other person or entity; provided, that nothing shall prohibit the disclosure or use of information that is a matter of public knowledge, or that is available to the public upon request. VI. REPORTING BREACHES OF THIS CODE Employees who have reason to believe that this Code of Ethics has been breached in any way are encouraged to bring their concerns to the General Counsel. No adverse action shall be taken against any employee who, acting in good faith, brings forward such information. VII. CORRECTIVE ACTION Violation of this policy by any Greenpeace employee may constitute a cause for corrective action. Any reported violation of the Code of Ethics will be subject to P:\legal\Governance\Policies\Code of Ethics.doc Effective: 08-01-04 3 investigation by the General Counsel. If an investigation finds an employee guilty of breaching this policy, the corrective action pursued against the employee shall be commensurate with the nature and severity of the violation. VIII. MODIFICATION & AMENDMENT Greenpeace reserves the right to modify or amend this policy as it may deem necessary

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Greenpeace argues global responsibility for the displacement of peoples due to climate change. Greenpeace believes in getting to the root of the cause and stopping climate change by reducing emissions. The Pacific islands in particular are stated by Greenpeace Australia as being ‘victims of climate change’ and ‘custodians of large ocean states’.

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Greenpeace is the leading independent campaigning organisation that uses peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future.

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We ‘bear witness’ to environmental destruction in a peaceful, non-violent manner;

We use non-violent confrontation to raise the level and quality of public debate;

In exposing threats to the environment and finding solutions we have no permanent allies or adversaries;

We ensure our financial independence from political or commercial interests;

We seek solutions for, and promote open, informed debate about society’s environmental choices.

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Climate change has been an ongoing concern for decades now and we are not doing enough to prevent the catastrophes that shall be the consequence of this colossal threat. The warming planet will raise sea levels enough to transform our coastal populations forever, affecting an astronomical three billion people around the world. Countless developing nations, specifically the Pacific Islands, will be the first unjust victims of the monumental change triggered by the West’s reliance on fossil fuels. Poor access to preventative resources against rising sea levels and volatile weather will render Pacific Islanders to subjects of an unwarranted challenge to their way of life and ultimately forced displacement.

The safety and security of our neighbouring nations is not only our moral responsibility but also imperative to the success of climate change combating as Pacific Islanders are deemed ‘custodians of large ocean states’ and ‘powerful moral leaders’ in the global issue (2011). We would like to align ourselves with the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) to challenge the Australian government that has continually placed a disproportionately large emphasis, both financially and verbally, on border protection and the relocation of refugees. Evidently, stopping climate change refugees is key to the survival of Islanders culture as well as ours. President Anote Tong of Kiribati states “What we are talking about is survival, it’s not about economic development… it’s not politics, its survival” (2015).

Although President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the UNFCCC Paris Climate Agreement has weakened progress, it is time to set that aside and achieve measurable prevention. The COP23 in Bonn last year (2017) was a valid attempt towards combating the injustice Pacific Islanders are dealing with but lacked definitive action. In the words of Pacific Island represent activist Samu Kuridrani; “The Pacific has been dealing with the devastating impacts of climate change for years so time is a luxury we do not have. While leaders talk, we face the effects. It’s time for leaders to live up to their promises.” If we want to prevent the global climate refugee crisis, we must begin with the Pacific Islands and take effective action now.

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Report by Greenpeace (2017) covering ideological and legislative stance

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Report by Greenpeace (2017) covering ideological and legislative stance

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https://www.greenpeace.de/sites/www.greenpeace.de/files/20170524-greenpeace-studie-climate-change-migration-displacement-engl.pdf

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Greenpeace past position statements + first hand accounts from delegations

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Greenpeace past position statements + first hand accounts from delegations

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http://www.greenpeace.org/archive-international/en/campaigns/climate-change/Solutions/negotiations/

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'an unprecedented international emergency' (Lange 2010, p. 622)

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'an unprecedented international emergency' (Lange 2010, p. 622)

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Climate Refugees: Economic Position Statement

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Climate Refugees: Economic Position Statement

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Currently We, Greenpeace International operates in 55 countries and aims to combat climate change and sea level rising by going to the root cause, fossil fuel use. Australia alone emits 18.3 tonnes of greenhouses gases per year per person and is also the world’s largest coal exporter. Greenpeace performs non-violent protests and uses creative advertising campaigns to communicate their message of global environmental responsibility.

Our belief is that the issue of climate change forced emigration is the responsibility of the entire global community especially the close neighbours of Pacific Ocean nations. The consumption of fossil fuels globally means that the international community has played a massive role in the greenhouse gas emissions which cause the average global temperature to increase and sea levels to rise.

COP23 held in Bonn, Germany and hosted by Fiji in our opinion was a bureaucratic failure to act. The event could have consolidated global consensus to a plan to reduce global climate change instead technicalities were the focus and distraction of talks.Only around 10% of funds promised by developed nations at COP23 has been received by developing nations. One positive that did come from COP23 was the Global Partnership for Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance Solutions which aims to partner G20 countries and V20 countries (vulnerable twenties). The purpose of the fund is to ensure a constant financial flow to the poorest countries in the world who often are the ones facing the consequences of climate change.

Therefore, we propose that the UNHCR collect funds from nation states to finance either the reconstruction or relocation process of climate refugees affected by extreme weather events and sea level rise. A mix of temporary housing and subsided rental properties in the new countries receiving climate refugees would ensure shelter for them and governments should aim to create jobs that are accessible to these new citizens. Rental properties would be incentivised due to the increase occupation and reliable subsidized payments within a specialised rental contract pertaining to climate change refugees, enshrined in national law as to protect people when they are most vulnerable.

We call for international cooperation in financing this programme, as we do not receive donations from governments or political parties, the financing should be organised by a UN agency hopefully the UNHCR when they change their definition of refugee.

References

Greenpeace International. (2017). ‘No future in fossil fuels’; Greenpeace, Pacific activists call for climate action at COP23. [online] Available at: https://www.greenpeace.org/international/press-release/11741/no-future-in-fossil-fuels-greenpeace-pacific-activists-call-for-climate-action-at-cop23/

RESPONSE TO BHP INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION REVIEW. (2017). [ebook] World Coal Association. Available at: https://www.worldcoal.org/sites/default/files/resources_files/WCA%20response%20to%20BHP%20Industry%20Association%20review.pdf [Accessed 17 May 2018].

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https://refugeesmigrants.un.org/sites/default/files/180326_draft_rev1_final.pdf
This document details the global compact for migration draft which 'will be the first intergovernmentally negotiated agreement... to cover all dimensions of international migration in a holistic and comprehensive manner.' (United Nations 2018) Its agenda includes a focus on climate refugees. See articles: 17(b), 17(d), 17(f) and 17(j).

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When we consider how long people have been run out of their homes due to extreme weather brought about by climate change, it really took too long for the term "climate refugee" to become part of the popular vernacular.
Laxmi, age 74, Bangladesh: "Cyclone Aila left me with nothing, it was the most destructive cyclone I have seen in my life."
The Pope's encyclical came close on Thursday as he spoke about the "tragic rise in the number of migrants seeking to flee from the growing poverty caused by environmental degradation."

But it was US Secretary of State, John Kerry, who may have given the term some gravitas when he said last month to US ambassadors, "there'll be climate refugees that all of you will be coping with at some point. If not now, in the not-too-distant future."

However, he too missed the mark: "not-too-distant future" implies that this is something new. In fact, people fleeing the wreckage brought about by man-made climate change has already been penned into our collective history.

A Kirabati man, Ioane Teitiota, reflecting the plight of millions of small island inhabitants, is set to make an appeal for climate change refugee status at the New Zealand Supreme Court. His story is a familiar one for those tracking the tightening link between extreme weather events and distorted climate patterns.

Earlier this month, people from climate-affected communities in Tuvalu, Kiribati, Fiji, the Solomon Islands and the Philippines vowed to seek 'Climate Justice' and hold big polluters to account for fuelling climate change. Elma Reyes, together with Greenpeace Southeast Asia and other local organisations is leading Filipinos in petitioning The Philippines Human Rights Commission to investigate the big carbon polluters.

The Greenpeace ship, Rainbow Warrior was recently delivering aid in Vanuatu after the island was devastated by a cyclone that the country's president attributed to climate change.
People of Panita village, Tongoa Island, with supplies from the Rainbow Warrior. Tongoa is one of the outer islands of Vanuatu that was hit by Cyclone Pam in March 2015.
However, the people of small island nations are not the only ones who must leave their homes due to cyclones and sea level rise - both of which are the result of rich countries burning fossil fuels at a gluttonous rate.

Heat waves cause droughts and make the soil barren, forcing people across the planet to hunt for ever-dwindling water supplies and new farmlands. Less directly, wars fuelled by desertification, meager rainfall and rarefying resources cause populations to have to run for their lives.

The places where these tragedies happen may be far from each other, but the people affected all have certain things in common. Their lives are already a day-to-day struggle to survive with meager resources and little money. And they are being victimised by people in places far away who have a much higher quality of life and who would prefer not to notice them.

We now have fresh certainty of scientifically verifiable climate change. We also have the creeping popular acknowledgement of its connection to extreme weather. This gives us a new lens through which we can see the past and what forces people to leave not only their homes, but their families, traditions and, often, their ancestral rights.
Parched land in south east Brazil where people have faced water shortages since 2014.
With "climate refugee" we also have an increasingly ubiquitous term for the 22 million people who were displaced in 2013 due to what the UN Refugee Agency calls "natural hazard events".

And what do future numbers look like in terms of climate migrants? Bleak. As UK Shadow Immigration Minister, Chris Bryant said in September 2013: "You can imagine that the UN estimates of 200 million such refugees, more than the total number of worldwide migrants today, may be about right." These words echo what Greenpeace Germany said in 2007.

It's for this reason that Greenpeace is calling for new finance pledges for the Green Climate Fund to reach 15 billion USD - because it is the overly consumptive developed nations that catalyse the terrible chain reaction that leads to massive population displacement. The fund is the least way in which the countries that burn fossil fuels, that cause climate change, that create environmental and climate catastrophes, that drive people from the places they live - can take responsibility, by paying to mitigate the damages they have indirectly wrought.

Note: This blog has been edited since first published to include a link to a declaration and petition by climate-affected communities.
Arin de Hoog is a Content Editor with Greenpeace International.

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World Refugee Day: Fleeing climate change

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When we consider how long people have been run out of their homes due to extreme weather brought about by climate change, it really took too long for the term "climate refugee" to become part of the popular vernacular.Laxmi, age 74, Bangladesh: "Cyclone Aila left me with nothing, it was the most destructive cyclone I have

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“No future in fossil fuels”  - The source of climate-change

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“No future in fossil fuels”  - The source of climate-change

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https://www.greenpeace.org/international/press-release/11741/no-future-in-fossil-fuels-greenpeace-pacific-activists-call-for-climate-action-at-cop23/

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Statistics on Global Coal usage and WCA representation at COP 23

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Statistics on Global Coal usage and WCA representation at COP 23

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https://www.worldcoal.org/sites/default/files/resources_files/WCA%20response%20to%20BHP%20Industry%20Association%20review.pdf

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Jaxson (Political-Ethical)
Josh (Economic)
Neil (Socio-Cultural)
Clare (Legal)

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https://media.greenpeace.org/shoot/27MZIFJXXMG5Q#/SearchResult&STID=27MZIFJXXMG5Q&VBID=27MZVNTMSE49A&POPUPPN=1&POPUPIID=27MZIFJXXF83X