The environmental organisation Greenpeace is well-known across the globe, including here in Scotland. Thanks to their tireless campaigning, many environmental protection projects have been running successfully for decades. It’s safe to say that Greenpeace has saved the lives of countless animals. In Edinburgh, a local group is actively contributing to the global mission of Greenpeace. This article will delve into their activities. Read on at iedinburgh.
The Organisation’s Structure and Activities
To better understand what Greenpeace does in Edinburgh, it’s helpful to look at the organisation as a whole. It originated in Canada in 1971. Greenpeace is an international environmental organisation that is independent of government funding. Today, it boasts millions of supporters across many countries. Yet, in the late 1960s, it started as just a small group of people concerned about the consequences of nuclear tests being conducted near Alaska. Thanks to their coordinated efforts, legal knowledge, and persistence, they achieved their first victory in 1972: the nuclear tests were stopped. This success reinforced the belief that collective action could halt projects harmful to our planet. And so, from a peace movement and anti-nuclear protest in Vancouver, Greenpeace was born.
The organisation’s subsequent campaigns garnered support from activists worldwide, and today, Greenpeace has a presence in major cities in most countries. The organisation focuses on a range of key issues, including:
- climate change;
- overfishing;
- deforestation, from the tropics to the polar regions;
- commercial whaling;
- nuclear hazards;
- sustainable agriculture;
- protecting the Arctic;
- promoting renewable energy and resource conservation.
Greenpeace Edinburgh consists of around 150 activists. They not only support the organisation’s global campaigns but also work to keep the public informed about the current state of the environment in various parts of the world. On the Greenpeace Edinburgh website, you can always find up-to-date information about upcoming events in the city. You can also read the latest news on their worldwide activities, familiarise yourself with their code of conduct, and find other useful information.
Events and Initiatives
As mentioned, the Greenpeace group in Edinburgh is a vibrant and active community. For example, activists organise a Climate Festival every summer. Its goal remains the same year after year: to inform Edinburgh residents about climate change and raise public awareness about the importance of transitioning to a more sustainable lifestyle. The festival also inspires many people to make a personal contribution to tackling the ongoing climate crisis.
In 2025, the Climate Festival took place on 28th June in The Meadows park. Entry was free. The well-organised programme, featuring numerous seminars and practical workshops, attracted hundreds of people. It was particularly heartening to see so many young people eager to take an active part in protecting the environment. The entertainment, which included dancing, competitions, and even songs, left all attendees with a positive impression.
Periodic exhibitions and protests are also important events for Greenpeace Edinburgh. Depending on the most pressing environmental issue of the day, activists set up information stalls in the city centre. These stalls help to highlight which environmental problems require urgent action, and anyone interested can get involved in supporting a particular campaign.
In Edinburgh and across the world, Greenpeace puts enormous effort into ensuring our planet remains green and healthy. By remembering that the Earth is our shared home, every one of us can start making it a cleaner place today!