Raise Awareness (HL IB Geography)
Revision Note
Written by: Jacque Cartwright
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Environmental Civil Society
Civil society organisations (CSOs) have become important players on the world stage, successfully promoting social and environmental causes
Because of their reach, persistence and creativity, they are essential to shaping and navigating global relations
Many CSOs have their roots in local movements, and over the years, they've expanded to tackle global challenges
CSOs are usually:
Part of larger networks
Work with similar groups across borders
Champion under-represented communities and causes in global dialogues
Engage different stakeholders in effective discussions
CSOs use media and digital platforms to highlight issues
Conduct workshops, lectures and educational programmes to inform people
They actively participate in and organise international conferences
CSO's produce and invest in reports to highlight and suggest solutions to problems
They work closely with governments to shape policies
CSO pilot projects can inspire large-scale implementation of proposed solutions
Challenges faced by CSOs
Getting consistent funding can be difficult, as many CSOs depend on donations and grants
As CSOs work internationally, advocating change while understanding and respecting different cultures can be difficult
CSOs can face resistance from:
Governments
Regulations
Unfair defamation
Direct threats
Case Study
Greenpeace
Growing from a small group in Canada to a worldwide force since 1971, Greenpeace is a good example of powerful, committed activism
It's a leader in environmental action and has 25 regional offices operating in 55 countries
Greenpeace has been a leader in marine protection for a long time
Their fights against harmful fishing, plastic waste, and oil drilling have changed laws and made people more aware of these issues
Greenpeace's reports on illegal logging, especially in fragile ecosystems like the Amazon, have made businesses rethink their supply chains and start using more environmentally friendly methods
Greenpeace has done more than just lobby for renewable energy
They have helped fund studies into these solutions, which has forced countries to rethink their energy plans
Shell Oil, Niger Delta
Water pollution in the Niger Delta is serious due to oil spills from pipeline operations
This kills fish and reduces fish stocks for the Ogoni people (occupants of the Niger Delta), who are mainly fishermen and farmers
Destroying the land puts pressure on their source of food and income to meet their socio-economic needs
Some have accused Shell of ecocide; destruction of the natural environment by deliberate or negligent human action
Shell ceased production in Ogoniland in the face of public protests in 1993
Although not actively operating, Shell's equipment hasn't been decommissioned or dismantled
Shell's own data from shows roughly 250 oils spills occur each year in the Niger Delta
Social Civil Society
Case Study
Amnesty International
Because it fights for human rights, Amnesty International has always shed light on the worst parts of society
Since its start in 1961, it has used thorough studies to show wrongdoing and bring people around the world together
Changes and Actions
Amnesty's campaigns for prisoners of conscience have freed many people from unfair prison sentences, showing how powerful global unity can be
Their fight against torture has led to international agreements and stricter tracking systems that stop it
Amnesty's efforts have been important in advancing women's rights around the world, fighting against unfair laws, and bringing attention to violence against women
Bodo, Niger Delta
After years of work, Amnesty was able to help 15,600 farmers and fishermen get justice
Shell revealed a £55 million settlement to help people put their lives and jobs back together after two big oil spills in 2008 and 2009
The fight to clean up the environment is ongoing
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