What is Greenpeace?

Greenpeace is an independent organization that campaigns to protect the environment. It has about 4.5 million members in 158 countries, 300,000 of these in the United Kingdom. Formed by a group of North American activists in 1971, it has since opened offices around the world. As well as its campaigning work, it also has a charitable trust in the United Kingdom which funds scientific research and undertakes educational work on environ mental issues. Greenpeace campaigns against environmental abuse, through non-violent direct action.