Greenpeace. From Hippies To Lobbyists

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The Greenpeace story started in Vancouver during the late 1960s. Young people were campaigning against nuclear weapon tests by the U.S. and Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War. A protest movement swelled against one of the planned tests in Alaska; while the protesters' efforts didn't stop the U.S. from detonating a bomb, they did garner plenty of media attention. Greenpeace then changed its focus, launching a campaign against commercial whaling that would cement its reputation. Later, with the help of Brigitte Bardot, the organization denounced the hunting of seal pups in Canada. However, serious infighting led to the expulsion of one member whose views were considered too extreme by his colleagues. In 1985, the Rainbow Warrior drama won Greenpeace widespread support, and its membership shot up dramatically. Today, the organization manages a budget of $150 million, has offices in 40 countries, and combines direct action with negotiation and lobbying.