The efforts of Greenpeace include working to phase out fossil fuels while pointing the way to clean energy solutions, such as solar and wind, that do not damage the climate. Another issue is to eliminate persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The worst pollutants in the environment today are POPs. The pollutants are highly toxic and remain in the environment for long periods of time. Therefore, Greenpeace is working to eliminate PVC plastic, one of the largest sources of POPs in the environment today. Fourth, Greenpeace is working toward a ban on factory trawlers, one of the largest culprits of over-fishing, which disrupts the entire ocean ecosystem. Fifth, Greenpeace is working to stop the release of genetically engineered organisms into the environment and support a switch to sustainable, organic agriculture. The reason for this is because thousands of products on supermarket shelves are made with genetically engineered ingredients that could cause irreversible biological pollution and a host of health risks. Finally, Greenpeace has worked to stop all phases of nuclear production and use. The organization is working for an end to all nuclear weapons production, modernization and deployment. For over thirty years, Greenpeace has tackled the most critical environmental issues. .
Greenpeace is committed to the principles of non-violence, political independence and internationalism. In exposing threats to the environment and in working to find solutions, Greenpeace has no permanent allies or enemies. They promote open, informed debate about society's environmental choices. They use research, lobbying, and quiet diplomacy to pursue their goals, as well as high-profile, non-violent conflict to raise the level and quality of public debate. In 1998, for example, the oil company Shell finally agreed to bring its infamous offshore installation, the Brent Spar, to land for recycling.
