Greenpeace USA

In 1971, motivated by their vision of a green and peaceful world, a small team of activists set sail from Vancouver, Canada in an old fishing boat. These activists, the founders of Greenpeace, believed a few individuals could make a difference. Their mission was to "bear witness" to U.S. underground nuclear testing at Amchitka, a tiny island off the West Coast of Alaska, which is one of the world's most earthquake-prone regions. Amchitka was the last refuge for 3,000 endangered sea otters, and home to bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and other wildlife. Even though their old boat, the Phyllis Cormack, was intercepted before it got to Amchitka, the journey sparked a flurry of public interest. The U.S. still detonated the bomb, but the voice of reason had been heard. Nuclear testing on Amchitka ended that same year, and the island was later declared a bird sanctuary. Today, Greenpeace is an international organization that prioritizes global environmental campaigns.

What we do: the issues we work on:

* Global warming: Global warming is the most urgent environmental crisis of our time, and we have the solutions — we just lack political will.

* Oceans: From Ferdinand Magellan to Jacques Cousteau, the majestic oceans have inspired many — and now we have to be inspired to protect them.

* Forests: Ancient forests are disappearing before our eyes. Not only does forest loss eliminate wildlife habitat and harm biodiversity, but tropical deforestation releases tons of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.

* Nuclear energy: Nuclear power is unsafe, uneconomical, and unnecessary. We need ways to fight global warming and power our homes that are fast, safe, and affordable — and nuclear power is not the answer. It is a dangerous distraction from real solutions.

* Toxics: Toxics pose a real threat to our way of life, whether that's dangerous additives in children's toys, or terrorist threats against chemical plants.