Greenpeace “defend the natural world and promote peace by investigating, exposing and confronting environmental abuse, and championing responsible solutions for our fragile environment.”
Book Synopsis
In over 30 years as a senior captain for Greenpeace International, Peter Willcox has been in the vanguard of the international environmentalist movement. He has led crews into battle for the good of the planet against whale killers, nuclear testing sites and deep sea drillers. The recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Guardian, Peter has confronted naval warships, including diving in front of a moving destroyer; faced a bombing attack of the iconic Rainbow Warrior, resulting in the murder of a shipmate; and endured imprisonment for peacefully protesting Russian oil drilling in Antarctica along with his crew. This is his story.
My Review
Peter Willcox was brought up in a family where “civil rights was a very big deal.” “Greenpeace Captain” is his compelling memoir of life as a senior captain for Greenpeace International for more than 40 years.
It begins with the sinking of “The Rainbow Warrior” on July 10, 1985 at Marsden Wharf, Auckland, New Zealand, before outlining the subsequent investigations which led to the charging of two French intelligence agents for arson, conspiracy to commit arson, wilful damage, and murder.
There are many inspiring stories throughout the book, including a humanitarian mission to evacuate Rongelap in the Marshall Islands of the Pacific Ocean.
On 1 March 1954, the islanders witnessed the most powerful thermonuclear weapons test the United States has ever conducted on Bikini Island. “White flakes began to fall on Rongelap, coating the entire atoll and the waters around it with more than an inch of “snow”.”
In 1987, the author was assigned to the ship M/V Sirius, and members of his crew boarded Vulcanus 11 which had been incinerating toxic waste in the North Sea. The emissions included deadly dioxin. Thankfully, the actions of Greenpeace and others led to a ban of all incineration of toxic waste in the North Sea.
Highly recommended.
This book can be bought HERE
A beautiful review Brigid and yes we do require such people who can save our world from people who are out and out to kill our mother earth. Thanks for the marvelous share.
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Thank you Kamal. Peter Willcox and Greenpeace campaigned long before others to save our dear planet.
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Yes and so nice to have people like Peter Wilcox, Brigid. Welcome dear.
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This is such a wonderful review and definitely something I would not have found this on my own. Cannot wait to read. 💗
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I think you will enjoy it Lisa. I found it by chance in the local library. It is very enlightening. Thank goodness for Greenpeace and Peter Willcox.
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What an interesting premise. I’m intrigued by what Peter must have faced in that job.
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It is an enlightening read Jacqui. I cannot comprehend some of the awful abuse that has been done to our planet. Peter Willcox and many others faced many dangers to promote positive change.
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That sounds like a story that could be adapted for children. It has the appeal of adventure and the education about the environmen.
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I really hope today’s children grow up with more respect for the environment than previous generations. I am hopeful Elizabeth.
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If my grandchildren are any example, they do.
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Well you have opened my eyes to a new read. Thank you.
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Thank you Bella. It is quite shocking to read what has been done to our dear planet.
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I remember joining Greenpeace as a young teenager and still have the button they sent me!
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Wonderful. They have raised so much awareness about man’s lack of respect for Mother Earth.
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I bet he’s got a lot to say for his time as senior captain for Greenpeace Intl over a 40 year period, that’s a very impressive career. He’s certainly had some interesting, and quite harrowing, experiences. The mission to evacuate Rongelap and similar are why groups like that, people like Peter, are so vital, selfless and priceless. I hadn’t come across this before but it sounds like a fascinating read – neat review, Brigid! xx
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Thank you Caz. It is a really interesting read on the shocking things that have been happening on our dear Earth. Greenpeace have helped raise awareness and stop some terrible activities around the globe. xx
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A fascinating job and book, Brigid.
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It is a real eyeopener Robbie.
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I’m a greenie as we call it here in Australia. Looking after God’s great creation was a mandate we were given.
We sadky haven’t done a very good job!
Great review Brigid!
Bless you,
Jennifer
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That is great Jennifer. I hope mankind has not left it too late to waken up! I like to think that everything will work out.
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Oops…”sadly”
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You did a good job on your review!
The first time I heard of greenpeace I was getting gas in Florida – summer
1990 – and I met a group of greenpeace folks – super cool
I wrote a check (yes – an actual check – hahah) for 25$ to support their cause and it was supposed to come with a year of their magazine – or something like that and I got one issue and that was it – lol – so I paid 25$ for one issue – but in reality I am sure it went to their cause and I never really ever saw anyone from greenpeace again –
Anyhow – Peter and his crew endured a lot as their love for the planet fueled their choices
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Thank you. Peter and Greenpeace have highlighted so many awful environmental issues over the years. Public awareness is so much better because of their campaigns.
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This is fascinating, Brigid! I’ve always been curious and interested in Greenpeace. In my eyes, Peter Willcox is a real-life superhero. I’m putting his book on my TBR list. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your review!
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It is a terrific book Vashti. I agree with you on Peter Willcox being a superhero. I think you will enjoy it.
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