Annual Report 2024
Introduction by Mads Christensen, Executive Director of Greenpeace International:
2024 challenged me deeply, as a leader, an activist, and a human being. There were days when hope felt hard to hold on to. But what carried me – and what carries Greenpeace – is the strength of our global community and the courage of collective action.
It was a year of relentless turmoil with escalating conflicts, rising authoritarianism, climate catastrophes, and deepening human rights violations from Ukraine to Gaza. The re-election of Donald Trump only sharpened a sense of anxiety and uncertainty. It’s a moment that felt heavy – geopolitically, morally, and existentially.
And, yet, it is also a moment that reminded me exactly why Greenpeace exists.
I have never believed hope to be a passive thing. Hope is action. Hope is resistance. Hope is a decision, one that we make over and over again, especially when the odds are against us. Hope is renewal. So even as the storms intensified, our movement chose hope. We stood firm, organised harder, and achieved victories that show what’s possible when people come together with shared values and cause.
Among the highlights of the year was our contribution to the European Court of Human Rights ruling in favour of the KlimaSeniorinnen, a courageous group of elderly Swiss women who successfully sued their government for failing to take sufficient action on climate change, arguing that it endangered their health and lives. This ruling marked a turning point in climate litigation and sent a powerful message about the deep connection between human rights and environmental protection.
Our Oceans Are Life campaign built a broad coalition of governments and civil society to stop deep sea mining, a new extractive industry poised to cause irreversible harm to ocean ecosystems. We pushed Norway to reverse its plans to open its waters to mining, and convinced multilateral negotiations to put the brakes on this dangerous new frontier.
Wins like these don’t come without a cost. In 2024, corporations increasingly used legal tactics – known as Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation suits, or SLAPP suits – to try to intimidate and silence us. These lawsuits are designed to drain our time, energy, spirit and bank accounts.
Let’s be honest: being hit with multi-million dollar legal assaults is not for the faint of heart. But we are not faint of heart. Our spirit, backed by public support, is inexhaustible. Our response has been resolute, with robust legal defences mounted against these attacks. Greenpeace has never been – and never will be – a movement that backs down from a big fight. They are what we were made for.
And even as we face increasing pressure and assault from autocrats and oligarchs, we have taken the time to do the vital work of strengthening our movement from within. We’ve made real strides embedding justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and safety (JEDIS) principles across our campaigns, culture, and everyday operations. This is essential to building a movement that is global, resilient, and truly transformative.
Looking ahead, I know the challenges will not ease. But as the storm is still gathering, I also know this: Greenpeace is still here. Still fighting. Still building power, coalition, and momentum. Still choosing hope, not as an abstract ideal,
but as a bold and deliberate act.
We are powered by millions of people who know a green and peaceful future is still possible. And with that power, we will continue to adapt, evolve, and act with courage.
Progress is never easy, but it is always possible – with hope, courage and community.
In solidarity,
Mads Christensen
Greenpeace International
Executive Director
Download the reports:
https://www.greenpeace.org/international/publication/76453/annual-report-2024/