The Don't Make A Wave Committee, a fledgling environmental organization founded in Canada in 1971, officially changes its name to "Greenpeace Foundation".

In the vibrant, politically charged atmosphere of the late 1960s, a group of concerned activists and pacifists came together in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Galvanized by a shared conviction to protect the planet, they formed an organization initially known as the Don't Make a Wave Committee. This nascent anti-nuclear group was destined to grow into one of the world's most recognizable and influential environmental organizations: Greenpeace.

The immediate catalyst for the committee's formation was the United States' continued program of underground nuclear weapons testing. Specifically, their ire was directed at the tests planned for Amchitka, a remote, ecologically sensitive island within the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. Amchitka, already designated as a National Wildlife Refuge, was a critical habitat for numerous species, and the prospect of powerful underground detonations there raised profound environmental concerns, including fears of earthquakes, tsunamis, and widespread ecological damage. The name "Don't Make a Wave" itself directly reflected these anxieties, highlighting the potential for seismic disturbances and the literal waves of destruction that could ensue.

Founded informally in October 1969 and officially established in early 1970, the committee's primary mission was unequivocal: to protest and actively seek to halt these further underground nuclear tests. Their strategy involved a bold act of defiance – sailing a small vessel, the Phyllis Cormack (later famously renamed Greenpeace), into the testing zone as a direct, non-violent intervention. This courageous act, aimed at putting human lives in the path of the tests, was a powerful symbolic gesture that captured public attention globally and laid the groundwork for the confrontational, yet peaceful, activism that would become Greenpeace's hallmark.

The Transition to Greenpeace

The transformation from the "Don't Make a Wave Committee" into the global environmental powerhouse known as Greenpeace was a natural evolution, spurred by the success and visibility of their early campaigns. The name "Greenpeace" itself emerged organically during the Amchitka protest. The vessel used for the initial voyage, the Phyllis Cormack, was re-christened the Greenpeace for a later trip, a name that perfectly encapsulated their dual mission: a "Green" planet and "Peace" from nuclear threats. This new name resonated deeply, symbolizing a broader mandate that extended beyond nuclear testing to encompass a wide array of environmental issues, from protecting marine life to combating deforestation and promoting renewable energy.

What began as a focused protest against a specific nuclear threat quickly blossomed into a diverse movement, embracing a holistic view of environmental protection. The spirit of direct action, rooted in the committee's founding principles, continued to define Greenpeace's approach as it expanded its reach and influence across continents, advocating for a sustainable and peaceful future for all life on Earth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was the primary goal of the "Don't Make a Wave Committee"?
The committee's foremost objective was to protest and halt the United States' underground nuclear weapons testing, particularly those planned for Amchitka in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, due to significant environmental and safety concerns.
Where and when was the "Don't Make a Wave Committee" founded?
It was founded in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Its formation began in October 1969, and the organization was officially established in early 1970.
How did the "Don't Make a Wave Committee" evolve into Greenpeace?
The transition occurred as the committee's initial protest vessel, the Phyllis Cormack, was renamed Greenpeace. This new name, combining environmental concerns ("Green") with anti-nuclear sentiments ("Peace"), resonated widely and soon became the official name for the evolving organization, reflecting its broader environmental agenda beyond just nuclear testing.
What specific nuclear tests were they protesting at Amchitka?
They were protesting underground nuclear weapons tests conducted by the United States. The tests, particularly the "Cannikin" (1971) and "Milrow" (1969) detonations, were part of the US strategic nuclear program.
Is Amchitka still used for nuclear testing today?
No, nuclear testing ceased on Amchitka after the 1971 Cannikin test. The site has since undergone environmental monitoring and remediation efforts, though its long-term ecological impact remains a subject of ongoing study and concern. It is no longer an active nuclear test site.