The Goldman Prize continues today with its original mission to annually honor grassroots environmental heroes from the six inhabited continental regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Islands and Island Nations, North America, and South and Central America. The Prize recognizes individuals for sustained and significant efforts to protect and enhance the natural environment, often at great personal risk.
Being an environmental activist in (at least most of) Europe is relatively easy. Although the working hours are long and the payment — if there is any, which is a privilege in itself — is zero! Most of the hard work is thankless.
But in most countries you can go organize a protest against a clearcut logging proposal in Sumava National Park, or opening a gold mine in Oulanka National Park. You will know that, when the demonstration is done, you can likely go home safely. You might even be lucky enough to be part of a community of like-minded dissidents whose similar passion energizes you. And even if and when you do decide to cross the line into civil disobedience, the consequences are likely to be no greater than a few hours in plastic handcuffs and then a relatively modest fine.
See full Press Release: http://wilderness-society.org/protection-odds/
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