Did you see the recent news item about two women from Greenpeace being forcibly ejected from the Conservative Party conference? It seemed to be something that chimed with a lot of people, regardless of political views, and as I know one of the women involved I grabbed an interview with her.
Meet my friend, environmental activist and an inspirational woman, Ami McCarthy, one of those two women from Greenpeace.
Jane: Ami, what exactly is your role at Greenpeace?
Ami: I’m a political campaigner. Which means I help to design campaigns that work for political audiences. A big part of that role is building relationships with politicians so I can present them with our evidence and solutions for climate change. Our aim is to protect our planet and its people.
I started with Greenpeace in March but prior to that I’d been involved in lots of climate activism locally where I live in East London. I grew up in gorgeous Cumbria, so I’ve always been in love with the
planet, the fields, the blue skies, and always had a strong determination to protect it for future generations.
Previous Roles
I’d previously worked for Shelter for over three years and before that I had worked in the houses of parliament for about a year thanks to an amazing charity called the Creative Society who give opportunities to people from ‘disadvantaged’, or what I’d describe as ‘normal’, backgrounds. They changed my life.
Working for Greenpeace feels like I’m where I should be.
When did you decide to make the protest?
It was quite last minute, actually. We just felt that someone had to say something. The government does not have a mandate to trash nature protections, erode worker’s rights, cut benefits, start fracking and many more things they’ve said they either will do or will consider which go against the manifesto they were elected on. Even members of their own party feel uneasy about what is happening. We had to draw attention to that.
Did you feel nervous or threatened during your protest?
No, not at all. We had readied ourselves for the booing and general disapproval, but we knew we were taking a message from the thousands of people outside of that hall that agreed with us. And the question was simple, ‘who voted for this?’… it felt like a lot of people in the room were sympathetic to our message.
On the way out an elderly lady in her twin-set and pearls gently slapped me on the arm and called me a ‘very naughty girl’. I think my smile said it all really! It felt quite surreal but never threatening. Once we were outside the security people and police were very nice to us.
Reactions to The Protest
What reactions have you had since the protest?
Everything has been really positive. We seemed to capture the mood of the public, regardless of political persuasion. We feel that we are getting a message out that resonates with a lot of the public now. I think we spoke up for a lot of people.
What can individuals do to help mitigate the effects of climate
change? Not everyone will want to or be able to take direct action.
Well, you could join Greenpeace and seek out a local group. You can decide what action you want to take. You don’t have to get arrested or interrupt the Prime Minister to make yourself heard. You could write to your MP and make your voice heard. Especially write to Ministers with an environmental brief, like Jacob Rees-Mogg or Graham Stuart.
Greenpeace is part of a much wider movement of groups like Green New Deal Rising, Extinction Rebellion, Just Stop Oil and many others who are all made up of ordinary people who don’t want to see our country and planet trashed, we might now have been given the title ‘the anti-growth coalition’ but we’re just normal folks who have decided the time has come to stand up and push back. We’re always stronger when we work together so I’d encourage people to have a look and find the group that’s right for you. There’s so many ways to get involved, all that I ask is that you do.
I feel I already know the answer to this, but if you could introduce a single piece of legislation what would it be?
I would enact the The Green New Deal.
And finally Ami, what is your dream job?
I already have it.
RenewYou, My Tried and Tested Career Booster!
RenewYou has helped thousands of women make positive and lasting change in their lives. I deliver it one-to-one as part of a bespoke coaching package for women looking to move into leadership, to progress their career, or who wish to be the absolute best version of themselves.
Posted on October 7th, 2022 by Jane
