Green Party

GREEN PARTIES WERE formed as a result of growing concern in the 1970s for the ecological sustainability of the planet and quality of life. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, many countries formed green parties, and several preexisting parties renamed themselves as such (e.g., Ecology Party in Britain and the Values Party in New Zealand). The nuclear accident at Chernobyl (then part of the Soviet Union) in 1986 gave rise to increased environmental activism and helped many green parties gain election success in the late 1980s. However, during the 1990s, green parties in Europe experienced a significant decline. Part of the problem for the green parties is that they have attracted a wide range of ideological viewpoints, resulting in significant internal divisions that become particularly visible as party members reached legislative positions. While many supporters simply express concern for issues such as clean air or water, others within the party represented more extreme views, embracing libertarianism, feminism, neo-Marxism, paganism, and anti-industrialism.

[Page 199]United under an international agreement of common purpose, the Charter of the Global Greens states “We declare our commitment to nonviolence and strive for a culture of peace and cooperation between states, inside societies and between individuals, as the basis of global security.” Many green parties subscribe to “10 key values” which serve as guidelines for their actions:

Grassroots democracy: Green parties believe that everyone deserves to have a say in decisions that affect them; as a result they work to expand public participation in government and ensure that government officials are held accountable for their actions.

Social Justice and equal opportunity: Citizens must commit to working to eliminate unfair treatment and unequal justice under the law.

Ecological wisdom: Human beings are part of nature and must work to achieve an ecological balance. It is important to live within the ecological and resource limits of our society and ensure that future generations will not be harmed by our present lifestyle. They support sustainable agriculture, an energy efficient economy, and respect for natural resources.

Nonviolence: There are alternatives to violence. Green parties support the elimination of weapons of mass destruction while recognizing the need for self-defense and the defense of others who may need assistance. They believe in working toward peace.

Decentralization: Decision making, where possible, should be brought to the individual and local level. They support a restructuring of social, political and economic institutions that move away from a system that is controlled by the privileged few, and instead empowers all citizens to be instrumental in the decision making process.

Community-based economics and economic justice: Citizens must support a sustainable economic system that offers meaningful work while paying a living wage that is reflective of the real value of work. Economic development must protect both the environment and the rights of workers and be based on broad public participation. Green parties support independently owned and operated companies that are socially responsible, as well as public corporations and cooperatives that encourage democratic participation.

Feminism and gender equity: Green parties support full participation of all citizens, and more cooperative styles of interaction that respect differences of opinion and gender.

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