Ben Metcalfe facts for kids

Ben Metcalfe was a Canadian journalist and a very important person in starting Greenpeace. This famous environmental group began in 1971. Ben Metcalfe became its first chairman. He believed that telling stories through newspapers and TV could help people care about the environment.

Who Was Ben Metcalfe?

Ben Metcalfe was born in Winnipeg, Canada, on October 31, 1919. He grew up to be a journalist, which means he wrote for newspapers and magazines. He used his writing skills to share important news and ideas with many people.

Early Life and Career

When Ben was 16, he moved to the United Kingdom. He joined the Royal Air Force, which is like the air force for the UK. He served during World War II in places like India and North Africa. After the war, he worked as a journalist in France.

In 1951, Ben moved back to Canada. He lived in Winnipeg, West Vancouver, and Shawnigan Lake. He worked as a journalist and editor for different newspapers. He also started a public relations company with his second wife, Dorothy. This company helped groups share their messages with the public.

Joining Greenpeace

In 1971, Ben Metcalfe joined a brave group of people on a boat. They were sailing to protest against the U.S. army testing nuclear bombs. These tests were happening near a place called Amchitka Island. This protest was a big moment for the start of Greenpeace.

When the Greenpeace Foundation was officially created, Ben Metcalfe became its first chairman. He understood how important it was to use media, like newspapers and TV, to get support. He knew that by sharing stories, more people would care about environmental issues.

A Voice for the Environment

Ben Metcalfe was a strong believer in using media to make a difference. He helped Greenpeace get its message out to the world. This helped the group gain many supporters. He left his role when Greenpeace started focusing more on protecting whales and seals. At first, the group was mainly about stopping nuclear weapons.

Later Life and Legacy

Ben Metcalfe also wrote a book about another important person, Roderick Langmere Haig-Brown. The book was called A man of some importance : the life of Roderick Langmere Haig-Brown.

Ben Metcalfe passed away on October 14, 2003, at the age of 83. He had three daughters named Michelle, Charlotte, and Sophie. He also had two sons, Christopher and Michael. Ben Metcalfe is remembered for his big role in starting Greenpeace and for using his journalism skills to protect our planet.