David McTaggart facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David McTaggart
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David McTaggart in 1981
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David Fraser McTaggart
June 23, 1932 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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| Died | March 23, 2001 (aged 68) Perugia, Italy
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| Nationality | Canadian |
| Known for | Work with Greenpeace |
David Fraser McTaggart (June 24, 1932 – March 23, 2001) was a Canadian environmentalist. He played a very important part in creating Greenpeace International. Greenpeace is a well-known group that works to protect our planet.
Contents
David McTaggart: A Champion for Our Planet
Early Life and Sports
David McTaggart was born in Vancouver, Canada. When he was young, he was a great athlete. He won the Canadian National Badminton Championships three times in a row. This was for men's singles, from 1956 to 1958. He also represented Canada in the Thomas Cup. This is a big world championship for men's badminton teams. Before he joined Greenpeace, he was a successful builder.
Standing Up for the Planet
In 1972, David saw an advertisement in the newspaper. He decided to use his own boat to protest. He was protesting against nuclear weapons tests. The French government was doing these tests in the Pacific Ocean.
The French military damaged his boat. David was also hurt during his protest. But his efforts paid off! In 1974, the French government announced they would stop their nuclear tests in the atmosphere.
Leading Greenpeace
After his protest, David spent several years taking legal action against the French government. He also helped to start Greenpeace groups across Western Europe. In 1979, he helped create an agreement. This led to the formation of Greenpeace International. This new group took over the leadership from the original founders in Vancouver, Canada.
David became the chairman and main spokesperson for Greenpeace in 1979. He retired in 1991. After retiring, he lived on an olive farm in Italy.
Continuing the Fight
Even after retiring, David McTaggart kept helping Greenpeace. He and singer Bryan Adams started a huge postcard campaign. Their goal was to help create the Southern Antarctic Whale Sanctuary. For almost two years, they traveled the world. They asked thousands of concert-goers to write to countries that hunted whales. They asked them to support the sanctuary.
The Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary was created in 1994. Twenty-three countries supported the agreement. Only Japan was against it.
David McTaggart passed away on March 23, 2001. He was in a car accident near his home in Italy. The music group Te Vaka dedicated their song "Sei Ma Le Losa" to him.
His Legacy
In 1987, McTaggart started the Third Millennium Foundation. This group works to continue his efforts for peace and a healthy future. The foundation is based in his old home in Italy. It still promotes projects today to honor his memory.
In 1996, he received a special award. It was called the Golden Doves for Peace. This prize is given by an Italian research group.
See also
- Anti-nuclear movement
- List of peace activists
