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All Documents in International Issues

The Evolution of International Environmental Governance
Overview: Since the 1970s, the international community has created a number of successful institutions and treaties to protect the global environment; but more work remains to turn commitments into action.
Latin American Wildlands in Danger
Overview: Latin America is home to some of the richest forest and marine ecosystems on earth but U.S. commercial interests are fueling the destruction of these vital wildlands.
India’s Green Path to Growth Addressing Climate Change and Building a Low-Carbon Economy Fact Sheet: As the fourth-largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world, India's contributions to global warming are already significant. And with the second-fastest growing economy and a middle class projected to grow from 50 million to 500 million in the next few decades, those emissions could skyrocket. Given India's geography and climate it is especially vulnerable to the impacts of global warming. With a vast coastland that will be hit hard by a rise in sea level and seasonal weather patterns that could be severely affected, the potential for flooding and drought could create millions of eco-refugees. Striking the balance between meeting the aspirations of its poor majority and reducing global warming pollution is a significant challenge. Fortunately, India has chosen a green path to growth that treats the transition to a low-carbon economy as its biggest economic opportunity of the 21st century. Get document in pdf.
Identifying Near-Term Opportunities for Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) in China
Issue Paper: Achieving the urgently needed emission reductions necessary to avoid the worst consequences of global warming will require efforts beyond first-resort measures such as energy efficiency, conservation, and enhancement of natural carbon sinks. Given the world's current heavy reliance on fossil fuels, nations must pursue a wide range of carbon mitigation strategies that includes Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS). China is well-positioned to be a global leader in the development and deployment of CCS technologies that — with broad support and engagement from the international community — can be an important tool for reducing carbon emissions as the world transitions to truly clean energy technologies.
Clean by Design Fashion Initiative NRDC and the Council of Fashion Designers of America work to reduce pollution in Chinese textile plants Overview: The massive amounts of coal burned by Chinese textile plants spread pollution across the globe. NRDC and the Council of Fashion Designers of America are working to reduce pollution by changing the way the textile industry operates and making factories cleaner.
End Commercial Whaling Renegade whale hunting threatens the survival of endangered species around the world News: Whales are still being killed across the world's oceans -- despite an international ban on commercial whaling -- by countries that exploit loopholes and label their hunts as "scientific research."
From Crisis to Opportunity How China is addressing climate change and positioning itself to be a leader in clean energy Fact Sheet: China and the United States are the world’s largest emitters of global warming pollution. As both nations face ever-growing energy service needs and an increasing dependence on foreign oil, their joint leadership is crucial to addressing global climate change and moving the world to a clean energy economy. With global warming already taking a toll on China’s agricultural production, water supplies, and coastal cities, a major shift in energy patterns is urgently needed. The country is already moving to take advantage of its manufacturing prowess to retool itself as a leader in the clean energy technologies of the future: wind and solar; advanced coal technology; electric vehicles, advanced batteries, and high-speed rail; smart grid technology; and more energy-efficient lighting and appliances. Get document in pdf.
Global Solutions to Global Warming Recommendations for Leaders and Policy Makers in the United States and China Issue Paper: Two nations play a vital role in efforts to curb global warming and secure the world’s energy supply: The United States of America and the People's Republic of China. Together, they account for more than 40 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel use, more than 35 percent of the world's energy consumption, and more than 30 percent of the world's economic output, making their involvement in addressing the global warming crisis critical. As both nations suffer through tough economic times and commit to extraordinary economic stimulus packages, we are presented with an excellent opportunity to turn promises into real action. In this June 2009 issue paper, NRDC recommends nine key steps for the Obama administration, the U.S. Congress, and leaders in China to strengthen U.S.–China climate change and energy engagement at this unique time.
More Water, Less Waste Improving Global Sanitation and Freshwater Access with Waterless Toilets and Rainwater Harvesting Fact Sheet: Around the world, temperatures are rising and sources of freshwater are becoming increasingly unpredictable. Two and a half billion people already lack access to basic sanitation, and nearly one billion people lack access to safe drinking water. Adding to the problem, global warming is expected to lead to more floods and more droughts, both of which reduce the availability of safe, clean freshwater for drinking, sanitation, irrigation and other basic needs. Fortunately, there are technologies such as waterless toilets and rainwater harvesting that can be deployed immediately -- and costeffectively -- to improve sanitation, protect existing supplies of freshwater, and create new sources of safe water. Get document in pdf.
Stop Dirty Fuels Looking for fuel in all the wrong places puts wildlands, air, water and climate at risk. Overview: Looking for fuel in all the wrong places puts wildlands, air, water and climate at risk.
Lethal Sounds The use of military sonar poses a deadly threat to whales and other marine mammals News: Whales and other marine mammals face a grave threat from military sonar and other noise in the oceans. Manmade sound waves can drown out the noises that marine mammals rely on for their very survival, causing serious injury and even death.
Toxic Trade: The Global Metallic Mercury Market
Overview: It will take an international solution to curb the world's mercury pollution problem -- and the United States should lead the way.
Bringing Safe Water to the World
News: Environmental stewardship can help eliminate the world's biggest health risk -- dirty water.
Clarification Regarding Assertions of Steven Q. Andrews
News: Clarification Regarding Assertions of Steven Q. Andrews
Stop Electrocuting Patagonia NRDC's campaign to protect Chile's wild places Index: Chile's Patagonia, one of the most pristine places left on the planet, is being threatened by plans for a massive hydro-electric scheme that calls for dams to be built on the region's largest rivers and for construction of the world's longest power transmission line. NRDC is working with local, national, and international partners to bring smarter solutions and viable alternatives to discussions on the future of this treasured region.
Smart Cities: Solutions for China's Rapid Urbanization
Issue Paper: During the next two decades, the number of Chinese residents migrating from rural to urban areas will be roughly equivalent to the relocation of the entire current population of the United States. As China's own leaders recognize, without careful planning this urban transformation may bring disastrous consequences. Grounded in experiences in both the United States and China, this December 2007 issue paper provides a comprehensive set of recommendations for the implementation of smart growth strategies that promote more efficient use of land, services, and resources.
Safe Water in Peril Addressing the Effects of Global Warming on Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation Fact Sheet: More than one billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and more than two billion people live without improved sanitation. To avoid an outright global water catastrophe, local, national, and global leaders must reduce pollution to minimize further climate change while preparing vulnerable communities to deal with the changes in climate that are already occurring or are unavoidable. Get document in pdf.
Accelerating the Greening of China Promoting Cutting-edge Environmental Solutions in China Index: In the past three decades, China's explosive growth has resulted in serious environmental problems with impacts beyond China's borders. NRDC is working with key Chinese government agencies, research institutes, lawyers and environmental groups to help promote cutting-edge environmental solutions in China. These factsheets describe NRDC's work to help address some of China's most pressing environmental challenges.
Costa Rica: Setting the Pace for Reducing Global Warming Pollution and Phasing Out Oil
Fact Sheet: Already a world leader in renewable energy use and tropical forest conservation, Costa Rica has declared the goal of becoming the world’s first carbon neutral country. To achieve this goal, Costa Rica must reduce its dependence on oil and increase investment in domestic renewable energy production and demand reduction strategies. Get document in pdf.
China's Greenest Building
Photo Album: A showcase for energy efficiency and sustainable design breaks new ground in the heart of Beijing.
Water for the World Solving the Decade’s Most Pressing Environmental Health Problem Fact Sheet: Lack of safe drinking water and sanitation is the single largest cause of illness in the world. In 2005, the United States passed landmark legislation to address the need for affordable and equitable access to safe water and sanitation, and NRDC now calls on Congress to provide the necessary funding. Get document in pdf.
China's Budding Environmental Movement
FAQ: Attorney Alex Wang talks about what it's like to be in on the ground level of a new environmental movement.
Environmental Law in China NRDC litigators Mitch Bernard, Michael Wall and Alex Wang report from a training conference for judges and lawyers in China. Opinion: NRDC litigators Mitch Bernard, Michael Wall and Alex Wang report from a training conference for judges and lawyers in China.
If You Don’t Buy African Ivory, Why Would You Buy Amazon Mahogany?
Fact Sheet: High consumer demand for mahogany has boosted prices and the illegal trade of these majestic trees from Peru to the United States, bringing disastrous impacts for indigenous peoples who rely on the forests, endangered species losing their habitat, and the long-term viability of commercial mahogany. Get document in pdf.
In the Canadian Boreal Forest, a Conservation Ethic at Work
Interview: After fighting successfully for years to keep destructive logging, hydropower and mining projects out of their traditional territory, the people of Poplar River are now working to secure permanent protection for their boreal forest homeland.
Toward a Clean Energy Future in China In-depth policy papers and analyses from NRDC's China clean energy project. Index: Clean energy is a cornerstone of China's future -- sustainable energy development will bring tremendous social, economic and environmental benefits to the people of the world's largest nation. This index collects policy papers and other technical documents from NRDC's clean-energy experts.
China Clean Energy Project
Overview: Since 1996, NRDC has promoted efforts to develop a sustainable energy system in China, featuring cleaner, more efficient energy production and use. Learn more about our work.
The Canadian Boreal Forest
Overview: A quick primer on Canada's boreal forest -- the natural and cultural qualities it possesses, the problems it faces, and the solutions that could save it for future generations.
An Interview with Chief John Miswagon of the Pimicikamak Cree
Interview: As leader of the Pimicikamak executive council since 1999, Chief John Miswagon has directed an international environmental and human rights campaign to protect his people and traditional territory from a devastating hydroelectric project dating from the 1970s, which is now threatening to expand its operations.
Hydro is Breaking Our Hearts
Opinion: An opinion about hydropower development in Canada's Boreal Forest, from NRDC senior attorney Robert F. Kennedy Jr. First published in the Winnipeg Free Press, July 15, 2004.
America's Gas Tank: The High Cost of Canada's Oil and Gas Export Strategy
Report: Canada, not Saudi Arabia, is the single largest supplier of oil and gas to the United States. This October 2002 report from NRDC and the Sierra Club of Canada shows that U.S. demand for fossil fuels is destroying Canadian air, land and water resources, and recommends that Canada aggressively adopt renewable energy sources, protect wilderness areas from fossil fuel exploitation, and pass tougher laws to limit pollution from the oil and gas industry.
What is a Biosphere Reserve?
Overview: These nature preserves balance biological and cultural diversity with economic development. There are 368 biosphere reserves worldwide. The 47 in the U.S. include Yellowstone and Everglades national parks and the Mojave Desert.
Whale Nursery Saved An NRDC-led coalition stopped Mitsubishi from building a saltworks at Laguna San Ignacio. News: Mitsubishi and the Mexican government announced on March 2, 2000 that they are abandoning plans to build a massive industrial salt plant in southern Baja California. The Mexican government had proposed to construct the saltworks in partnership with the Mitsubishi Corporation of Japan at Laguna San Ignacio, the last undisturbed birthing and nursery grounds of the gray whale.