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Issues

Featured Issues

NRDC works on a broad range of issues as we pursue our mission to safeguard the Earth; its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. Explore our six priority goals below, or navigate by issue in the menu at left. Donate now and join our fight!

Curb Global Warming

The Earth's atmosphere is overloaded with heat-trapping carbon dioxide, which threatens large-scale disruptions in climate. The consequences of a drastic temperature hike of 3 to 9 degrees by the century's end could be disastrous. We must act now to spur the adoption of cleaner energy sources at home and abroad.

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Get on the map >

Save Endangered Wild Places

Natural treasures across the Americas are under siege. Chainsaws, bulldozers and oil rigs threaten to despoil these havens of biodiversity, regulators of climate and sanctuaries for recreation. NRDC's BioGems Initiative works with online activists and local partners to defend our hemisphere's most imperiled ecosystems.

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Save Wild Places >

Move America Beyond Oil

Our gasoline habit is a major environmental liability, and it is fast becoming an economic and national security risk as well. NRDC is pushing for federal legislation to cut oil use, expand the market for fuel-efficient vehicles, and to ramp up production of sustainably grown biofuels as an alternative to oil.

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Revive the World's Oceans

Ninety percent of large fish such as tuna and swordfish are already gone. High-tech fishing trawlers scrape bare the ocean floor, all six species of sea turtle in U.S. waters are threatened with extinction, and marine mammals are increasingly assaulted by lethal sonar and industrial noise. NRDC is working to restore and sustain diverse life in the world's oceans.

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Your Oceans >

Stem the Tide of Toxic Chemicals

Medical science tells us that we can prevent cancers, asthma and brain impairments simply by reducing exposure to environmental pollutants. Yet disease-causing chemicals continue to proliferate in everything from batteries to baby bottles. NRDC is working to guide major retail chains to substitute less-toxic alternatives in their key consumer products.

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Accelerate the Greening of China

China is about to overtake the United States as the world's largest global warming polluter. Its thirst for oil will double by 2010, and its air pollution is poised to quadruple in 15 years. Fortunately, China's leaders are inviting outside help, and NRDC is advising the country's leadership on ways to balance economic and environmental progress.

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