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.
Save Endangered Wildlife and 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.
Create the Clean Energy Future
America's dependence on fossil fuels is a major contributor to global warming, toxic air pollution and dependence on some of the world's most oppressive regimes. By investing in renewable energy sources such as the sun, wind and biomass, we can help solve the energy and climate crises. Investing in energy efficiency can also stimulate the economy by creating millions of new green jobs, putting us squarely on the path toward repowering America with clean energy.
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.
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.
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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