Data, Reports & Resources

NRDC is a leader and trusted source in environmental policy and research. 

From reports to issue briefs, we ensure accountability through peer review led by our Science Office, which provides data and scientific analysis that help shape and guide NRDC’s policies and positions. We also offer a range of other resources, such as 101 guides and consumer-focused scorecards to increase access to knowledge about how everyone can be a catalyst for change. 

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Drought: Everything You Need to Know

GuideUnited States, InternationalMelissa Denchak
Drought affects more people globally than any other natural disaster. Here’s what causes these prolonged dry spells and how we can mitigate their impact.

The Clean Air Act 101

GuideUnited StatesShelia Hu

Since its bipartisan beginnings, this bedrock law has helped keep our air clean, combat climate change, and protect public health.

Biodiversity 101

GuideInternational, United StatesCourtney Lindwall

How do we define and measure biodiversity—and just why is it so important?

Freshwater Harmful Algal Blooms 101

GuideUnited StatesMelissa Denchak, Melanie Sturm

Ugly, foul-smelling and sometimes toxic, algal blooms are becoming more common in freshwater ecosystems like rivers, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. Here’s a look at how excess algae can impact the environment—and human health.

Wildlife Trade 101

GuideInternational, United StatesChia-Yi Hou

Wildlife trade is big business, with wild plants, animals, and products made from them sold around the globe, legally and illegally. It’s also a leading cause of the planet’s accelerating biodiversity crisis and resultant ecosystem collapse.

Industrial Agriculture 101

GuideUnited StatesNRDC

Giant farms—whether growing crops or animals—often rely heavily on chemicals and produce waste that pollutes the water and air. As a result, the system we’ve designed to feed the planet also takes a serious toll on its health.

Nuclear Power 101

GuideUnited StatesPadmaparna Ghosh
How it works, how safe it is, and, ultimately, how its costs outweigh its benefits.

Commercial Whaling 101

GuideInternationalLauren Evans

Despite an international ban on commercial whaling since 1986, the animals are still being hunted and killed across the world’s oceans, with devastating impacts on global populations.

Ocean Pollution: The Dirty Facts

GuideInternational, United StatesMelissa Denchak

We’re drowning marine ecosystems in trash, noise, oil, and carbon emissions.

Energy Efficiency: The Clean Facts

GuideUnited StatesLora Shinn

Here’s what you need to know about energy efficiency and how you can help save the environment—and money—at the same time.

Permafrost: Everything You Need to Know

GuideArcticMelissa Denchak

The “permanently” frozen earth at our planet’s poles and in other cold climes is thawing, with big consequences to our climate, ecosystems, and health.

Global Warming 101

GuideUnited States, InternationalAmanda MacMillan, Jeff Turrentine

Everything you wanted to know about our changing climate but were too afraid to ask.

Sea Level Rise 101

GuideUnited States, InternationalCaroline Craig, Brian Palmer

The causes and effects of this undeniable consequence of climate change—and how communities can respond.

Offshore Drilling 101

GuideAlaska, West, Louisiana, Georgia, North CarolinaShelia Hu
A look into how drilling for oil and gas in the oceans works—and why it’s time to make it history.

Climate Adaptation 101

GuideUnited StatesSimone Scully, Jenny Shalant
As the effects of climate change intensify, the need to prepare communities, minimize harm, and plan for future impacts has never been clearer.