The environmental movement has been revitalized in recent years, with many organizations striving to protect our planet’s natural resources. These ambitious nonprofits are taking action by combating pollution; protecting habitat; and safeguarding ecosystems that provide us all life-sustaining necessities.
At Greenpeace, there is no such thing as ‘greenwashing’. Our mission doesn’t allow for any compromise. Our organization’s name is synonymous with environmental activism – and rightfully so!
Greenpeace was born from a protest against nuclear energy in the mid-1960s, but has since expanded its reach far beyond that single issue. The activism group’s current campaign focuses on renewable energies and tackling climate change.
1. Natural Resources Defense Council
The Natural Resources Defense Council is an environmental advocacy organization that donates approximately $20 million annually towards protecting nature from human impact.
The NRDC was founded in 1970, and has since become one of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to achieving safer living conditions for all species while safeguarding their habitats against exploitation. They are committed to protecting our earth and its precious resources such as air quality, water safety and more; all while striving towards a greener future!
Many might be surprised to learn that the NRDC doesn’t just operate within the United States – they also have offices in Europe as well as in South America! Just recently, they launched a joint initiative with Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE) to advance efforts on climate change mitigation.
This year has brought numerous achievements for the NRDC: finalizing litigation against the Trump administration for withdrawing federal climate policies; quickly asserting Amazonian lands still belong to indigenous communities following the president’s recognition of it being ‘owned’ by the US government; and pressing forward with a lawsuit that seeks recompense for damages resulting from Pruitt’s rollback of environmental safeguards.
2. World Wildlife Fund
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is an international non-profit organization that strives to ensure the future of wildlife and wild places. This iconic conservation group has been at the forefront of efforts for over half a century, working with local partners throughout the world towards sustainable solutions for the future.
Established in 1961 by former captain of British nobility, Queen Elizabeth II, WWF boasts an impressive array of individuals who have made considerable contributions over their lifetimes. Such notables include a veritable Who’s Who list of high ranking officials such as U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt and Mother Teresa; as well as numerous illustrious actors like Robert Redford and Harrison Ford!
As one of the foremost environmental organizations in operation today, WWF provides technical support to governments around the globe on issues relating to climate change adaptation and mitigation plans for vulnerable nations. Additionally, it offers educational resources for individuals seeking to learn more about its work – both locally and globally!
3. Environmental Defense Fund
The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is a leading non-profit organization focused on preserving our natural resources, tackling climate change and expeditiously addressing emerging threats posed by substances of concern.
In its quest to protect the environment and safeguard human health, EDF protects against toxic chemicals, investigates contaminants’ effects on public health, and advances policies that foster a greener planet.
Through their efforts, they have attained considerable success in reducing acid rain, stemming mercury pollution and even limiting carbon dioxide emissions by over 80%!
4. World Resources Institute
On a global scale, there are around 18,000 known resources that comprise our planet – including petroleum coke and crude. Such diverse resources can be found across the globe from Antarctica to Madagascar.
To ensure we are adequately utilizing these precious resources, World Resources Institute (WRI) created a handy guide which helps you identify where your nation stands in terms of resource extraction.
Founded in 1986, WRI’s goal is to empower those with knowledge about sustainable use of natural resources. Through its initiatives like Global Footprint Network (GFN), it strives to encourage individuals towards adopting more sustainable practices when it comes to procuring goods – from food to energy-related items.
