Table of Contents
1. Climate Change
2. Clean Energy
3. Wildlife Conservation
4. Environmental Justice
5. International Collaboration
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is more than just a voice for environmental policy—it’s a hub for strategic action across a wide range of urgent issues. From fighting climate change to protecting wildlife, its work is carried out through targeted environmental programs that blend science, law, and community advocacy. Here’s a closer look at the five major programs defining NRDC’s impact.
1. Climate Change
NRDC’s climate program is focused on slashing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring that the U.S. meets (and exceeds) global climate goals.
- What it does: It challenges fossil fuel projects, supports strong clean air rules, and holds governments accountable for regulatory rollbacks.
- Why it matters: Climate change affects every aspect of life—from public health to global food systems. NRDC’s work pushes for rapid decarbonization at scale.
- Example: NRDC played a central role in defending the Clean Power Plan and opposing the Keystone XL pipeline.
2. Clean Energy
This program supports the national shift away from fossil fuels by promoting wind, solar, building electrification, and energy justice policies.
- What it does: NRDC advocates for strong renewable energy mandates, pushes utilities to decarbonize, and supports energy-efficient upgrades for homes and businesses.
- Why it matters: Clean energy isn’t just about reducing emissions—it’s also about job creation, energy savings, and healthier communities.
- Example: NRDC helped influence energy-efficiency standards and clean energy bills in states like New York and California.
3. Wildlife Conservation
NRDC defends wildlife by preserving habitats, enforcing environmental laws, and using science to advocate for species protections.
- What it does: The program focuses on endangered species, biodiversity corridors, marine ecosystems, and migratory species.
- Why it matters: Human development, pollution, and climate change are putting countless species at risk. NRDC works to keep these ecosystems intact.
- Example: NRDC’s legal action helped prevent seismic oil exploration that would have threatened endangered whales in the Atlantic Ocean.
4. Environmental Justice
This program ensures that the benefits of environmental protection—and the burdens of pollution—are not disproportionately distributed.
- What it does: NRDC partners with BIPOC and low-income communities to confront toxic exposure, ensure safe drinking water, and improve infrastructure.
- Why it matters: Environmental harm often hits underserved communities the hardest. Equity is essential for meaningful climate and health progress.
- Example: NRDC supported community groups in Flint and Newark during their legal battles over lead-contaminated water systems.
5. International Collaboration
NRDC works with governments and advocacy groups around the world to address shared environmental challenges.
- What it does: Focuses on international climate policy, air quality improvement, and energy efficiency initiatives in countries like China, India, and across Latin America.
- Why it matters: Climate change and pollution are global issues that require international cooperation and knowledge-sharing.
- Example: In China, NRDC collaborated on green building standards that have cut energy use across major cities.
The NRDC’s five environmental programs work together to protect the planet’s ecosystems, communities, and climate. From fighting for clean air and renewable energy to protecting endangered species and ensuring environmental justice, each program offers a vital piece of the puzzle. The NRDC continues to shape policy, push legal boundaries, and partner with local and international allies to make environmental protection a lived reality—not just a goal.
Whether you’re concerned about global warming, biodiversity, or equity, these programs give shape to a cleaner, healthier, more just future.
Take Action: Urge Congress to Defend Climate Progress
The advancements made under the Inflation Reduction Act are pivotal in our fight against climate change. However, these gains are under threat from efforts aiming to dismantle critical environmental protections.
Submit your message to Congress through NRDC’s official action form.
By sending this message, you advocate for the preservation of clean energy initiatives and the enforcement of environmental safeguards that protect our communities and planet.