About NRDC

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online supporters. NRDC works to safeguard the earth—its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. Since 1970, our environmental lawyers, scientists, and experts have worked across the globe to ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. We use scientific, economic, and policy expertise to spearhead comprehensive environmental improvement with a broad range of local partners in Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America. 

  • Charity Navigator awards NRDC its top 4-star rating.

  • The Better Business Bureau reports that NRDC meets its highest standards for accountability and use of donor funds.

Our Victories

  • 2014

    Advocated for the U.S. Clean Power Plan, which will cut carbon emissions from power plants by 32 percent by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.

  • 2013

    Supported the city of Ahmedabad, India to launch a first-of-its-kind Heat Action Plan and become the first city in South Asia to create a comprehensive early warning system and preparedness plan for extreme heat events fueled by climate change.

    2013, Helped Chile pass a new renewable portfolio standard requiring 20 percent of Chile’s electricity generation to come from renewable sources by 2025.

  • 1994-Present

    Led the effort to ban leaded gasoline in nations around the world with a global phase out virtually completed.

  • 1993-1994

    Cofounded the U.S. Green Building Council and initiated the development of the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building standard.

  • 1981-1990

    Stimulated the incorporation of environmental policies and practices at the World Bank and other international development finance agencies.

  • Since 1980

    Legislation to protect wildlife habitats, including Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest and boreal forest, Mexico's San Ignacio Lagoon, and Chile’s Olivillo Forest, etc. 

  • Since 1970

    Helped write the U.S. Clean Air Act and subsequent amendments.

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