The Natural Resources Defense Council calls itself “Earth’s best defense.” Founded in 1970 and headquartered in New York City, the organization has 1.4 million members and 350-plus staffers who are economists, lawyers, policy experts, and scientists. The NRDC has seven listed priorities: curbing global warming, creating the clean energy future, reviving the world’s oceans, defending endangered wildlife and wild places, protecting health by preventing pollution, ensuring safe and sufficient water, and fostering sustainable communities. Policy research and analysis is frequently published by the organization as a resource used for working with local communities, businesses, and the government. The NRDC also encourages its members to take action, both on a small scale in one’s daily life and on a bigger stage in petitioning their elected leaders. Recent results of the organization’s work include last year’s mandate of 54.5 MPG fuel standards by 2025.
