These are just a few of the significant environmental groups that fight to preserve the environment and the planet’s natural resources. These organizations include advocacy groups that concentrate on particular problems like pollution, climate change, and conservation, as well as certification and labeling programs that confirm that goods are made in an ethical and sustainable manner. Along with research organizations, this group also includes governmental organizations that look out for the environment and natural resources. The organizations on this list, both national and international, all work to address the complex environmental issues that our world is currently facing.
Environmental advocacy and conservation
- Greenpeace: Greenpeace is a global environmental organization that aims to protect the natural world and promote peace. They work on a variety of issues, including climate change, deforestation, overfishing, and pollution. https://www.greenpeace.org/
- World Wildlife Fund (WWF): The WWF is a leading conservation organization that works to protect the world’s most endangered species and their habitats. They focus on issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and water scarcity. https://www.worldwildlife.org/
- Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC): The NRDC is a non-profit environmental advocacy group that works to protect the Earth’s natural resources and wildlife. They focus on issues such as climate change, clean energy, and protecting natural habitats. https://www.nrdc.org/
- Rainforest Foundation: The Rainforest Foundation is an organization that works to protect rainforests and the indigenous communities that depend on them. They focus on issues such as deforestation, land rights, and climate change. https://www.rainforestfoundation.org/
- Environmental Defense Fund (EDF): The EDF is a non-profit environmental organization that works to find solutions to the most pressing environmental problems. They focus on issues such as climate change, oceans, and public health. https://www.edf.org/
- Sierra Club: The Sierra Club is a grassroots environmental organization that works to protect the environment and promote sustainability. They focus on issues such as climate change, clean energy, and protecting public lands. https://www.sierraclub.org/
- Earthjustice: Earthjustice is a non-profit environmental law organization that works to protect the environment and public health. They use the law to defend the rights of communities and the natural world. https://www.earthjustice.org/
- The Nature Conservancy: The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization that works to protect the diversity of life on Earth. They focus on issues such as climate change, land and water conservation, and protecting endangered species. https://www.nature.org/
- Friends of the Earth: Friends of the Earth is an environmental organization that works to protect the planet and its natural resources. They focus on issues such as climate change, pollution, and protecting wildlife. https://www.foe.org/
- Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS): The WCS is a global conservation organization that works to protect the world’s wildlife and wild places. They focus on issues such as climate change, wildlife trafficking, and habitat loss. https://www.wcs.org/
- Environmental Working Group (EWG): The EWG is a non-profit environmental organization that works to protect public health and the environment. They focus on issues such as toxic chemicals, agriculture, and consumer products. https://www.ewg.org/
- Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) – The UCS is a science-based advocacy organization that works to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems, including climate change, energy, and food and agriculture. They use scientific research and analysis to inform their work and advocate for policy change. https://www.ucsusa.org/
- Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) – The CBD is a non-profit conservation organization that works to protect endangered species and their habitats. They use scientific research, advocacy, and litigation to achieve their goals. https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/
- Earth Institute – The Earth Institute is a research organization that works to solve global environmental and development challenges. They use scientific research, education, and policy analysis to inform their work. https://www.earth.columbia.edu/
- Pew Research Center – The Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan think tank that conducts research on a variety of issues, including the environment and natural resources. They use their research to inform policy and public opinion. https://www.pewresearch.org/topics/environment/
Certification and labeling programs
- USDA Organic: The USDA Organic program is a certification and labeling program that verifies that products are made according to strict organic production standards. These standards prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms. https://www.usda.gov/topics/organic
- Fair for Life: Fair for Life is a certification program that verifies that products are produced in a way that respects the environment, social justice, and fair labor practices. This includes a focus on fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmental protection. https://www.fairforlife.org/
- B Corporation: B Corporations are for-profit companies that are certified by the non-profit organization B Lab to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. https://www.bcorporation.net/
- Fair Trade International: Fair Trade International is a certification and labeling organization that promotes sustainable and fair trade practices. They focus on issues such as fair wages, working conditions, and environmental protection in global trade. https://www.fairtrade.net/
- Fair Trade USA – Fair Trade USA is a certification and labeling organization that promotes sustainable and fair trade practices in the United States. They focus on issues such as fair wages, working conditions, and environmental protection in global trade. https://www.fairtradeusa.org/
- LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) – LEED is a green building certification program that verifies that buildings are designed and constructed in an environmentally responsible and sustainable way. It is administered by the non-profit organization USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council). https://www.usgbc.org/
- Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) – The FSC is an international organization that promotes responsible management of the world’s forests. They offer a certification and labeling program for products made from responsibly sourced wood and paper. https://www.fsc.org/
- Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) – The MSC is an international organization that promotes sustainable seafood. They offer a certification and labeling program for seafood products that come from well-managed, sustainable fisheries. https://www.msc.org/
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) – GOTS is a global standard for organic textiles, including clothing, home textiles, and personal care products. It is administered by the non-profit organization Textile Exchange. https://www.global-standard.org/
Government agencies
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA is a government agency that is responsible for protecting human health and the environment. They work on a variety of issues, including air and water quality, toxic substances, and climate change. https://www.epa.gov/
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) – The USFWS is a government agency that is responsible for conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats. They work on issues such as habitat conservation, endangered species protection, and wildlife management. https://www.fws.gov/
- United States Geological Survey (USGS) – The USGS is a scientific agency of the United States government that conducts research and provides information on natural resources, natural hazards, and the environment. They focus on issues such as water resources, energy and minerals, and climate change. https://www.usgs.gov/
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – The NOAA is a government agency that is responsible for monitoring, researching, and predicting changes in the Earth’s oceans, atmosphere, and climate. They work on issues such as weather forecasting, marine conservation, and climate research. https://www.noaa.gov/
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – The USDA is a government agency that is responsible for promoting and supporting American agriculture, forestry, and food. They work on issues such as food safety, conservation, and rural development. https://www.usda.gov/