Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. HQ

Powerful forces have pushed the world's oceans to the brink of ecological collapse. NRDC believes we can restore marine vitality by ending overfishing, creating marine protected areas and improving oceans governance. By focusing on these solutions, we can achieve the broadest, most long-lasting benefits for our oceans and those who rely on the more than 2 million oceans-related jobs in America. We will also combat emerging threats, such as carbon pollution that has caused ocean waters to become overly acidic and climate change that has led to ice melts which expose the Arctic Ocean to fishing, shipping, drilling, and mining.

Wild places across the Americas are being threatened by a surge of reckless industrialization. The destruction of these wildlands means the loss of vast troves of biological diversity, critical regulators of global climate, and irreplaceable sanctuaries for recreation and contemplation. Through our BioGems program, NRDC's advocacy team joins forces with online activists and local partners to defend some of our hemisphere's most imperiled ecosystems.

Toxic chemicals in our environment, such as mercury, lead, and certain manmade chemicals, have been linked to cancer, birth defects and brain impairments. Reducing or eliminating the load of these dangerous chemicals in the products we buy, the air we breathe, the food we eat and the water we drink can help reduce the toll of human disease and suffering. NRDC's health experts use law, science and the power of international commerce to keep the worst toxic chemicals off the market, out of the air, and away from our bodies.

Clean and plentiful water is the cornerstone of prosperous communities. Yet as we enter the 21st century, swelling demand and changing climate patterns are draining rivers and aquifers and pollution is threatening the quality of what remains. NRDC is integrating our expertise in pollution prevention, water efficiency and climate change to sustain America's precious water resources. We're helping cities build green infrastructure that will keep pollution out of waterways and bolster drinking water supplies. And we're working to advance smart water efficiency policies to ensure that communities get the water they need while keeping our lakes, rivers, and streams full and healthy.

With their dense populations, opportunities for mass transit, greater energy efficiency, and potential for green jobs, cities across the nation have the ability to become incubators for environmental innovation. Indeed, the right policies can turn cities into cleaner, healthier, safer and more prosperous centers of human community. NRDC is combining the expertise of our urban, health, open space, smart growth, energy and transportation teams to promote those shifts and create more just, sustainable and livable cities.