Climate

Healthy environments support healthy wildlife. Twenty-first century threats to our environment—including diseases, pollution, climate inequity, and a warming climate—threaten wildlife and people alike touching every facet of our lives. The National Wildlife Federation unites Americans addressing these critical challenges and in protecting our wildlife and their habitats. By doing so, we're not just helping our wildlife to flourish—we're helping people live healthier lives, too.

As our nation's population continues to grow, our environment faces increasing strain. The National Wildlife Federation is fighting for more assertive policies to address modern threats, climate inequity that directly affects those not seen, heard and under-resourced, and restoring healthy wildlife populations. Action ranges from curbing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon sequestration, to protecting at-risk human and wildlife populations from toxic chemicals, contaminants, and non-native invaders. We’re also seeking innovative ways to solve current problems and prevent new threats from emerging.

Confronting Climate Change

Climate change is exacerbating many of the environment issues we currently face. It poses a significant long-term threat that demands our collective action to prevent its root causes and cope with its impacts.

Pollution from harmful greenhouse gas emissions, most notably carbon dioxide, is the leading cause of climate change. The National Wildlife Federation’s vital efforts include the reduction of greenhouse gas pollution through wildlife-friendly clean energy policies and projects, as well as reducing deforestation both nationally and internationally. Beyond our borders, we promote sustainable production methods through the development of market-based solutions and strategies for important agricultural commodities such as palm oil, soy, and biomaterials.

In addition to deforestation, burning fossil fuels contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. The National Wildlife Federation addresses this issue by reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and advocating for renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. In addition to preventative measures, the National Wildlife Federation is a leader in "climate-smart conservation," looking ahead and integrating new challenges created by climate change into our conservation efforts.