Environment

The global environment is at a crossroads. The rapid pace of technology and population growth is placing unrelenting pressure on the world’s natural resources. Many of our natural systems have been pushed to the breaking point.
 
The build-up of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuel is changing the planet’s natural systems, upon which all life depends. Overfishing and pollution have ravaged the oceans, leaving commercial fisheries at the point of collapse. On land, areas that have not been inalterably changed by human civilization are under increasing stress from activities ranging from logging and mining to agriculture and development.
 
Pew is a major force in educating the public and policy makers about the causes, consequences and solutions to environmental problems. We actively promote strong conservation policies in the United States and internationally. Pew applies a range of tools in pursuit of practical, meaningful solutions—including applied science, public education, sophisticated media and communications, and policy advocacy.
 
Pew’s environmental activities have grown steadily over the past two decades, as has our staff of attorneys, scientists, economists, media professionals and campaign advocates. The Pew Environment Group comprises more than 115 staff—with a presence throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the western Pacific and the Indian Ocean—making it one of the nation’s largest scientific and environmental advocacy organizations.

Much of our work is done through the following campaigns.

  • Global Warming

    Pew seeks the adoption of mandatory limits on greenhouse gas emissions in the United States in order to counter the serious threats posed by global warming.
  • Protecting Ocean Life

    Our marine work is aimed at preserving the biological integrity of marine ecosystems and primarily focuses on efforts to curb overfishing, reduce bycatch and prevent the destruction of marine habitat.
  • Wilderness Protection and Public Lands

    Pew works to protect wilderness areas and public lands, both within the United States and around the globe.
  • Other Environmental Work

    Pew is constantly seeking environmental projects where it can make a difference, such as the National Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production and the Northeast Land Trusts Consortium.

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GREEN EDITORIALS

Below are recent environment-related editorials published throughout the U.S. as of September 17, 2009.

Priority Legislation
(Las Vegas Sun - 9/16/2009)

Another Astroturf Campaign
(New York Times - 9/4/2009)

Racing to Resources
(Anchorage Daily News - 9/12/2009)

Dealing with Climate Change
(Las Vegas Sun - 9/4/2009)

Climate of Compromise
(Akron Beacon Journal - 9/3/2009)

A Momentous Anniversary
(Las Vegas Sun - 9/3/2009)

Our View: Wise Course
(Anchorage Daily News - 8/24/2009)

Glaciers Retreating
(Vancouver Columbian - 8/24/2009)

Light in the Forests 
(New York Times - 8/21/2009)

Sovereignty No Reason to Dodge Sea Pact 
(Daytona Beach News-Journal - 8/21/2009)

Real Threats of Climate Change
(Chattanooga Times Free Press - 8/20/2009)

The Climate and National Security 
(New York Times - 8/18/2009)