National Resources Defense Council :National Resources Defense Council Jim Flanagan City University of Seattle ITMGMT 550 Fall 2009


Agenda :Agenda What is the National Resources Defense Council? What do they do? Success stories Why do I want to be involved? Oceans and climate change What can I do about it? Taking action Conclusion


What is the NRDC? :What is the NRDC? Founded in 1970 Mission: “To safeguard the Earth: its people, its plants and animals and the natural systems on which all life depends” Non-profit 300+ staff – lawyers, scientists, policy experts 1.3 million members *Source: NRDC web site (www.nrdc.org)


What is the NRDC? (cont.) :What is the NRDC? (cont.) Priorities: Curbing Global Warming Creating the Clean Energy Future Saving Wildlands Across the Americas Reviving Our Oceans Stemming the Tide of Toxic Chemicals Accelerating the Greening of China *Source: NRDC web site (www.nrdc.org)


What is the NRDC? (cont.) :What is the NRDC? (cont.) Excellent reputation “One of Americas top 100 charities” – Worth Magazine “Highest standards for accountability and use of donor funds” – Better Business Bureau Very Effective “One of the nations most powerful environmental groups” – New York Times "NRDC is, by many accounts, the most effective lobbying and litigating group on environmental issues.“ - The Wall Street Journal


What does the NRDC do? :What does the NRDC do? Education Spreading the word about environmentalism Showing people what they can do to make a difference Conserving energy Smart food choices Getting involved Lobbying Congress Changing laws that hurt the environment Introducing legislation


NRDC Success Stories :NRDC Success Stories 1971 – Help pass Clean Water Act 1973 – Lobbied to phase out lead from gasoline 1978 – Removed ozone depleting CFCs from aerosols 1980 – Federal protection of 1M acres of Alaskan lands 1991 – Defeated bill to open Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling 2003 – Stopped deployment of Navy sonar system 2008 – Polar bear as an Endangered Species *Source: NRDC web site (www.nrdc.org)


Why do I want to get involved? :Why do I want to get involved? Grew up in the outdoors Spent younger years seeing our wild spaces Want my children, and their children, to be able to see the same thing Already trying to make a difference Hybrid car – 90% fewer emissions Florescent bulbs – 75% less energy Educated and interested in Oceanography


Oceans and Climate Change :Oceans and Climate Change The ocean is not a bathtub! The oceans: Are the engine that drive climate Transport heat and moderate air temperatures Absorb vast amounts of CO2 *Vecchi & Soden (2006)


Example: The Gulf Stream :Example: The Gulf Stream Warms Northern Europe Driven by sinking cold, salty water in the North Atlantic Melting Greenland icepack could weaken or stop flow Caused by global warming Uncertain but potentially dire consequences *Vecchi & Soden (2006)


What can I do about it? :What can I do about it? Get involved! Effective action requires a global response Must start at home but must extend to the globe Most effective tool: Policy makers Influence the policy makers, change the world National Resources Defense Council has the people and resources to effectively lobby Congress There’s much to do at the grassroots level


Taking Action :Taking Action Join the NRDC Activist Network http://www.nrdcaction.org/join.html Newsletters Legislative Watch The Green Life – about sustainable living Donate Write the lawmakers Online forms


Resources :Resources National Resources Defense Council: Website: www.nrdc.org Telephone: (212) 727-2700 Email: nrdcinfo@nrdc.org National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): www.noaa.gov


Conclusion :Conclusion Cause to be concerned about climate change Change must occur at the national level NRDC is an active and effective proponent for environmental change Excellent reputation NRDC offers many opportunities to learn and effect change


References :References Vecchi G. & Soden, B. (2006). Global warming and the weakening of the tropical circulation. Journal of Climate, 20, 4316-4340. Retrieved on Oct. 27th, 2009 from: http://www.gfdl.noaa.gov/bibliography/related_files/gav0704.pdf National Resources Defense Council. Retrieved on Oct. 27th, 2009 from: www.nrdc.org


Q & A :Q & A Please post any questions or comments to the ITMGMT 550 Discussion Board. Thank You!