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 80 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.

E-Alerts & Newsletter

Stay updated with Pew News Now! We invite you to sign up to receive our weekly e-mail newsletter.


GREEN EDITORIALS

Below are recent environment-related editorials published throughout the U.S. as of June 19, 2009.

Marine Reserves are a Key Part of Efforts to Restore Oregon's Ocean Fisheries
(Medford Mail Tribune - 6/19/2009)

Of Fish and Flexibility 
(New York Times - 6/13/2009)

Clean-Energy Jobs Growing
(Fort Wayne Journal Gazette - 6/12/2009)

Forest Road "Time Out" is Good; Now Congress Should Act
(Olympia Olympian - 6/10/2009)

Oceans in Peril
(Daytona Beach News-Journal - 6/8/2009)

Cure the Common Coal
(Boston Globe - 6/7/2009)

A Roadless Law
(New York Times - 6/4/2009)

Protecting the Forests
(Toledo Blade - 6/2/2009)

1872 Mining Law Must Be Updated for 21st Century 
(Tucson Arizona Daily Star - 5/15/2009)

Protect Roadless Areas
(Eugene Register-Guard - 5/10/2009)

The Climate Debate Heats Up 
(New York Times - 5/8/2009)

Who Will Protect the Forests? 
(New York Times - 5/6/2009)