The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is an environmental interest group whose operations are centered in the US. It is a nonprofit making organisation and its core activities are targeting the protection and preservation of the environment.
In particular, this environmental pressure group has been on the forefront towards campaigning against the devastating effects of global warming, restoring the natural interactive balance between man and other living species as well as the overall wellness in human health. In order to discharge its duties fairly and expeditiously, EDF is nonpartisan. Its key mandate lies behind seeking viable end-based solutions on the challenges facing the environment.
The Environmental Defense Fund has a large membership base ranging from farmers on the ground to corporate partners. As part of its broad objectives, the membership of EDF is open and consequently, any interested party can join the group. There are both individual members and corporate partners who are offering monetary and moral support to the organisation. Individual members are free to donate to the group at will.
However, the group does not accept direct funding from corporate organizations. As Gwen Ruta, the Vice President of the group notes, “we accept no funding from our corporate partners. That independence frees us to set aggressive goals and drive change across entire industries” (EDF, 2010).
As a member of EDF, the immediate community will benefit from a preserved environment void of human destruction. The broad agenda of EDF as an environmental interest group is to advocate for a healthier environment. In retrospect, it is imperative to note that elements such as global warming occasioned by the destruction and interference of the ecosystem have largely impacted human life in a negative way.
For instance, natural catastrophic events such as hurricanes and erratic weather conditions which are being witnessed in the modern environment would likely not be prevalent if man opted to preserve the environment. Hence, membership to EDF is not only beneficial to local communities; the larger society is also bound to enjoy living in a healthy environment.
Currently, EDF deals with three main issues, namely global warming, development of human health and protection of the ecosystem. In fact, the group has already outlined additional goals for 2011 so that they can achieve more in regard to protecting the environment. For example, the interest group is currently focusing on how oceans can be protected from human influence (EDF, 2010).
Further, the group is seeking to implore United States to reduce its greenhouse emission as part and parcel of securing an international deal on managing climate change. In addition, the nonprofit organisation is endeavoring to work with business enterprises to speed up the process of reducing carbon mission to the environment. EDF is also forging innovative modalities that can be adopted and implemented by the business community in cutting down carbon emission to the environment.
The group is equally aiming at altering the argument on climate change. It will achieve this by seeking public opinion that supports carbon cut and present the very ideas for discussion at the international platform. This will go hand in hand with the process of enacting necessary environmental legislations.
EDF is also multiplying its efforts to attain the ‘irreducible minimum’ in terms of greenhouse gas emissions both at the local and state level. On the same note, the group is throwing its environmental conservation effort behind the “smart green grid” located in Texas. It is aiming at offering direction to this project in addition to hosting several of such projects countrywide.
Finally, EDF is currently advocating for the need to optimize energy efficiency consumption especially by public utility programs located in each state. Besides, the group is proposing the use of alternative “green energy” also known as renewable energy resources even as the infrastructure is being modernized.
At the international level, EDF is in the process of not only creating but also enhancing mechanisms that can be used to recognize the developing countries as low emitters of carbon other greenhouse gases. According to EDF, a reward system should be put in place to motivate partner countries who are duly complying with the regulations.
EDF members can obtain information on the prospects and activities of the group through the publication archives downloadable from the website of the organization. These publications contain assortment of data that can be utilized by both members and non members.
Apart from the publications, members are also given the opportunity to meet experts well positioned on environmental legislations and protection. Some of available experts on this area include but not limited to senior policy advisors and economic policy analysts.
The environmental Defense Fund (EDF) can improve its public image, acceptance and overwhelming support by revitalizing its policies and being more resilient in its operations (O’Leary & Bingham, 2003). For instance, the group should also advocate for compensation to countries whose forest cover is being maintained or improved. Moreover, EDF should also explore for more partnerships especially from the corporate sector in order to boost its funding (Scruggs, 2003).
The donations received from individual members and government sponsorships may not be adequate in conducting the activities of the organisation on a global scale. Currently, EDF seems to be focusing more in United States and other developed economies than the underdeveloped world. The group should diverse itself and reach out for the entire globe if it is to maintain an impressive performance especially in public arena.
References
EDF. (2010). The Power of Partnerships. Web.
O’Leary, R. & Bingham, B.L. (2003). The promise and performance of environmental conflict resolution. Washington DC: RFF Press.
Scruggs, L. (2003). Sustaining abundance: environmental performance in industrial democracies. New York: Cambridge University Press.