Comment from Mana Washio
November 18th, 2008 at 9:35 am

We must act NOW — Otherwise our children and grandchildren have no future. Since the US refused to sign the Kyoto protocol, we have already lost a few years of opportunity to fight global warming. We cannot afford to lose any more!

Comment from Joan
November 18th, 2008 at 10:21 am

Whether you believe global warming is partly caused by humans or not, our national security relies now and in the future on being energy independent. With great activists like Environmental Defense Fund, we can be sure that the outcome will be the best for our economy as well. This is a most exciting time to be alive – I am glad to have been able to see this effort grow. Scientifically, I look forward to all the new sources of energy we will have available to us as we work together to solve the problems that we face.

Comment from Dave
November 18th, 2008 at 10:48 am

After eight dark years in a tunnel of denial, it finally feels like we are emerging into the light. We must seize the opportunity to fight global warming and establish renewable energy as a national priority. Now is the time to make it happen!

Comment from Richard Miller Mangarin
November 18th, 2008 at 2:00 pm

Re: above noted responses, all are factual and "spot on".
I know that hindsight can be 20-20 but by the same token,
we need the retrospective to fuel our plight. The thick fog
of denial, cover-up, and greed for decades is now being dissipated by a new breed of government. The need for alternative fuels and the vehicles needed to lessen our carbon footprint has been re-energized and we must all continue to persevere until we are assured of a clean planet once more. There is no debate on the existence of
Global Warming; only the dire need to set aside our fears,
doubts, greed and simply AIR ON THE SAFE SIDE for your
children, for yourself and all humanity! Change a light
bulb, drive slower and more efficiently, re-set your thermostats, turn down your water heater, recycle, and
above all, realize that every one of these small chores done
on a routine basis will hasten our resolve. Too many years of neglect and suppression / too little time for resolution
but the grasp is still within our reach. May God guide and
bless us all on this fateful journey.
Richard Miller Mangarin

Comment from Joe Westersund
November 19th, 2008 at 12:40 pm

We just had an unprecedented presidential election in which both candidates- McCain and Obama- agreed that we need to take action on global warming. Now is the chance for America to take the bold steps necessary to help lead the world out of this crisis. But I don't think we'll get there without nonprofits like EDF making sure that actions taken are both strong and effective. It's too complicated an endeavor, with too many interest groups involved, to do without a good environmental watchdog. I think EDF can fulfill that role.

Comment from Maria Kellner
November 19th, 2008 at 10:02 pm

I am very much encouraged with the new administration in January that the climate for trying to work on alternative energy sources will be much more favorable. The weak economy may actually give this effort a boost since new jobs can be created giving hope to those who have suffered such great losses in recent months.
I wish I could give a larger donation, but I want you to know that I very much support your efforts and I know this is the time to go vigorously forward.
Sincerely, Maria Kellner

Comment from Sean
November 20th, 2008 at 10:24 am

Now's the time!
We need to focus our politicians on 2 things:

1) Cap and Trade.
We need to set a standard that will begin to factor in the environmental consequences of our way of life into our markets and daily decisions as citizens and consumers. These caps should be set initially high to avoid immediate impacts on household budgets, but set a timeline for exponential cap reduction to spur the innovation and investment that is needed over the next several years.

2) Green Stimulus – Household and Business Energy Audits.
Our economy is sagging and we are likely to lose millions of jobs in the coming year or more. Many workers can set out to fix our deteriorating bridges and other much needed infrastructure, but because this is repair rather than new infrastructure this money will lead to limited growth. If, on the other hand, the we set up programs to unmask individual opportunities to improve the energy efficiency of homes and businesses, we would not only be training and employing a future workforce, but every dollar put in will come out as more money in monthly energy savings.

Our buildings currently use more energy than our cars. And experts estimate that we could cut building energy costs by 30% or more without an ounce of sacrifice. This is money that will keep giving back savings to our economy for years to come and will be money that we no longer send overseas to pay for dictators and terrorists.

Comment from Alia M
November 20th, 2008 at 11:11 am

This is it – our window of opportunity. We have waited so long for this chance to put a stop to global warming. We all must join together with our resources and the expertise of the EDF team to make the most of this moment.

Comment from Jay T
November 20th, 2008 at 1:29 pm

There isn't a moment to waste. We all have to do our part to ensure a decent life for future generations.

Comment from mary mcdaniel
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:05 am

I give because in the midst of the inanities of my life, EDF, NRC, Earthjustice, Sierra and so many other battalions of earth prophets (Bill McKibbon,as well) keep reminding me of the CRISIS!

Earth is Sacred.

Comment from Kathy VanderHeijden
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:59 am

EDF, NRDC, and others are our voice, our arms, our hearts. Everyone of us can do our part within our own network and encourage others to do the same. However, moving policy to make sweeping changes requires other talents that I deeply respect and wholeheartedly suppport. Continuing to contribute financially allows me to participate in leaving a positive legacy to future generations.

Comment from Marj Maguire
December 2nd, 2008 at 1:00 pm

This requires steady attention AND work on the part of all of us. We need to examine our own life styles and adjust in any and all ways that we are able. Live "low to the ground" in a sustainable fashion and encourage others to do so too. Above all, get on the backs of our Congressmen and Senators and lean, lean, lean without let up. There are dozens of citizen groups out there that are working on local solutions. Get acquainted with them and support them. Hooray for EDF for handling the legal work on behalf of all of us.

Comment from DR MOHAMMED ALHAJ
December 2nd, 2008 at 1:21 pm

My family live in US. I was in Saudi last month when I heard the good news about the winning of elected president Obama. I am the only one in Saudi who had received a congratulation email from the elected president OBAMA at Wednesday 5th, Nov. 2008. I forward his email and your congratulation email to hundreds of engineers and environmental consultants in Saudi.
I copied his email in my web site and included his ideas for green building and renewable energy recourses. Please check:
http://dralhaj.com/hussein_obama_-green_building_and_global_warming
We must support elected president Obama to make his promise to fight global warming true. The people in Saudi, Arabian Gulf and middle East were happy with the latest Obama victory, especially the green building members.
All of them were unhappy before because the President Busch had refused to sign the Kyoto protocol. They noticed that the high level of CO2 emissions had increased since President Busch announced that he was unwilling to spend any money to fight global warming.
As a board member in Saudi green building Council and a member in both US and Emirates green building Council, I try to encourage US, Emirates and Saudi public and private consultants to use local green building materials to reduce carbon foot print and to reduce CO2 emission in the Gulf.
I try to arrange green building seminars or workshops in USGBC, SaudiGBC and EmiratesGBC. See : http://dralhaj.com/green_building
I attended many seminars about Green and sustainable Building in Dubai and USA. I explained to many engineers and consultants the important of using our local materials from renewable resources not imported materials to reduce carbon foot print.
Please check : http://dralhaj.com/my_role_in_gulf_to_reduce_global_warming

Many consultants and labs had agreed for the first time in Arabian Gulf States to do some tests in local natural pozzolana. I showed many of consultants few samples of natural pozzolana rocks and mortars from Princess Zobeda resort built with 2 bonds from more than 1200 years near Taif, Saudi Arabia. I kept some samples at approved lab. at Dubai to do x-ray and other tests to check the chemistry of the sustainable building materials. Please check: http://dralhaj.com/1st_green_building_in_sa_from_1200_yrs.
http://dralhaj.com/natural_pozzolana_projects_in_usa/
I presented few seminars in Saudi and Dubai to encourage them to use renewable source (Natural Pozzolana) in their projects. According to Natural pozzolana source, using natural pozzolana in a building will give at least 26 Leed green points.
I received a request from green building and heat insulation Dept. in Dubai Municipality to make some seminars in different cities in Emirates about the environmental benefits of natural pozzolana in soil, concrete, blocks and other industries.
After my seminars and my interviews in different Saudi news papers, Ministry of municipality, Ministry of interior and saline water treatment Dept. had approved the use of our local natural pozzolana in concrete constructions. After many trials on local IP cement at Al-Tawi RMC in Saudi he become the first Saudi RMC who agreed to pour local IP cement for a huge project in Saudi.
With my encourage and with the approval of a British consultant from Halcrow, The red sea extension project had used local natural pozzolana for the first time in Saudi History in a mass concrete project. I thank all officials and consultants in the red sea project for their first time approval for local IP cement. The other advantage is that ALTAWI RMC is the only one in the world who had both ISO 14001 and US-GREEN STAR.
See details at:
http://dralhaj.com/1st_mass_concrete_from_natural_pozzolana/
The use of 100,000 tons of local IP concrete in this project will save 20% from virgin materials for our generation. It also save 20% of energy used in Cement factory and help in reducing 20% of CO2 emission.
Using our local IP cement will reduce carbon foot print by using materials from a local source within 300 km.
The use of natural pozzolana in soil and concrete will save 20-60% of water used. By reducing w/c ratio, It help us reducing the curing time.
IP cement had high durability and workability, that will leed to longer service life and sustainable building.
http://dralhaj.com/1st_green_building_in_sa_from_1200_yrs/
The energy and electric agency in Saudi had recommend the use of natural pozzolana in the block to save 50-70% of energy.
My Involvement with Sustainable Practices and type of Involvement:
I worked as Consultant and Design for public and private projects in Saudi Arabia.
I had included green building and green star in my web site. I had 700-900 hits to my web site every month. I receive 20-30 telephone calls every day asking about the green building materials.
I visited 50 ready mix concrete and block plants in Saudi last year and encouraged them all to have nice and clean plant with less impact for the community and environment.
I invited my instructor Mr. Douglas Ruhlin the green star auditor (001) from US last month to make an intensive course and seminars for the first time in Saudi at JEDDAH and RIYADH about the US-GREEN STAR and GREEN BUILDING. The main title was ( How we can reduce pollution and noise at ready mix concrete). Many ready mix concrete and hundreds of engineers and owners had attended the seminars last week. Please check: http://dralhaj.com/green_star/

Comment from Debbie Gross
December 3rd, 2008 at 2:20 am

In the past few years, working in both the energy efficiency and solar sector, I have been inspired by the positive energy in the workplace. It feels good to be working on solutions for multiple problems we face today. It is very clear that activism and resulting government policies are a driving force behind progress to-date, and that these policies are generating jobs. Global warming is a challenge that can bring out the best in us – an ability to innovate, collaborate, and adapt, and a reminder to always consider the consequences of our actions. So much more can be done, and I have confidence that Environmental Defense will continue to be a trailblazer.

Comment from Karen
December 4th, 2008 at 11:31 am

We need our young people and future leadership to learn, support, and share their voices on this campaign. I teach a freshman orientation course at the University of Flordia. When I asked a our local waste water engineering department to give us a lecture on our Florida drinking water supply to tie this into our commone reading book, "When Rivers Run Dry," I was alarmed to learn that our own local engineers predict by 2040 over 75% of the world will experience water scarcity!!!! We must act now.

Comment from Howard G. Brown
December 4th, 2008 at 11:54 am

One of the greatest challenges humanity has ever faced stands before us. It seems that all the trials our nation has faced in the past — a war for independance, The Civil War, the Great Depression and World War II, the struggle for civil rights — all these were as preparation for the fight to save ourenvironment, our very future on the planet. Other people, other nations have faced similar trials in their histories to prepare them, as well.

The words of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Franklin Roosevelt take on new meaning today, out of context and yet profoundly appropriate to The Great Challenge that we face.

"We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our counry." And the world.

Comment from Guido
December 4th, 2008 at 12:19 pm

We must act now, for clean renewable energy, to give a brighter future for generations to come, to be a leader in a safer world. We have challenged history with the election of Barack Obama but we must continue and go forth with overcoming challenges ahead and act as a United Country.

Comment from Rabbi Steven Folberg
December 4th, 2008 at 12:31 pm

I am working hard within my own religious community to further the understanding that protecting the planet for future generations is a mitzvah, a sacred obligation. My own faith tradition is strong on the idea of tzedakah, literally "righteous giving" to good causes. So I combine these teachings and give as generously as I can to EDF and other organizations working to protect the future. I owe at least this much to my young child and her generation, and those that follow!

Comment from Carol S Allen
December 5th, 2008 at 9:30 am

I believe the current economic downturn — even if things get a lot worse — will have far less effect on our quality of life than the effects of global warming on our children and grandchildren (and on current Americans who are not yet past their prime). With many of the poorest in the world loosing habitable land because it is flooded or turned into a desert, humanitarian crises and world migration patterns will effect us all in a variety of ways. Without adequate water on land and with changes in the seas, food could be very scarce worldwide. I believe global warming may also create and/or worsen disease epidemics. Rising sea levels will doom our own New Orleans, and all coastal cities and towns may be effected. Of course this is a partial list of all dreadful consequences if we don't stop this soon. I give to environmental causes because nothing in the world is more important is more important , and we're almost out of time.

Comment from Isabel Best
December 5th, 2008 at 10:44 am

There need to be Raging Grannies on climate change — we care about the world our grandchildren will have to live in. Soon she will be old enough for me to teach her to ride the bus, among many other things she needs to learn.

As climate change reduces the arable land left in the world, please look into rich people who are buying farmland in poor countries to make sure THEY have enough to eat, while the people where the land is are free to starve. And keep up the good work.

Comment from Mary Markus
December 5th, 2008 at 3:15 pm

I have been a longtime supporter of EDF. If we don't follow their lead, we face extinction. Our children and grandchildren face a formidable task. WE MUST BE THE CHANGE!

Comment from David Chandler
December 5th, 2008 at 4:50 pm

Although Bush and his cronies will be leaving soon (but not soon enough), those who put him in place and governed for him are organizing to avoid the necessary changes his people have held back for far too long. It is critical that we take whatever steps we can to reduce the effects of global warming. Environmental Defense Fund has a history of creative and effective work in this area. I support them and hope you will also.

Comment from Lauren Chiong
December 6th, 2008 at 3:57 pm

I am so heartened to know that the US has another opportunity to make up for our failure to join Kyoto by taking on a true leadership role at the Copenhagen convention designed to extend the Kyoto protocol for 2012 and beyond. I know the Obama administration with guidance and input from Environmental Defense will do so much to help the environment for future generations.

Comment from Nancy Ho
December 7th, 2008 at 10:41 am

I support EDF and other not-for-profit organization for our environment as well as other matters related people's lives. I have also done and continued to do so since 1980 for a very important task helping to solve our environment and energy problems. I hope we can all work together to solve our problems and to make our world better for everyone.

NwyHo

Comment from Nicole
December 8th, 2008 at 10:19 am

NOW is the time to act. Actions speak louder than words. Start recycling, bike or walk to work if possible. If not, carpool. Take re-usable grocery bags with you, instead of using paper or plastic. Go paperless with your billing statements. Unplug the electrical items your not using. Use energy-efficient bulbs. Plant trees. Refrain from using pesticides. These things are not hard to do and will help save our Earth! We have so little time to make a difference. We can't just sit back and keep talking about, it's time to start doing! Thank you for allowing me to rant.

Comment from Dawn Morris
December 8th, 2008 at 10:28 am

I'd like to thank EDF and Al Gore for changing the way many Americans think about global warming. It's not easy to change a paradigm, but it's gradually working. We can't stop now!!!

This organization is an inspiration to many other people who want to change the way Americans think about issues such as food production, health care, and education. If the global warming battle is won, it will lead the way for other improvements for America as well. It's only the beginning!

Comment from Robert Orlando
December 8th, 2008 at 10:33 am

The past 8 years of Republican foot dragging have cost us valuable time in this fight against environmental disaster. It's now or never. We must think of the future – our children's future and act in a responsible way to curb the effects of man-made climate change. The 2008 election was only the first step in this battle – now the work begins.

Comment from Maureen Kelly
December 8th, 2008 at 10:49 am

Taking action now can, hopefully, reverse the damage that we, as human beings, have imposed on our planet. We have caused much suffering of other creatures because of our arrogance and lack of concern for life on earth. I much prefer to be part of the solution as part of the problem and I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to do the same. It is time for us all to wake up and realize that, if we are to save this planet, we ALL need to start today working towards its recovery. We all need to accept responsibility for the damage that we have caused.

Comment from Lonnie Ward
December 8th, 2008 at 12:59 pm

Although the plan to cap and trade emmissions permits or credits seems to be the popular vehicle for reductions in CO2,it seems to me that a much less cumbersome means of weaning us off fossil fuels would be to tax the source of the carbon at the point of sale to the consumer who will ultimately release it into the environment.This is the best way to change the behavior of the polluters,be it power plants or drivers.

Comment from Jessie Raeder
December 8th, 2008 at 2:00 pm

This coming year, world leaders will hammer out the international treaty that will replace the Kyoto Treaty. If we are going to get the treaty that the world needs, we need the U.S. to not only participate in these talks, but to become a leader – a strong voice calling for massive change. Yes we can.

Comment from Mary Bradford
December 8th, 2008 at 2:49 pm

I give because my dollars will be tripled in effort to help your/our tireless crusade on the vision of a whole and healthy earth; species rejuninated, maintained and prospered and a planet that breathes and lives as it should. With Barack Obama in place there will be no turning back, waiting; the scientists can come out of the closet and speak the truth loud and clear. Thank you, thank you for all the work you do!!

Comment from Heather Shelby
December 8th, 2008 at 3:44 pm

Lonnie,

Thanks for sharing your opinion – I just wanted to take a minute to explain why EDF advocates a cap and trade plan instead of a carbon tax.

With a tax, as long as polluters can afford to pay it, they can continue polluting. There's no mandate on where they must stop, and there's less of an economic incentive to lower emissions, as there is only punishment and not reward.

With cap and trade, a decreasing cap is placed on ALL emissions, ensuring that the amount of carbon companies are putting into the air slows. In addition, whatever companies have left over in their own cap, they can sell to competitors for a profit. As a result, it actually behooves them economically to invest in forms of alternative energy and lower their emissions as much as possible, so that they have more emissions left over to sell.

Here's a pdf document that gives a bit more detail on cap and trade: http://www.edf.org/documents/7953_captrade101_052708.pdf

Heather Shelby
Online Membership Associate
Environmental Defense Fund

Comment from Carol
December 8th, 2008 at 5:44 pm

We support those who try to improve or at least maintain the planet because of two children and three grandchildren who are loved beyond measure…and all of their contemporaries who are not fortunate enough to have parents and grandparents who understand that we did not inherit this world from OUR ancestors – we are borrowing it from future generations. We should also remember that we're not the only ones here!

Comment from Marian M. Carter
December 8th, 2008 at 6:20 pm

I am giving to EDF and other environmentally active organizations because I believe that it is primarily by our banding together under their leadership and affording that leadership our whole hearted support that this beautiful world along with its creatures that I so passionately love can be given a fighting chance at a healthy survival.

But it's getting late and we are in peril. The shortsighted, self serving trends that we have set in motion not only pose a grave threat to our environment but to civilization itself. The consequences of our hubris and greed have become horrifyingly self-evident. With what time is left to us, we must act swiftly and wisely in concert to do what we can towards restoring a healthy, sane and in-balance environment for ourselves and all of earth's creature

Comment from Agnes Fleming
December 8th, 2008 at 6:26 pm

We share this world with other creatures and they deserve to be here as much as we do.

Comment from PJ Park
December 11th, 2008 at 9:49 am

I support EDF because they have been working the longest and the most effectively on matters of environmental and social importance, and have done a particularly effective job on the issues of energy and climate. I appreciate their strategy of "finding the ways that work". Networking and collaborating with business, government and non-governmental sectors to achieve substantial results–way to go!

Comment from Cindy DeVries
December 11th, 2008 at 10:29 am

My choice is related to a lifelong commitment to sustaining and improving this earth which we each occupy for a such a very short time but can make an eon of difference if we take heed and make wise choices about the use of earthly resources. Having just returned from a two week trip to Alaska and watched glaciers receding at an alarming rate, I can say that the sight, sound, and power of these calving giants was overwhelmning and awe inspiring to me but also seem indicative or other forces at work which were robbing animals like these polar bears of their homes and food sources. I also observed wildlife in Denali which has been protected and will continue to be so if the voices which demand this continue to be heard. I could not imagine this pristine beauty riddled with more drilling and more pipeline. There is already enough to blight the once uncluttered beauty. There have to be environmentally sound and economically feasible ways to produce the energy we need if everyone really understood the longterm effects of current levels of greed and poor planning. Let's hope Al Gore is placed in a position to affect this decision making. It looks like that might be the case….and this could be a real stimulus to smarter use of resources which don't pollute, destroy and line the pockets of a "few" at the expense of all those who will follow us. I could breathe in Alaska….like I can no longer breathe in Minnesota unless I go to the undisturbed northern regions of our state. Shouldn't we all be concerned that healthy breathing levels are maintained, drinkable water does not have to be purchased in plastic bottles, and vehicles are produced which use less and make us all more prudent without abuse of what we have been given to use for the short time we are on earth? I think so.

Comment from Jay Treadwell
December 11th, 2008 at 11:20 am

There is no greater priority than to work seriously on this issue. The difficulty in convincing people this is a priority instead of just something that we will get around to when we have time, is that we don't have time. Changes for improvement move slower than changes of destruction, so even though it is complicated to see what is happening on a global basis, serious harm is occurring every day. Let's get on it.

Comment from O. N. Vada
December 11th, 2008 at 5:36 pm

I'd like to leave some of this to my children.
http://www.savethegreatbasin.blogspot.com

Comment from Brian Meano
December 11th, 2008 at 8:00 pm

Amazingly enough, man has begun to understand that there are far more interconnections to life than what he had ever imagined. The sad part is that it may have taken him took long to discover the connections to all things living. I think that we may have crossed the point of no return. This is not something that I want to gamble.
For being amazingly sophisticated, man can make some really dumb and uneducated choices. I am afraid that the choices he has made up to this point have perhaps doomed his future? Who are these men who insist on the complete destruction of the planet. I believe that we can be both prosperous and coexist with nature without destroying it. Somewhere their is a balance that we must achieve. I think that it is not only possible but a realistic expectation from the people and those governing. Nature despises an imbalance yet our leaders are standing aside and allowing this to happen. If they do not take positive steps to create a balance-mother nature will.

Comment from marybeth r
December 11th, 2008 at 9:07 pm

I support edf because…I read Silent Spring…I lived in smoggy L.A….I learned from the Navaho their respect for the Earth… I have always loved nature …I have seen the sandpipers, crayfish, frogs & bumble bees disapearing.(my grandchildren will lose more than that.) I don't know if hurricanes are part of global warming but as a nurse I saw the destruction from Katrina. I live in Michigan… now we may see companies seek more efficient means of transportation. EVERY SMALL STEP WILL HELP US ALL.

Comment from Brian Meano
December 12th, 2008 at 1:51 pm

We have but one earth and it is careless and reckless to think that we can destroy it and still expect to survive as species. In nature there exists a natural balance that resists imbalance. As humans we have changed the balance to the extent that we have made it a forgone conclusion that nature is going to deal us a devastating blow to return the planet back to equilibrium.
Any person who is being intellectually honest understands that we can not continue to travel down this path without sever consequences. It has already started in the highland planes in Sub Saharan Africa with the death of millions of people. We all eventually become victims of the changes brought by our reckless behavior. I am not sure at this point if we can reverse the damage being done. My greatest fear is that it could very well be too late?
We are a smarter people than this….Man has at his core good intentions. It is the behavior of the few men who have lost sight of what is important in life. The good thing is that this is something that we can fix. The bad news is do we have the will and the courage to go and fix it?

Comment from Steve and Kim Kreuzburg
December 14th, 2008 at 8:01 am

EDF fights for all of us, "24-7." We respect that.

Comment from Cara Davis
December 14th, 2008 at 11:54 am

It has been more than 30 years since information regarding climate change has been available, and not many chose to listen. Big, newly industrialized countries, suck as China and India, managed to miss the Kyoto protocol and are creating disgusting pollutants every day that help add to the problem. It is going to take a lot of people setting examples in order to get this ball rolling. People need to realize that while we may live in a disposable society and resources are practically at our fingertips, we can't be wasteful and ignorant about what we do. We should have taken the necessary steps over 30 years ago. We are going to need a major revolution now.

Comment from Kim Klimek
December 16th, 2008 at 11:00 am

I support EDF, because I think they can really make the difference, especially with everyone's help. We need to protect these bears and all other wildlife out there. Most people, fail to remember that they were here long before we were, we are treading on their lands, seas, mountains, woods, fields and streams. If we are not there to protect them, who will be? I think this is a great cause and support everything that can be done to stop harming these aniamls and to start fighting to protect them and their environment. We CAN NOT let any animal go into extinction. LET'S FIGHT FOR THEM!!! LET"S PROTECT THEIR LAND!!!

Comment from Cindy Miller
December 16th, 2008 at 11:26 am

Never could I have imagined we would be witness something like this in my lifetime. We can talk about how to fix the problems we face but until steps are taken, nothing changes. It's not enough to just have good intentions. We must be active!

Comment from Para somma
December 16th, 2008 at 11:44 am

I supported the Obama campaign because I knew how it important it was. Likewise, there is absolutely nothing as important as stopping global warming, respecting our planet before we lose everything, everything! Besides, how awesome would it be to live in a city with clean air and clean water? It's possible, yet for some reason we don't value it enough to provide it? That's ridiculous, our global house is filthy and we're rolling in the dirt for no good reason. And now the human species may face extinction because of this short-sightedness. My small gift may make a big difference, I pray it does.

Comment from Linda Bartlett
December 16th, 2008 at 11:51 am

Whether you believe in global warming or not; do you believe in humanity and the love of a God created creature? That is the question everyone should be asking themselves. God created every living thing including the Polar Bears and we should treat every living thing with respect. Maybe I am asking for a miracle, but this is my Christmas prayer and for the New Year as well. God bless the Polar Bears and our Earth.

Comment from cc taylor
December 16th, 2008 at 6:24 pm

Celebrate! A new era has begun and we have much rebuilding to do. I gift this money as a winged intention for my good deeds to have many ripples that will inspire others to do good as well. It is my prayer for the world to act as one in speeding the Healing that has already begun. Have faith, give much, and TRY, everyday.

Comment from Melissa Vanek
December 16th, 2008 at 10:13 pm

There are many negative actions that occur around the world daily; however, through the positive actions of people around the world with the help of organizations like EDF, we can have a positive impact on our Earth. I feel better about our future knowing that people who are dedicated, like the EDF staff, are fighting every day to make our world a healthier place for all.

Comment from Ted
December 17th, 2008 at 9:31 am

Cap & trade doesn't work. We need a carbon tax.

Comment from Kimber
December 19th, 2008 at 8:54 am

I lay awake at night wondering what the world will be like for my son, who is now six, when he is older. The images are terrifying.

We Americans need to do more than other countries to make up for the greed and selfishness we have wreaked in the past.

We can do this! YES WE CAN!

Comment from Ruth Marsh
December 19th, 2008 at 4:53 pm

The time to reduce greenhouse gases is today, not tomorrow. As stated in 'The Hot Topic,' by David King and Gabrielle Walker (as well as in other good books on the subject), we have only a 10-20 year window of opportunity to reign in CO2 or face potentially catastrophic temperature increases. Human-induced increases in CO2 are irrefutable and at historic levels (385 ppm and rising). Ideally we need to target 350 ppm, but that level may already be out of reach. At the next climate summit scheduled for Dec 2009 in Copenhagen all parties, especially the US and China, must agree to a firm limit on CO2 and methane, as well as a timeline for achieving the goal. This is the major issue of our time and we must all do our part. Every little bit helps. I have been working to promote wind energy – as an engineering consultant, designer, analyst. The momentum for wind energy in the US is strong and I will do my part to see that we get as much clean energy from wind as possible. Anyone wondering what to do with their life – pick a career that addresses some aspect of the global climate problem and then when your grandchildren ask you what you did with your life you can tell them how you made the world a better place…for them.

Comment from Carolyn in Chula Vista CA
December 19th, 2008 at 7:03 pm

My family supports all actions to improve our environment and protect all species: international treaties, legal, volunteer, economic incentives, purchasing or leasing agreements… Our family is focusing on driving less, buying a car with higher mpg or electric, swaping out incandescent light bulbs for CFLs and putting solar panels on our home. We are working with Calif. Interfaith Power and Light to do the same thing at our church and encourage all churches to do the same as an example to their congregants and surrounding communities.

Comment from Laura
December 19th, 2008 at 8:01 pm

Killing any living thing is wrong- The Bible says so.

Comment from Jo
December 20th, 2008 at 7:17 pm

Supporting this initiative is an effective way of protecting all animals, whether endangered now or soon to be.

Comment from Joseph & Leslie Dzialo
December 21st, 2008 at 3:09 pm

This donation in memory of John M. Dzialo, Sr.–a life long supporter of EDF.

Comment from Grace
December 22nd, 2008 at 10:33 am

Think about our environment is think about our future generations. I believe it requires more than just change our habits but change the way we think and decide. I have decided to ride my bicycle to go to work and school, instead in using my car. I have decided to recycle plastics, paper, metals, etc.. I have decided to volunteer by picking up the garbaje from beaches in florida. I decided to think about me, to think about you and our future generations becuase I care about this world!

Comment from Dorothy Nordness
December 22nd, 2008 at 1:09 pm

We have a tremendous opportunity before us to reverse the anti-environmental actions of the Bush administration and to join with others all over the country who see the critical importance of protecting the earth and all of it's inhabitants. We must keep the pressure on Congress, the new President, and our local legislators to think long-term so that we leave a better, cleaner planet to those that follow us.

Comment from normajean9
December 22nd, 2008 at 2:16 pm

The language of animals and natural forces call us back to the community of the living to save our living earth!

Comment from Kate
December 22nd, 2008 at 8:39 pm

I gave not out of a want to stop global warming but a NEED to. For the first time in almost a decade, a decade where the outlook for the planet has gotten bleaker, putting the brakes on global warming is possible. I can't let the coal and oil industries continue to emit as recklessly as they have. EDF provides a counter to the voices of big coal and oil; they represent OUR voices and the environment.

Comment from sam zimmerman
December 24th, 2008 at 8:27 am

thank you to the edf for being there to pursue the big piture agenda. "thinking globally while most of us are out "acting locally"

Comment from Crystal Caldwell
December 24th, 2008 at 2:13 pm

I donate primarily because I am a animal lover and the impact we have on the enviroment are affecting animals across the globe. We MUST do something before we ruin the habitats of our animals. This land belongs to them. Not us. Its not our to ruin.

Comment from Kim Falcone
December 27th, 2008 at 1:21 pm

I donate for my children and their children someday. We MUST leave them a habitable planet with ample clean water, air and soil so the foundation of life can continue to support all living beings here on Earth. We must cease behaving like tomorrow doesn't matter. Mother Nature is giving us the clues, I only hope and pray that we humans are smart enough to take heed in the message she sends.

Comment from Laura Coyle
December 27th, 2008 at 1:42 pm

It is simple…this is ultimately THE ONLY issue that matters. All other "issues" and "agendas" are meaningless and moot without a planet to have them on.

Comment from Nancy
December 27th, 2008 at 1:47 pm

I believe if we do not address this problem our planet may not survive.

Comment from bobama44
December 27th, 2008 at 2:22 pm

The comment on donating to this cause is REAL EASY…If we do NOT do enough – do NOT do it fast enough – WE and that is all of the WE in the WORLD…will most likely NOT have a livable, sustainable PLANET EARTH to live on ANY MORE!!!
Saving our planet is unarguable the most important task that EACH and EVERY ONE of US needs at the TOP of our TO – DO – LIST!!! This planet is a VERY SPECIAL place which most of us believe we were blessed and entrusted with by OUR CREATOR…it is so amazingly beautiful…we are not able to fully capture and explain it – either by words, by science or by pictures! Its' beauty – its' vastness – and its' diversity remain unequaled and totally precious. Let us work quickly in a common manner to save what we are so blessed to call our home!!!

Comment from T. Welsh
December 27th, 2008 at 4:29 pm

I donate because I want to leave the world a better place than when I entered it. Every person, plant, and animal should have not just life, but the chance to flourish. Right now, only a few are permitted that chance. Let's make it better for all.

Comment from Eleanor Hall
December 27th, 2008 at 4:40 pm

If we don't solve the problem of global warming, all our other problems will seem trivial.

I'd like to see more efforts to weatherize homes and businesses (insulation, energy-efficient windows, etc.). Such weatherization could:

*Cut CO2 emissions relatively quickly (more quickly than high-tech approaches that will often take years to implement),

*Reduce heating costs,

*Stimulate the economy by employing unemployed construction workers.

Obama proposes weatherization for low-income households. For those who are not low-income, a revolving loan fund would be relatively inexpensive. People could pay back loans used for energy efficiency projects, out of their energy savings. (See Van Jones, "The Green Collar Economy," pp. 171-172.

Comment from Susan Aldrich
December 27th, 2008 at 7:20 pm

Saving the planet requires not only the obvious, like renewable energy and reduced emissions, it requires a sustained, hard look at overpopulation. Humans not only despoil their immediate area, they create industries which despoil areas much more far-reaching, and they can be very fond of destruction, and of seeing things explode. [all you boys out there, come on and admit it] Please keep this simple truth in mind while you are "saving lives" and "curing disease" and feeling so happy about humanity's better qualities. Yes, we can all put forth the effort to be saints. However, relaxed and comfortable, we destroy without even knowing it. I just wish our lack of consciousness didn't affect the animals, who are innocent of such machinations.

Comment from Sherry Erickson
December 28th, 2008 at 11:02 am

After watching An Inconvenient Truth last night, I was reminded once again of all that we have to face right now on this planet. One of Gore's remarks during the film was about our children looking back on this time and asking, ' what were our parents thinking? why didn't they do something?' I don't want to leave this legacy for my children. I want to do something now. After sitting through 90 minutes of despair, I was reminded in the last five minutes that WE CAN do something about it, as Gore lists the things that each household can do to reduce greenhouse gases, and what we can do as a country and internationally to reduce our carbon emissions, and how QUICKLY we could turn this around if we just take action! And why aren't *ALL* CDs and DVDs packaged in a recycled-recyclable sleeve???

Comment from Alexandra West
December 28th, 2008 at 4:25 pm

The greatest gift I can give my son this holiday season is a future and the hope of a healthy planet. Please join me in making this a reality for all our children.

Comment from Jean Mc Donald
December 28th, 2008 at 5:16 pm

EDF has accomplished much this year in cooperation with other environmental groups that I also support. This kind of synergy is crucial to the success of changing the climate patterns that exist. Hope for the future is more plausible with many working toward a cleaner environment.

Comment from Deborah Chielli
December 28th, 2008 at 6:55 pm

I cannot count the number of times I have cried over the suffering and species loss caused by this man-made climate crisis. The polar bears, drowning and starving in Alaska and the Arctic, symbolize the horror of this impending planetary emergency. Environmental Defense Fund and other environmental groups have been fighting the good fight for our fragile and threatened planet. I can only hope that President Obama will help lead us out of this abyss before it is too late.

Comment from nicole09
December 28th, 2008 at 7:48 pm

I cannot turn my head and ignore what is happening to our planet. We CAN lessen our impact on the environment, and we must do everything in our power to do so.

Immediate action may not make up for the decades of destruction to our precious land and resources, but it will make a difference when we can breath air and drink water without increasing our risk of disease.

Comment from Chris Yonts
December 28th, 2008 at 10:40 pm

My children are very worried about global warming and the plight of the Polar Bears.

They want to do everything possible to stop global warming, and so do I!

Comment from Benjamin Waranowitz
December 29th, 2008 at 1:28 pm

We live in a living aquarium: EARTH.

Those who have kept an aquarium know that it can only support so many fish. It needs to be balanced. It is finite. When you look up at the night sky and see the stars, you are looking through a thin layer of atmosphere. We must let everyone recognize this or our aquarium will die.

Comment from Robby L. Stsrozier
December 29th, 2008 at 1:53 pm

All I can say is "When Mother Earth is gone so are the humans"!!! Need I say more. We must take care of our Mother Earth. She is the only one we will have!!

Comment from VioletPlanet
December 29th, 2008 at 2:49 pm

Survival, Silly!

Comment from wendy
December 29th, 2008 at 3:01 pm

Global warming is destroying our world. the beautful animals that we appreciate are becoming endangered.

Comment from Beate Bulling
December 30th, 2008 at 9:55 am

For future generations of living creatures – because we have only one planet to live on.

Comment from Mike Davis
December 30th, 2008 at 1:20 pm

The issue is staggering! Our previous policies must be thrown into the composte heap in order to leave room for compassionate initiatives which help to promote life for all beings (ourselves included). I forget who said it, but it's true that life will continue to go on without us, because life is eternal; but our life as a species, as well as the lives of many other species as well, is not eternal. It is like a garden that must be carefully tended, lest our crop be swallowed by the earth and given reign to beetles.

Comment from Janel
December 30th, 2008 at 2:10 pm

I wish that I could give a larger donation to help with this issue. I am dealing with alot of doctors bills . My health has been affected by all of the chemicals,pesticides,plastics,and many other substances also affecting our environment.
We need to do something to help the planet,and it needs to be done NOW. Our planet is crying out for help,and since man caused its problems,man needs to fix it.

Comment from DL
December 30th, 2008 at 2:16 pm

Mother Nature is our 'God,' and we must treat her better than we treat ourselves…. a tall order. Our actions make lasting imprints on the fate of our planet. We must respect our 'Mother' by being conscience and aware of our actions.

Comment from Kristina
December 30th, 2008 at 3:07 pm

I would like to see more strict legislation passed that promotes clean energy and forces industry to curtail global warming pollutants and other harmful emissions. I also want more money available for research and development towards cleaner and less expensive alternative energy options. My hope is that the public will become increasingly more aware of these issues and realize that they can make a difference towards helping the planet instead of feeling like it is beyond their ability. Until consumers put more pressure on industry, government policies must dictate standards for cleaner air and water.

Comment from Wilson Durham
December 30th, 2008 at 3:22 pm

The fact that EDF, Earthjustice and dozens of other environmental groups had to continuously sue the Bush
admin FOR EIGHT YEARS to follow environmental rules
ALREADY PASSED INTO OUR BODY OF LAWS is testimony to
any rational person that the Bush-Cheney Gang and
their Corporate Gang Members should be brought up on
charges before a World Environmental Court.

What is frightening is the recent news headline I read
that an unprecedented number of the Bush Staff and
followers have already been hired as lobbyists by the
big Corporations not wishing to give up the stolen
environmental turf they gained through Bush's and
Cheney's defiance of environmental laws and true justice
for the Earth, ourselves and all its creatures.

Comment from Cheryl Neuenkirk
December 30th, 2008 at 3:49 pm

This planet is a living enity and must be taken care if we are to survive. That is our job…to protect it and all life on it. We need to leave it in better shape than when we arrived…so our children can enjoy it as well. They need to be taught this too. This planet has communities other than ours; the mineral,plant, and animal kingdoms.
They all need to be protected and treated with respect.
I have a picture hanging in my kitchen titled "The Last Redwoods" by Claus Sievert. It's a beautiful etching. A relative came to visit and asked me why I had that hanging there….and I said; "it's there to remind me everyday what is at stake.
Below the picture,it says, " The Last Redwoods rise in columned majesty, their great lives connecting us to the primeval past and with each one lost we see the impoverishment of our future. And it is not the trees alone for these groves shelter and shape vital communities of the intricately interwoven lives of the fisher, the red-backed vole, the spotted owl, the marbled murrelet, the pileated woodpecker and the tailed frog."

Comment from Susan Miller
December 31st, 2008 at 10:53 am

As with most caring people, I receive hundreds of solicitations from worthy causes every year. Having limited resources for charitable contributions, I am forced to prioritize and support those I feel are most crucial. Without a healthy environment, most of the other problems of the world will become moot. I am also a passionate supporter of animals – including the beautiful polar bears, penguins, seals, and other innocent wildlife whose existence is threatened by our selfish abuse of this planet.
I'm heartened by the election of a progressive president and congress, but that shouldn't make us complacent.

Comment from Olivia
December 31st, 2008 at 11:48 am

With $100 in my bank account right now, a $5 donation feels like a lot and not much all at once. I'm glad someone out there is willing to make it more. Thanks for what you do, guys.

Comment from Donna
December 31st, 2008 at 1:41 pm

I also live in Michigan, the state with the highest unemployment rate in the country. With almost 10% of our workforce out of a job and with the delicate and beautiful habitat of the Great Lakes as our home, it's easy to see every day the effects of the modern world, both economically and environmentally. And for every person who laughs about how "someone should tell Al Gore about the 12" of global warming on my driveway" as if the presence of snow means the absence of danger, I wish that more people understood what was happening. Unseasonably large snowfalls like we've been having may very well be a part of global warming. But apparently some ignorant people think that unless it's 70 degrees in December, everything's ok. Because they have 'bigger things' to worry about.

We're destroying the only planet we can live on. I'd say that's a pretty big thing to worry about. But since money talks more than conscience, it's a hard-fought battle to get people to care. Telling them that we can make more jobs with clean energy may just earn a few more ears to the cause.

I am grateful to the EDF for everything you do for the environment. Ever since I was a little girl I was raised in nature, taken camping, taught about the wonder of the world. It's heartbreaking to see people so self-absorbed and it's like we're walking in some kind of dreamworld where we don't acknowledge the consequences of our actions. For everyone's sake, this has got to stop. It must… while there's still time.

Comment from Gregory Close
December 31st, 2008 at 2:30 pm

In 2001, I visited the Great Barrier Reef for the first time. This is the most beautiful thing imaginable, teaming with life, like a giant aquarium. I'll never forget it. The warming of the seas and increased acidity of the water is already having an effect on the reef. At any given time, 10-20% is bleached, which essentially means dead. Scientists say another couple of degrees will devastate the reef. I want this treasure to be around for our kids. The time for denial is over. CO2 is a pollutant, and should be regulated and aggressively phased out, just like we did with the chemicals that caused the ozone hole. The longer we wait, the more damage is done.

Comment from Lauren
December 31st, 2008 at 7:59 pm

It is truly a tragedy what we are doing to the planet, as if we have forgotten that our fate is intertwined with it. Every second we hinder the future of our own species- so young and full of potential. More heartbraking is that we are bringing thousands of innocent other species down with us, a guilt we should all be feeling. Through this organization and many others like it, the true good of humanity is on display. Thank you all for donating and lending your wisdom to the cause; may our efforts lead to a clean energy nation.

Comment from rkg21
December 31st, 2008 at 8:42 pm

in terms of environmental charities, i chose to donate to EDF because i was impressed by the 4-star charity navigator rating & the opportunity to participate in a matching grant. it tripled the value of my donation & made me feel proud–as though i had done more than i could actually afford to. i have worked in non-profits (museums) for my entire professional career & it is crucial to fundraise in an efficient manner, particularly if you truly care about the issue you are supporting. to be honest, i work part-time for CCE & as well-meaning as they are, they are inefficient when it comes to fundraising. besides, who can resist that photo of those polar bears! we should do all we can to save those magnificent creatures.

Comment from Jill
December 31st, 2008 at 9:40 pm

Though I work for the oil companies, I've been donating to NRDC and other groups like that for years. I feel strongly that we need to protect the environment that we utilize for our uses. Thank God for those people willing to take corporations and government to court to hold them accountable. I'll continue making donations the rest of my life.

Comment from Poppy Cannon-Reese
December 31st, 2008 at 9:59 pm

I am a painter working on a series of waterfall paintings in oil on canvas. My father was a civil engineer who designed irrigation systems in California. My father died 5 years ago, having instilled in me the importance of maintaining clean water systems. I spent last summer hiking the waterfalls of Jamaica, Hawaii and Portland, Oregon and in a moment of clarity, decided if I am going to make a career change from being a costume designer to being a painter, I am going to dedicate a portion of my income from painting to protecting our environment and preserving clean water systems. I looked into several charity organizations to partner with in this endeavor and chose the EDF because of it's emphasis on national preservation of resources. I hope to have an account that makes a significant contribution as I pursue marketing my paintings.

Comment from Sherry & Sam Williams
December 31st, 2008 at 10:31 pm

We contribute because we can, because the Earth needs sponsors, animals need us to care for them and because we need the Earth. Need her to be the white/green & blue ball, rotating in space, sheltering numerous species, many still unknown. Need her to provide seasons to break the vastness of desert, provide a steady drip in rain forests, need all the sounds of all the insects and birds and small things as they go about their days and nights, we need the mystery, the soft breezes, lifting branches and twigs, we need to believe we will always be able to look up into the sky at night and see the stars, see the Milky Way touching the Earth just as we wish to touch the heavens.

Comment from learnfrench
December 31st, 2008 at 11:46 pm

We have no right to dominate the earth as we have, and I fear that if we continue down the same path, we're going to end up "doing ourselves in." Nature is so amazingly wonderful. But every species that disappears through our selfishness is one step closer to that for us. Of course, it'll be the poorest countries who will suffer the most. The United States needs to take the lead in fighting global warming. It's time to be proactive.

Stephanie Maughan

Comment from Linda Morse-Robertson
January 1st, 2009 at 1:36 am

I donate because my heart breaks whenever I read,or see, of another animal losing ground on Mother Earth. Having been in an animal related business for 33 years, I became acutely aware of how small changes could affect an animal's health, both physically and emotionaly. Multiply that by infinity, and this is what we are faced with and what our legacy may be. Money for us is minimal right now, but giving what I can is my duty, and dues, for being on this planet.

Comment from Kevin Krejci
January 1st, 2009 at 3:31 am

The EDF tagline "Finding Ways That Work" sums up my view of EDF. They really work well with industry to find real solutions.

In the end, waste is wasteful, and our health is our wealth. If we choose to be wasteful and pollute the planet that supports our livelihood, we're not doing ourselves nor future generations any good. Any good business person understands this, and good business people have a long term perspective, even if they are greedy and selfish. There is green in green, and EDF is helping industry find ways to succeed while embracing sustainability. I've seen representatives of EDF at many of the industry tradeshows and events I attend, and always pleased with their spirit of leadership and cooperation to "find ways that work". As consumers, we all make a difference with our purchase decisions, and industry is listening. EDF is helping us all to make these connections so we can all make an impact. Rewarding the good behavior of corporations is good for all of us, and our kids whose planet we are borrowing.

It's time our economy gets measured by our health and happiness more than by the quantity of "goods" we can crank out in our factories or the "price" of the stock market. With my donation, I hope EDF can continue to find ways that work, transforming both consumers and industry to value "value" more than "price", and see the great benefits of living in tune with mother nature…

Comment from Pamela Mota e Cunha
January 5th, 2009 at 1:26 am

I support the efforts of EDF in their fight against global warming. The environment and natural resources that are being depleted make this one of the more critical and important issues of our time. I am confident that the new administration will find alternative energy sources to ensure the future of our planets natural resources and environment.