Sweeping, scenic view of a snow-capped mountain landscape with blue and purple tones

Our mission and values

Environmental Defense Fund's mission is to build a vital Earth. For everyone.

By leveraging our deep expertise in science and economics, EDF delivers bold, game-changing solutions to address the biggest challenge of our time — climate change.

We work to stabilize the climate, strengthen the ability of people and nature to thrive and support people's health. Working in more than 30 countries, we focus on the areas where we can make the biggest impact. From slashing pollution from transportation around the world, to slowing the warming we're experiencing now by cutting methane pollution, to bolstering nature's own capacity to stabilize the climate.

We partner with other organizations — as well as with businesses, governments and communities — to get the world on a rapid path to climate stability.

Our core values

These values allow us to experiment courageously in our work, while staying true to who we've been as an organization for more than 50 years.

Results — We create environmental solutions that make a lasting difference in the world.

Respect — We welcome diverse perspectives, talents and contributions.

Innovation — We design and use a wide range of problem-solving tools.

Optimism — We embrace ambitious environmental goals while taking into account real-world dynamics.

Integrity — We uphold a commitment to science, rigorous analysis, intellectual honesty and ethical action.