Some of these groups combat pollution and global warming. Others combat urban sprawl and promote sustainable economic development throughout the world. Here are three of the most highly regarded and effective groups. With more than 1 million members, the Nature Conservancy has helped protect more than 11 million acres of vital habitat in the United States and nearly 60 million acres in Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific. They manage 1,340 wildlife preserves, the largest system of private nature sanctuaries in the world.
Donations go directly to purchasing and maintaining habitats for protected species.
A 600,000-member organization dedicated to protecting wild places. The Sierra Club lobbies aggressively with federal, state and local governments and attempts to work with industries, farmers and private land owners to support environmental stewardship. World Wildlife Fund World Wide Fund, with 5 million supporters, has a global network of 27 national organizations, five associates and 21 program offices that fight to protect endangered wildlife and their habitats. WWF also educates and advocates about environmental issues such as global warming and pollution. Those who still harbor doubts about the seriousness of the environmental crisis may wish to consult WWF's World Planet Report.