Environmental Science: Organizations & Websites

The core Purpose of A&WMA is to improve environmental knowledge and decisions by providing a neutral forum for exchanging information.

Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most important resource.

The Earth Institute brings together the people and tools needed to address some of the world's most difficult problems, from climate change and environmental degradation, to poverty, disease and the sustainable use of resources.

The Ecological Society of America (ESA) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization of scientists founded in 1915 to: promote ecological science by improving communication among ecologists; raise the public’s level of awareness of the importance of ecological science; increase the resources available for the conduct of ecological science; and ensure the appropriate use of ecological science in environmental decision making by enhancing communication between the ecological community and policy-makers.

Global Footprint Network provides tools and programs that can help countries thrive in a resource-constrained world.

Greenpeace is the leading independent campaigning organization that uses peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and to promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future.

The National Council for Science and the Environment (NCSE) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the scientific basis for environmental decision making.

NRDC is the nation's most effective environmental action group, combining the grassroots power of 1.4 million members and online activists with the courtroom clout and expertise of more than 350 lawyers, scientists and other professionals.

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people.

NatureServe is a non-profit conservation organization whose mission is to provide the scientific basis for effective conservation action. NatureServe and its network of natural heritage programs are the leading source for information about rare and endangered species and threatened ecosystems.

The Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) is an international professional organization dedicated to promoting the scientific study of the phenomena that affect the maintenance, loss, and restoration of biological diversity.

North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC) serves as a forum for the discussion of environmental matters within the scope of the Agreement.

ECOLEX is an information service on environmental law, operated jointly by FAO, IUCN and UNEP.

The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) makes law work for people, places, and the planet.

The world's largest grassroots environmental organization.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the leading international body for the assessment of climate change.

The World Bank's environment research and statistics page.

WRI is a global research organization that spans more than 50 countries, with offices in the United States, China, India, Brazil, and more. Our more than 300 experts and staff work closely with leaders to turn big ideas into action to sustain our natural resources—the foundation of economic opportunity and human well-being.

Through research and outreach that inspire action, the Worldwatch Institute works to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world that meets human needs. The Institute’s top mission objectives are universal access to renewable energy and nutritious food, expansion of environmentally sound jobs and development, transformation of cultures from consumerism to sustainability, and an early end to population growth through healthy and intentional childbearing.

A non-profit, grassroots conservation organization whose goal is to maintain the water quality, living resources, and scenic beauty of the Rappahannock River and its tributaries.

An education and research center affiliated with George Mason University.

VCN is a network of more than 100 organizations committed to protecting Virginia's natural resources. We work to serve and strengthen our member organizations and we advocate for shared environmental priorities, our common agenda.

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation's website.

DEQ administers state and federal laws and regulations for air quality, water quality, water supply and land protection.