Current Initiatives

We are at a tipping point. Scientists say we need to cut global warming pollution 60 percent to 80 percent by 2050 in order to avoid catastrophe, and they have identified the sectors in which the biggest pollution cuts can be achieved. The critical step remains: how do we take these opportunities out of the realm of theory and translate them into action?

NRDC and others have commissioned McKinsey & Company to conduct independent research into U.S. options for reducing global warming pollution and to identify the costs and opportunities for each one. The study will provide a definitive fact base for setting targets to reduce U.S. emissions and for drafting low-cost, comprehensive global warming legislation.

NRDC’s Center for Market Innovation is already exploring opportunities in several sectors that hold promise for delivering economically advantageous solutions to global warming. The center also works with one of NRDC’s partner groups, Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2), to champion the economic side of good environmental policy.

Global Warming Economics

Solving global warming at little or no net cost.

A study by leading consulting firm McKinsey & Company, co-sponsored by NRDC, finds that substantial reductions in global warming emissions can be achieved at little or no net cost to the economy. This interactive chart illustrates how U.S. technology and innovation can cool the climate and fuel new economic opportunities.

Capital Markets

The finance sector has numerous opportunities to help drive global warming solutions.

According to the 2006 Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change, doing nothing to stop global warming could cost the equivalent of 5 percent to 20 percent of global gross domestic product each year. Clearly, global warming poses an economic threat as well as an environmental one. The good news is that capital markets are in an excellent position to save themselves -- and help the planet.

Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2)

Business leaders partner with NRDC to create a business voice for the environment.

E2 is a national community of individual business leaders who work with NRDC to help create and implement strong environmental policy. From Wall Street to Silicon Valley, E2 members take an innovative approach to protecting the environment while building economic prosperity.

Real Estate

Capturing the value of energy efficiency in buildings.

Buildings account for 40 percent of total energy use in the United States, including a majority of the nation’s electricity consumption. They also are responsible for nearly 48 percent of U.S. global warming pollution.