Dear NRDC Supporter,

NRDC is committed to tackling climate change, standing up to polluters,
and protecting people's health, well-being and livelihoods and we believe
in an environmental movement that, at its core, seeks justice.

To build an equitable, fair, and greener future, NRDC is making some
important changes to how we incorporate racial equity and social justice
into our work.

We're excited to announce the launch of two new initiatives — the Science
Office and the Environment, Equity, and Justice Center, which will join
the existing Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), working
together to embed equity deeper into our work, create partnerships for
change, and foster a more just and sustainable future for all.

[ [link removed] ]Read
more about the launch of the Science Office and Environment, Equity, and
Justice Center, and how — with the DEI office — these exciting new
developments will transform our work and the broader environmental
movement to be more equitable.

Advancing Equity in our Work

Advancing equity in our work requires us to utilize science as a tool to
support those most harmed by environmental and climate crises, as well as
partner with frontline groups and push for long-lasting, community-driven
change.

This can be seen in our fight to secure safe and affordable drinking water
in places like Flint, MI, and addressing food insecurity due to declining
pollinator populations, safeguarding communities in places like Los
Angeles from toxic oil and gas drilling in crowded neighborhoods, or
stopping disastrous oil pipelines that put the health and safety of
Indigenous communities at risk — but there's more work to be done.

These three offices will serve as pillars that uphold NRDC's work to make
significant changes within our organization — and in the way we show up as
allies for our partners. Here's how these offices will help us ensure we
are putting people first in all that we do:

[ [link removed] ]NRDC's Science Office aims to drive, shape, and support our ability to
protect public health, preserve wild spaces, build a strong environmental
movement, and advance social justice. Its goal is to bridge the gap
between science and the people, wildlife, and ecosystems it serves.

[ [link removed] ]My hope is that we can help expand our understanding of what we mean when we
say environment. In order to do that, we have to deepen our connections with the
people most impacted by the issues we work on and embrace leadership of all
types, regardless of title and position. – Dr. Kristi Pullen Fedinick, Chief
Science Officer, NRDC

[ [link removed] ]NRDC's new Environment, Equity, and Justice Center is pursuing an
integrated approach to addressing persistent and connected threats of
climate change, environmental inequality, racial injustice, and
socioeconomic insecurity. The Center's work to push for long-lasting
change is rooted in partnerships with frontline groups to advance
community-driven solutions and to help build power in communities most
harmed by inequities. Ultimately, we believe this approach will foster a
stronger, more diverse environmental movement and a safer, more just
world.

[ [link removed] ]Social change happens one relationship at a time, and to build collective
power, we must get better at giving and learning. – Melissa Lin Perrella, Chief
Equity & Justice Officer

[ [link removed] ]NRDC's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), led by Troy
Riddle, seeks to create a culture where people can bring their full selves
to work, and feel encouraged to grow and thrive professionally. It focuses
on ensuring that NRDC's internal culture reflects and embodies principles
and practices of equity.

[ [link removed] ]As people have done research and studies, the science behind diversity has
evolved to what we have today, which is really not just about bringing people in
and checking off boxes but about making room for people to be who they are in
those spaces while they're there. - Troy Riddle

[ [link removed] ]Learn more about these initiatives,
the leaders at the helm, and how together they'll help NRDC shape a
healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable future on NRDC.org.

The Path Ahead

We'll deepen our commitments to frontline communities and help build local
power that is durable and authentic. We'll strengthen our campaigns
through rigorous data and scientific analysis, using science as a tool to
support equitable solutions. And as we approach this work, we can be
confident that each day, everyone at NRDC is putting their best self
forward, in an environment that is safe and supportive.

The
path ahead is clear. And as we walk it, we will become an organization
that is more effective than it has ever been before, allowing us to shape
a livable future for all — both externally and internally.

Sincerely,

Dr. Kristi Pullen Fedinick, Chief Science Officer, NRDC
Melissa Lin Perrella, Chief Equity and Justice Officer, NRDC

The mission of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is to
safeguard the Earth: its people, its plants and animals, and the natural
systems on which all life depends.

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