Are you looking to help the world with the conservation of nature? Here are 6 organizations that are actively working to stop climate change and preserve the world's nature; this spans from forests to the oceans. However, this list does not solely include donations; these organizations are also looking for volunteers and people willing to sign petitions.
1. Sierra Club
In 1892, the Sierra Club was founded to conserve California's Sierra Nevada mountains. Now, the organization takes an active role in fighting climate change globally. Part of the Sierra Club's mission statement is "to educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment; and to use all lawful means to carry out these objectives".
Therefore, the organization isn't just looking for donations (though you can do that here), they're looking for people who want to actively fight climate change as well. You can do this by signing one or many of their various petitions. Furthermore, you can make yourself more aware of climate issues and even how they intersect with racism here. Finally, there are dozens of virtual and in-person volunteer opportunities through the Sierra Club to be found here.
2. Rainforest Alliance
The Rainforest Alliance is a nonprofit group committed to the protection of forest wildlife. Started over 30 years ago in Central America, the organization now operates across 70 countries worldwide. To support the Rainforest's vision of "a world where people and nature thrive in harmony" and "a more sustainable world", you can make donations here.
Another way to follow through with the Rainforest Alliance's values is to make sure that when you and/or your family take vacations, they suit what the Alliance calls "Green Vacations". Here, you can find a list of hotels and resorts that follow the Rainforest Alliance's rigorous environmental and social standards. Traveling to hotels on this list means that you are supporting businesses that are actively sustainable. If you're not traveling anytime soon, you can buy Rainforest Alliance merchandise here.
3. Oceana
Founded in 2001, Oceana is the world's largest organization solely backing ocean conservation. The ocean takes up over 70 percent of the Earth's mass, so it is of the utmost importance that we support its conservation. Oceana's main method of fighting ocean pollution is political campaigns, based mainly in North America.
One of Oceana's most recent major victories was in Canada, where the government now plans to eliminate the production and sale of plastic bags, cutlery, stir sticks, six-pack rings, straws, and even some plastic takeout containers will be terminated by the end of 2023. To support campaigns like this, it takes just a minute or two to sign some of their petitions. You can also donate here.
4. Greenpeace
For over 50 years, Greenpeace has been prioritizing the fight against global heating through their establishment of a global network. From Mexico to Czech Republic to India and more, Greenpeace works to support the natural spaces of both local and national communities. Greenpeace thrives off people who sign their petitions, and as of now, there are 23 petitions ranging from Amazon rainforest protection to cleaner cityscapes. Greenpeace does not receive any financial support from corporations or governments because it wants to "maintain a much needed independent voice". They are the only global environmental charity to do so. This means that Greenpeace needs donations from supporters of global conservation, which can be done here. Greenpeace accepts donations in Euros or dollars.
5. Jane Goodall Institute
The Jane Goodall Institute is a wide-reaching nonprofit that follows the work of nature conservancy started by the iconic conservationist, Jane Goodall, herself. Goodall specialized in the prevention of chimpanzee endangerment throughout her career, and the Institute continues this legacy; you can become a chimpanzee guardian for as low as $35. The Jane Goodall Institute also works directly in nature conservancy; through their Conservation Action Plans, they have protected 3.4 million acres of natural habitat.
You can shop for merchandise that goes towards the Institute's endeavors like these. Some of the profit also goes to Roots & Shoots, a partner organization of the Jane Goodall Institute that supports youth-led nature conservancy projects. The Jane Goodall Institute recognizes the importance of giving back to nature and today's youth who will lead us in the future. You can make a direct donation to the Institute here.
Whether it's through monetary donation, volunteer work, or rallying against the inaction of the government on the changing climate, the world needs teenagers to support the global movement that is nature conservancy. Please consider supporting any of these organizations in whatever way is most possible or accessible to you.
