Five Big Ideas for the Environment in 2007

The people from the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) feel strongly that 2007 is shaping up as a critical year for progress on important environmental priorities. The EDF asked some of its program experts to compile a list of FIVE BIG IDEAS for 2007.

The list focuses on national issues that could see action in Congress next year. This is not a comprehensive list, but reflects a cross-section of the organization’s work. The EDF is asking people to vote for their favorites after looking at the list.

BIG IDEA #1: Fight Global Warming AND Grow the Economy
Climate Change Policy Specialist, Melissa Carey, says 2007 is a critical year for national global warming action. “We can fight global warming the smart way or the hard way. We think the smart way forward is to cap global warming pollution and offer incentives to spur investment and innovation.” Read more here.

BIG IDEA #2: Protecting Endangered Species by Working WITH Farmers and Landowners
“What if, instead of thinking of private property owners as antagonists in our efforts to protect endangered species, we worked constructively to partner with them?” That’s the question that inspires Land, Water and Wildlife Co-Director, Mary Kelly. Read more here.

BIG IDEA #3: Reward Farmers for Conservation-Friendly Farming
“We all want cleaner water, cleaner air, and healthier food choices,” says Scott Faber, EDF Farm Policy Campaign Director. “One big way to get there? Provide more conservation funding for our farmers, tens of thousands of whom have been turned down for funding requests.” Read more here.

BIG IDEA #4: A Trust Fund for the Oceans
“The future of the oceans—and the food, resources and wildlife that come from the sea—depends on dramatic changes in the way we tackle a growing spectrum of challenges including a long-term investment commitment,” says Oceans Program Director, David Festa. “What if we developed a ‘Trust Fund for the Oceans,’ to bring together sustained funding for research, management and conservation efforts?” Read more.

BIG IDEA #5: Protect Gulf Coast Communities AND Wildlife by Restoring Coastal Wetlands
“The devastation of Hurricane Katrina exposed the danger of our misguided ‘flood control’ policies in the Mississippi Delta,” says EDF Land, Water and Wildlife Senior Attorney, Tim Searchinger. “If we don’t get this right by restoring coastal wetlands, the next major storm could be even worse.” Read more.