Environmental Defence (formerly known as the Canadian Environmental Defence Fund) is a Canadian environmental organization, founded in 1984. Environmental Defence works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.

History

The organization was founded in 1984. Environmental Defence spearheaded education campaigns in Ontario to advocate for the creation of a Greenbelt, tighter controls on development impacting Lake Simcoe, and the dangers of BPA, resulting in legislative changes such as the adoption of the Lake Simcoe Protection Act and the ban of BPA in baby bottles. Additionally, its efforts to raise public awareness about biodiversity and renewable energy contributed to the passage of the Endangered Species Act and the Green Energy and Economy Act in Ontario. Environmental Defence successfully advocated for the ban or restriction of phthalates in Canadian toys, raised awareness about the dangers of microbeads, and contributed to the passing of the Great Lakes Protection Act. Additionally, its efforts led to the cancellation of the Energy East oil pipeline, secured rules supporting charities' participation in public policy, and influenced the implementation of a carbon pollution price across Canada. Environmental Defence also played a role in the drafting of federal regulations banning six single-use plastics, strengthening Canada's toxics law (CEPA), and saving Ontario’s Greenbelt from development. Moreover, its advocacy efforts resulted in the drafting of new rules requiring the availability of electric vehicles (EVs) and the tabling of the Climate-Aligned Finance Act.

Areas of focus

Environmental Defence has a number of different areas of focus, including the following:

Studies

Environmental Defence has led cutting edge research in its areas of focus.In the last ten years, Environmental Defence has produced milestone reports, listed below. To access all of its reports, including reports published before 2017, please visit the website.