Global warming is the biggest threat facing our planet today. The global surface temperature in January 2022 was 1.60⁰F higher than the 20th-century average. This may not sound like a lot but we have already seen triple the number of climate-related disasters in the last 30 years. Charities around the globe are now fighting to prevent further damage by protecting our natural resources. So we had to ask: What are the best charities that fight global warming?

The best charities that fight global warming in terms of overall impact are the Nature Conservancy and Cool Earth. Charities such as the Clean Air Task Force and Carbon180 do amazing work advocating for the use of carbon capture technologies by major companies and governments around the world.

Whether you want to protect our rainforests, invest in sustainable energy, or reduce our carbon footprint, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities that fight global warming are all about, how they work, and what your best way would be to make a contribution.

Here’s What All the Best Charities That Fight Global Warming Have in Common

The charities on this list were chosen based on their mission, impact and transparency ratings, and achievements.

They operate all over the world, from North America to Africa, tackling the worst causes of global warming to safeguard our planet for generations to come. 

Many of the charities on this list focus their efforts on conserving the planet’s most vital carbon sink – rainforests. Others focus their attention on developing long-term sustainable energy sources so we can phase out the use of fossil fuels.

Yet they all share the same goal – to slow global warming and save the diversity of life on earth. 

These Are the 9 Best Charities That Fight Global Warming in 2024

Below are our favorite charities that fight global warming (you can click on their link to directly jump to their section in this article):

Best Charities That Fight Global Warming

The Nature Conservancy

Cool Earth

Clean Air Task Force

World Land Trust

Coalition for Rainforest Nations

Carbon180

Natural Resources Defense Council

Trees for Cities

Solar Aid

(At the end of this article we’ll also share our six-step approach on how you can select the best charity to support.)

The Nature Conservancy: Shaping a Brighter Future for People and Our Planet

The Nature Conservancy was founded in 1950 by a group of concerned scientists and dedicated leaders to protect our natural world and fight against global warming. Since then, the charity has grown into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world.  

The Nature Conservancy holds the Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, as well as a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator.

“A future where people and nature thrive.”

The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy uses scientifically backed research to formulate conservation plans that will slow global warming, such as their Reforestation Hub project in America. Through their Center for Sustainable Science, the charity works with businesses and policymakers to find innovative natural solutions so they can reduce the need for fossil fuels and protect the planet. 

To date, the Nature Conservancy has established conservation projects in over 70 countries and territories. This has protected more than 125 million acres of natural land and 5000 river miles. The charity also operates over 100 marine conservation projects around the globe. In 2016, the charity developed a 50-State Climate Change Strategy to test and adapt local climate actions across America. 

You can donate directly to the Nature Conservancy through their website. You can also assist the charity by supporting one of their campaigns or by volunteering.

Cool Earth: Giving Control Back to Indigenous Rainforest Communities

Cool Earth was founded in 2007 by Lord Field and Johan Eliasch as the result of a shared desire to halt deforestation and tackle global warming. Today, the charity is dedicated to protecting the world’s rainforests by giving control back to the indigenous communities that live in them. 

Cool Earth holds the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. The charity has yet to be scored by Charity Navigator.

“We champion the relationship between people, rainforest, and climate.”

Cool Earth

Cool Earth offers money to indigenous communities living in rainforests around the world. These communities then use their traditional knowledge to build sustainable solutions to global warming. These have included solar-powered projects and innovative farming solutions. Through their Rainforest Firefighters Campaign, the charity is working to train local individuals in rainforest monitoring so they can identify trends in forest health. This will help to prevent rainforest fires from starting in the future.    

Cool Earth now protects 105 million trees in the worlds’ rainforests through 40 people-powered projects. This has prevented an estimated 48 million tons of carbon from entering our atmosphere. In 2019, the charity helped 209 women set up their own sustainable businesses in the Cardamom Mountains of Cambodia.

You can donate directly to Cool Earth through their website. You can also support the charity by setting up a fundraising event or by purchasing items from their online shop.

Clean Air Task Force: Reducing Carbon Emissions 

The Clean Air Task Force (CATF) was founded in 1996 by Armond Cohen to enact federal policy that would force older coal plants in America to improve their emissions. Today, the charity is a global organization that is dedicated to protecting the planet against the worst impacts of global warming.

The Clean Air Task Force holds the Silver Seal of Transparency from GuideStar as well as a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.

“To meet the world’s rising energy demand in a way that is financially, socially, and environmentally sustainable.”

Clean Air Task Force

The Clean Air Task Force researches scientific-driven solutions to the global warming crisis. They also drive change by encouraging governments and leading organizations to develop policies that utilize carbon capture technologies. Through their global team of experts, the charity is working with partners in Africa to develop new clean energy frameworks that can be accessed by low-income families and vulnerable communities.

Since their inception, the Clean Air Task Force has continued to push the need for carbon-neutral technologies to be used worldwide. In 2020, the charity helped to secure $125 billion in federal funding to support the research, development, and deployment of carbon capture technologies across America. They have also encouraged coal plants to rapidly reduce their emissions which has saved an estimated 13,000 lives every year.

You can donate directly to the Clean Air Task Force through their website. You can also sign up for the charities’ newsletter to keep up to date with their latest campaigns and achievements. 

World Land Trust: Conserving Natural Lands

The World Land Trust was founded in 1989 by conservationists John Burton and Gerard Bertrand to raise funds so they could purchase natural land and protect it from destruction. Today, the charity funds partner organizations around the world to create wildlife reserves and tackle the global warming crisis. 

According to their financial report, the World Land Trust spent 93% of their expenditure on charitable activities and 7% on fundraising.

“Protecting the world’s most biologically significant and threatened habitats.”

World Land Trust

The World Land Trust works with a network of partners to fund the creation of wildlife reserves. Through their Plant a Tree initiative, the charity is contributing to global reforestation efforts, which work to combat global warming, by funding the planting of new seedlings in deforested areas. They also provide individuals and organizations with the most effective tools and methods they need to reduce their carbon footprint and tackle climate change through their Carbon Balanced program

To date, the World Land Trust has protected over 2 million acres of tropical rainforest and other threatened habitats across 23 countries. They have also provided the funds to plant 2,457,900 trees. In 2020, their efforts prevented 43,773 tons of carbon from entering our atmosphere, which is the equivalent of taking 20,754 cars off the road for a whole year.  

You can donate directly to the World Land Trust through their website. You can also support the charity by fundraising or by joining their Plant a Tree initiative.

Coalition for Rainforest Nations: Protecting the Worlds’ Rainforests

The Coalition for Rainforest Nations was founded in 2005 by MBA graduates Kevin Conrad and Federica Bietta after a call to action by the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea inspired them to find ways to conserve the world’s rainforests. Today, the charity is committed to tackling global warming by stopping the deforestation of our largest rainforests.

The Coalition for Rainforest Nations holds the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. The charity also has a 100% Encompass rating for finance & accountability from Charity Navigator. 

“To achieve sustainability for forested and adjacent agricultural lands.”

Coalition for Rainforest Nations

The Coalition for Rainforest Nations develops policies and tools to manage rainforest areas and slow global warming. Through their innovative Reducing Emissions from Deforestation & Degradation (REDD+) program, the charity offers financial incentives to developing countries for reducing carbon emissions from forested lands. The Coalition for Rainforest Nations is recognized by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change which means they significantly influence national policies on a global scale.

The Coalition for Rainforest Nations’ REDD+ program is the only global conservation system aimed at preserving and protecting rainforests. It has now been adopted in 190 countries worldwide. In 2002, thanks to the efforts of the charity, Gabon’s president designated 10% of the nation’s territory to be a part of its national park system. This is one of the largest allocations of nature parklands in the world. 

You can donate directly to the Coalition for Rainforest Nations through their website. You can also support the charity by purchasing items from their Global Rainforest Store.  

Carbon180: Zero. Then Negative

Carbon180 was founded in 2017 by Noah Deich and Giana Amador to advance the use of carbon-absorbing technologies. Today the charity is a leading climate policy organization focused solely on removing carbon from our atmosphere.

Carbon180 holds the Silver Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. The charity has yet to be scored by Charity Navigator.

“To create a world where climate change is halted and economic prosperity is driven by innovative farmers, foresters, and businesses pulling carbon from the sky.”

Carbon180

Carbon180 works with businesses, scientists, and policymakers to create a world that removes more carbon than it emits. Through their Carbon Economy Consortium, the charity brings universities, research labs, and like-minded organizations together to formulate effective strategies to combat global warming. Their Carbon Removal Tracker is a comprehensive resource of all federal policies that work to remove carbon from our atmosphere, which is a vital tool against global warming. 

Since their inception, Carbon180 has remained committed to removing harmful carbon from our atmosphere and tackling global warming. In 2017, the charity successfully pushed Congress to pass the 45Q legislation, which is the first major federal tax credits initiative for capturing CO². In 2020, Carbon180 secured $450 million in federal funding to invest in carbon removal technologies.

You can donate directly to Carbon180 through their website. Alternatively, you can keep up to date with their campaigns and achievements by signing up to receive their newsletter.

Natural Resources Defense Council: A Force for the Future

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) was founded in 1970 by a group of law students and attorneys who were concerned about the effects humans were having on the natural planet, particularly global warming and pollution. Today, the charity is dedicated to ensuring all people have access to clean air and healthy communities.

The Natural Resources Defense Council holds the Bronze Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.

“Defending our air, water, communities, and wild places.”

Natural Resource Defense Council

The Natural Resources Defense Council combines the power of over 700 lawyers and 3 million online activists to enforce changes to policies that will protect our natural resources. Through their Climate & Clean Energy programs, the charity combines science and advocacy to promote the use of clean energy technologies and encourage lower carbon pollution limits across America and internationally.

Since their inception, the Natural Resources Defense Council has successfully encouraged 25 cities across America to commit to reducing their carbon emissions by at least 40 million metric tons by 2025. In 2019, they also helped to negotiate the John D. Dingle Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act which safeguards over 1.3 million acres of natural habitat and 620 miles of rivers across America. 

You can donate directly to the Natural Resource Defense Council through their website. You can also assist the charity by supporting one of their campaigns or by giving a gift membership.

Trees for Cities: Naturalizing Urban Areas

Trees for Cities was founded in 1993 by four friends to plant more trees in London. Today, the charity has grown into an international foundation that is working to offset the issues caused by global warming by planting more trees worldwide. 

According to their financial report, Trees for Cities spent 91% of their income on charitable activities and 8.7% on raising funds.   

“Working on a national and international scale to improve lives by planting trees in cities.”

Trees for Cities

Trees for Cities works with local communities in 13 countries to deliver tree planting projects. In Tanzania, the charity launched an Urban School Greening project to promote positive environmental values in 12 schools by planting tree nurseries. In Peru, Trees for Cities has created a living seed bank as a resource of long-term sustainability to combat food poverty and global warming. 

To date, Trees for Cities has planted over 1.2 million trees across 258 international projects. In 2020, the charity planted 7,800 trees in Africa and engaged 28,343 children in their school nature projects through their network of 2,479 volunteers. 

You can donate directly to Trees for Cities through their website. You can also support the charity by purchasing items from their Webshop or by joining their #Generationtree campaign. 

Solar Aid: Ending Poverty and Darkness for All

Solar Aid was founded in 2006 by Jeremy Leggett to combat poverty and global warming. Today, the charity is dedicated to achieving their mission by distributing solar lighting to poor communities across Africa. 

According to their financial report, Solar Aid spent 82.8% of their income on charitable activities and 17.2% on fundraising.  

“A world where everyone has access to clean, renewable energy.”

Solar Aid

Solar Aid provides access to solar lighting in poor countries across Africa, such as Malawi and Zambia, to reduce fossil fuel use and help catalyze solar markets with renewable energy. They do this through their SunnyMoney model, by installing solar systems in the most remote regions. They also train local young people in how to convert kerosene lamps into solar lights.

To date, Solar Aid has distributed 2.1 million solar lights that have impacted over 11 million people in sub-Saharan Africa. This has prevented 2.2 million tons of CO² emissions from entering our atmosphere. 

You can donate directly to Solar Aid through their website. You can also support the charity by purchasing items from their online shop or by fundraising.  

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities that fight global warming. However, you may have a particular charity you want to support. Let’s look at what you can do to ensure your contribution has the most significant impact.

• Check out the charity website. Charities that are worthy of your donations are transparent in their mission and their figures. Familiarize yourself with their history, mission, and values. Their website usually is the best place to start.
• Identify the charity’s mission. Without a goal, the charity is likely to fail. If the charity’s mission isn’t clear, it’s probably worth looking for a charity that does have a clear mission. 
• Check if the charity has measurable goals. An effective charity has clear goals. You want to know your donation will help the charity reach its goals. But if it doesn’t have targets, it’s likely to fail or squander your gift. The charity should be able to account for its spending and supply evidence of the work they do.
• Assess the successes or goals the charity has achieved. You wouldn’t invest in a business if it kept missing its targets. In the same way, charities are like this too. If no one is assessing a charity’s progress in reaching its targets, the chances are they’re not making a substantial positive change.
• Check the charity’s financials and stats. Trustworthy organizations will publish financial statements and reports each year. Some might be exempt from having to do so, but they should be able to provide them to public members who are interested in donating.
• Locate sources who work with or benefit from the charity. Word of mouth and first-hand experience of a charity’s work lets you know the charity’s quality. If you’re able to do so, check out the charity for yourself or speak to someone familiar with it. This way, your donation will go to the right place. 

How Can You Best Support These Charities?

After you’ve made your decision, it’s time for you to decide on how you’d like to help the charities you’ve chosen. Check how you can help – each charity runs specific programs that have unique aims. Find out what the aim of such programs is and whether they are right for you. 

Here are a few ways you can help your chosen charity:

• Donate money. You can find donation pages on the website of most charities. Your donation can be a one-time payment, or you can set it to be deducted regularly at different intervals. You can mostly pay via credit card, but some charities also take PayPal or Bitcoin payments.
• Buy their official merchandise. The charities can also raise money by selling merchandise. So, you can support them by buying the mugs, shirts, caps, pens, pencils, and any other such items they may be selling. Ideally, you should buy as much as you can to share and spread the word about the charity’s activities.
• Engage in volunteer work. As you’ve seen from our descriptions above, some charities engage in a lot of local and grassroots programs. You can help by taking on and organizing the program in your local area.
• Help their fundraising efforts. You can spread the word about the charity in your workplace, school, church, etc., and hold creative fundraising drives on social media or offline within your small circles.
• Share their stories. Most charities have compelling stories that you can share with your audience to attract more people to the cause.

Final Thoughts

Now it is up to you to select the charity that resonates most with you. And whichever charity you end up choosing and contributing to, we are sure that they will immensely appreciate your support. Hopefully, the information within this article has made this selection process a bit easier for you to support charities dedicated to fighting global warming – based on the causes that matter most to you.

Stay impactful,

PS: Finally, I want to leave you with a thought-provoking TED talk from Dan Pallotta, a leading philanthropic activist and fundraiser, about what is wrong with the way we think about charities – and what we can do about it:

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