THOUSANDS OF ENVIRONMENTAL groups exist to address environmental problems. Some are small grassroots groups run by volunteers. Others are large national or international mainstream groups staffed by salaried employees. Grassroots groups work primarily on local problems; most struggle for the money and members to achieve their goals. Mainstream groups work on national or global problems and hire professionals to supervise successful fund-raising and membership drives.

Not surprisingly, the budgets of the largest mainstream groups far surpass those of grassroots groups. The twenty-five largest organizations receive about 70 percent of the $500 to $700 million that Americans donate to environmental groups each year. They use these funds to buy advertising, publish books, and promote media events to disseminate their environmental views. They also sponsor environmental programs and scientific research, pay lawyers to fight for environmental laws and regulations, and hire lobbyists to influence political decisions on environmental issues.

Widespread but qualified popular support