Environmental protection involves preserving the Earth’s ecosystems and biodiversity by strict government regulations. There are also a number of smaller actions that individuals can take to protect the environment, such as buying sustainable food products and using renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels. Another way to help protect the environment is to donate to a local environmental organization or volunteer your time to spread ecological awareness.

EPA is working to adapt our core clean air and drinking water programs to a changing climate. For example, potential increases in ground-level ozone due to climate change could make it more difficult to meet air quality standards, and higher water temperatures in response to climate change may impact our ability to reach drinking water goals. EPA is working to address these issues through a combination of programs and activities, including:

Promoting Sustainable, Livable Communities

Using a holistic approach, EPA is working with partners to help communities plan for and invest in development that protects the environment, promotes social equity, and provides opportunities for everyone to thrive. EPA is providing technical assistance and training on smart growth, emergency preparedness planning, stormwater management, contaminated site cleanup, and other topics to help these communities improve environmental outcomes from development activities.

EPA is continuing to reduce and control the production, import, and export of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) by developing and implementing innovative strategies. These strategies include promoting the use of alternative technologies to replace ODS that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save energy, establishing and enforcing rules for their production, import, and export, and supporting projects in over 60 developing countries to build capacity to implement the Montreal Protocol, which is designed to eliminate ODS consumption and production by 2020.