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When coverage and interest in an issue rises, so too do the organizations related to it, and the environment is no exception; there are a number of charities worldwide who all deal in problems relating to the environment.

Indeed, there are now so many that its hard to chart them. But, for ease of access, here is an introduction to the U.K's major players.

Greenpeace:

Perhaps the most famous organization for environmental campaigns, Greenpeace was founded in 1971, with a trigger campaign for stopping the U.S from testing nuclear devices. From there it turned to wider environmental issues.

In the 21st Century, its aim is an ambitious one:

Our goal is to ensure the ability of the earth to nurture life in all its diversity."

It is an independent organization, and accepts no support from governments. It has five main campaign areas:

1) Preventing climate change by ending our addiction to polluting fuels and promoting clean, renewable and efficient energy.

2) The protection of oceans and ancient forests.

3) The elimination of toxic chemicals.

4) Against the release of genetically modified organisms into nature.

5) For nuclear disarmament and an end to nuclear contamination."

Friend's of the Earth:

Another organisation established in 1971, and based in the U.K. They run campaigns on biodiversity, climate change, fair trade, green transport, and waste, amongst others. This, from their website:
Friends of the Earth is:

1) UK 's most influential environmental campaigning organisation.

2) Most extensive environmental network in the world, with almost 1 million supporters across five continents and more than 70 national organisations worldwide.

3) Unique network of campaigning local groups, working in over 200 communities throughout England , Wales and Northern Ireland.

4) Dependent on individuals for over 90 per cent of its income.

Trees for Cities:

Working in urban areas for the promotion of the environment, 'Trees for Cities' is currently running extensive projects in London, Manchester, Bristol, Leeds and Brighton.

Trees for Cities started life in 1993 as Trees for London when a group of young Londoners recognised the need for more trees in the capital... Trees for London was established with the following mission: "to advance the education of the public in the appreciation of trees and their amenity value, and in furtherance of this the planting and protection of trees everywhere, and in particular inner city areas". Initially money was raised through fundraising club nights as young Londoners danced through the night to raise funds for tree planting. The founding mission and ethos of the charity is as true today as it was in 1993.

In 2003, on our tenth anniversary, we changed our name to Trees for Cities, largely in response to requests for support and advice from cities around the world. In addition to tree planting, the charity is now involved in a wide range of activities that include educational work with schools and community groups, vocational training in arboriculture, horticulture and woodland management, re-landscaping the public realm, campaigning, and yes, we're still partying!

Here, then, are three of the U.K's biggest environmental charities. There are a host of others, working locally and nationally, and internationally.