Environmental Defence works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.

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.