Leverage Factor (global warming; 2008)

We focus only on the global warming component of Environmental Defense Fund's operations. This is the largest component of their operations, and also the one that seems likely to have the biggest potential effect. We consider the matter hypothetically.

US global warming contribution

5.5b tons CO2 equivalent/year

US leadership factor (by passing a bill other countries are likely to move further forward)

1.5

Chance of a global warming bill getting passed this year

30%

Annual reduction in US CO2 equivalent as a result of passage

10-20%

Role of environmental lobbying in passage

10%

Fraction of environmental lobby made up by Environmental Defense Fund

10%

See The Hill Lobby League No. 57 global warming.

Capitalization period of results

5 years

It is quite likely if the bill is not passed another will be within a fairly short time.

Combining these factors, effective reduction attributable to Environmental Defense Fund

12m-25m tons CO2 equivalent

Annual budget

~$100m (combined)

Proportion of program services budget devoted to climate change

$35m / $79m = 44% (from 2008 form 990)

Effective price of CO2 reduction

$1.8-3.6/ton CO2 equivalent

Comparison to Generic carbon credit purchase

Comparing this price to the Generic carbon credit purchase price of $14-28/ton, gives a leverage factor relative to that leverage factor, 13-25.

Leverage Factor

100 - 190