Clean Air Task Force

What problem is Clean Air Task Force working on?

Harmful emissions are causing our planet to undergo an unprecedented and rapid change. More than 70% of the emissions that cause global warming come from our energy system. Every year, the global energy system produces almost 40 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions — pushing our planet toward irreversible climate tipping points. As emerging economies develop and their energy needs increase, that number will only increase unless we make dramatic changes to the way we power our world.

What does Clean Air Task Force do?

CATF is working to rapidly reduce emissions while advancing durable climate solutions to ensure a net-zero emissions, high-energy planet at an affordable cost. It aims to create a world in which our population can meet its energy needs without harming the environment.

In support of that vision, CATF:

• Engages in research and analysis to understand the best pathways to a zero-carbon energy system. The organisation focuses on decarbonising the electricity, transport, and industry sectors, and developing the infrastructure to do so.
• Conducts legal advocacy and litigation to advance clean air and climate action.
• Advocates for policies that support its goals of emissions reduction and technology innovation.
• Performs climate outreach and education. The organisation educates stakeholders and raises public awareness in a variety of ways, including hosting symposia, speaking at panels, and generating technical reports.

What evidence is there of CATF’s effectiveness?

CATF meets the criteria to be listed on our platform because one of our trusted evaluators, Founders Pledge, conducted an extensive evaluation, highlighting that CATF is among the most cost-effective organisations working on climate change. (Our trusted evaluators are charitable giving experts who focus on impact — their research into the best charities means your donations can do even more good. Learn more about charity evaluators we trust and why.)

We don’t include CATF among our top-rated charities only because Founders Pledge will be able to allocate funding much more effectively via its Climate Change Fund (which is top-rated). The Founders Pledge Climate Change Fund allows donors to give both to specific projects at CATF and other highly effective climate charities, when and where they need it most. Founders Pledge doesn’t take any fees for its work. Read more about why we recommend donating via funds.

Founders Pledge’s report found that:

• “The Clean Air Task Force is our top pick in climate change. They combine high-quality research on climate policy, with a demonstrated ability to achieve major policy change on a small budget.”
• “They have a strong track record of achieving state and federal policy change in the US in multiple campaigns since their formation.”
• “They focus on innovation in neglected low-carbon technologies, which is our priority climate change intervention. Their project prioritisation aims explicitly to maximise climate impact.”
• “They have a very strong team of policy researchers, technical experts, and policy campaigners.”

What information does Giving What We Can have about the cost-effectiveness of CATF?

The impact-focused evaluator Founders Pledge conducted an extensive evaluation highlighting that CATF is among the most cost-effective organisations working on climate change. Founders Pledge’s report found that:

• “The Clean Air Task Force is our top pick in climate change. They combine high-quality research on climate policy, with a demonstrated ability to achieve major policy change on a small budget.”
• “They have a strong track record of achieving state and federal policy change in the US in multiple campaigns since their formation.”
• “They focus on innovation in neglected low-carbon technologies, which is our priority climate change intervention. Their project prioritisation aims explicitly to maximise climate impact.”
• “They have a very strong team of policy researchers, technical experts, and policy campaigners.”