While environmental groups often work toward preserving biodiversity in ecosystems, many are now grappling with trying to diversify their own ranks. Barry Yeoman :
"Most large environmental groups acknowledge that diversifying is essential to accomplishing their missions. They point to new programs designed to expand their reaches, from minority internships to partnerships with local grassroots groups. Still, many leaders recognize the need to do better, particularly as the country moves toward becoming majority-minority around 2042. 'If we’re going to have a constituency 20 or 30 years from now, or even 10, it’s critical that we be more inclusive,' says Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). 'If we fail to do that, the movement will erode—erode in numbers and erode in political weight.'".