World Wildlife Fund

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 18, 2008 – World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has issued the following statement today on the news of the death of Philip E. Clapp, Deputy Managing Director, Pew Environment Group:

“World Wildlife Fund is saddened at the news of the death of Phil Clapp. He was a relentless and lifelong champion of environmental causes – from domestic issues such as reducing air and water pollution early in his career to his more recent work in fighting international threats such as global warming. He was a brilliant strategist and communicator of environmental issues. Realizing early on how domestic and international policywere linked, he mastered the ability to use domestic policy to shape world policy, and to use world policy to shape domestic policy.

“Phil had a reputation of taking to task recalcitrant Congresses, administrations and companies for not doing enough to protect our continually besieged environment. Yet Phil never hesitated in holding his fellow environmental organizations to the same exacting standards that he held for himself, and he made us all better as a result.

“Our work at WWF entwined frequently with the issues which were of vital importance to Phil. We will greatly miss his drive, savvy, energy, and enthusiastic spirit. We send our deep condolences to his family and to his colleagues at the Pew Environment Group.”