Mr. Berle was involved in almost every environmental issue that has engaged the nation over the past three decades. During that period, he was an environmental lawyer in private practice, served three terms in the New York State Assembly, and was commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, where he confronted the environmental problems of PCBs in the Hudson and toxic contamination from Love Canal. For ten years, from 1985 to 1995, he served as president and CEO of the National Audubon Society, one of the nation’s oldest and largest environmental groups; during his tenure, he was responsible for the renovation of its headquarters into a “green” structure, the most energy efficient office building in Manhattan. Later, he was director and host of The Environment Show on WAMC, Northeast Public Radio, which is heard in six states, ranging from Vermont to Pennsylvania. At various times in his career, he also served as an adjunct professor, teaching environmental law.

Most recently, Mr. Berle was president of Sky Farm Productions, Inc., which produces environmental programming for public television, including “Environmental Minutes,” two-to-three-minute video segments for broadcast by public television in the intervals between regular programming. Each segment deals with a separate environmental issue and suggests how the viewer, through his or her conduct, can promote a sustainable solution.

Mr. Berle served on numerous advisory groups, including the Task Force on the Future of the Adirondack Park, which he chaired for then-Governor Mario Cuomo; U.S. EPA advisory groups on the Clean Air Act and on Biotechnology during the George H. W. Bush administration; and the Joint Public Advisory Committee to the North American Commission on Environmental Cooperation, to which he was appointed by President Clinton. He also served as the vice chair of the New York Independent System Operator, a nonprofit organization formed as part of the restructuring of New York State’s electric power industry.

Mr. Berle, a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, was awarded honorary degrees by Hobart Smith College, North Adams State College, Long Island University, and Southern Vermont University.