More than 50 years after the first Earth Day, we stand at a pivotal moment where a changing climate and habitat loss imperils biodiversity. At the same time, we have the power to take bold steps forward for a cleaner future.
When it comes to birds, the timing could not be more urgent. The latest State of the Birds report found that species in every habitat of the United States have seen drops in numbers—even among waterfowl, which had been a success story. The time to address dipping numbers and bend the bird curve back up to population growth is now.
As scientists and conservationists, we are committed to a path to a better future for both birds and people. Birds are found in nearly every habitat on the planet, making them uniquely meaningful as both an indicator of the health of our environment, and as a visible reminder of how we are all deeply connected. Because millions of birds travel massive distances across the hemisphere each migration period, their survival links us all. Whether it’s a species native to your hometown or a spring visitor you look forward to each season, all of us – birders and non-birders alike – have a bird story.
Right now the story that birds like the Northern Pintail, whose summer breeding grounds are threatened by increasing temperatures, are telling us is that they are in trouble, and they need our help.
Over our 120-year history, Audubon has worked with leadership all across the political spectrum to protect the spaces that birds need to survive. We do this through common sense approaches that are informed by science, identifying the values that unite all of us: protecting our favorite outdoor spaces, ensuring clean air and water for our communities, and making sure that the birds that we love can thrive. We work with policymakers across the aisle to help protect basic environmental protections, and we also work with farmers and ranchers to help them make working lands beneficial for both agriculture and grassland birds.
Our climate work protects the natural landscapes that not only serve as critical habitat for birds, but also store carbon naturally in soil, trees, and water. These include forests, grasslands, wetlands, and even green spaces in our cities and towns. Conserving these areas keeps our communities beautiful and natural while helping our favorite birds.
We also recognize that as our energy demands grow, the need to meet them responsibly is more important than ever. We already know that two-thirds of North American bird species are vulnerable to extinction if we do not reverse global temperature rise, and clean energy is key to achieving this goal. Through efforts like our reports on offshore wind and building out transmission, as well as engaging on the ground through our chapters and regional offices, we are working with local residents, business partners, and governments at every level to ensure that renewable energy is built with birds and people in mind.
While we do all of this on the organizational level, there is also so much that individuals can do to help birds this Earth Day. Whether it’s turning off lights to help migrating birds, growing native plants, or becoming a climate advocate, we have resources to help you engage and make a difference. This Earth Day, and every day, we are inspired by the passion and commitment of our community as we work together to protect birds, and the natural spaces they need to survive.
