Photo above: Common Murre by Mick Thompson
Climate change is by far the biggest threat to the birds that we love. That’s why Audubon works for solutions to counteract the effects of climate change and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This means not only dramatically reducing carbon emissions, but offsetting what we cannot eliminate, for instance by maintaining healthy forests or supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
Your Guide to Climate Action
Feeling like you can’t make a difference? That couldn’t be further from the truth. Here’s where to begin and how to amplify your efforts to make lasting change in the world.
Audubon's Climate Science
From community science observations to in-depth research from our staff scientists, Audubon applies its cutting-edge science in conservation, mitigation, and adaptation efforts across the United States and into Central and South America, where many of America’s climate-sensitive birds spend their winters.
Survival by Degrees: 389 Bird Species on the Brink
Read Audubon's new climate report, which finds that two-thirds of North American birds are at increasing risk of extinction from global temperature rise. Find out how species in your state will be affected, and which birds we can help by acting now.
Audubon Report Shows That Important Bird Habitats are Key Natural Solutions to Climate Change
Important ecosystems for birds can also store tens of millions of tons of carbon naturally if maintained and restored.
The Future of Birds in Our National Parks
A new Audubon study on how climate change will affect birds in our country’s
Baltimore Oriole, a species vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Photo: Shari McCollough/Audubon Photography Awards
Federal Policy
Audubon works with federal decision makers both in the nation’s capital and at home in their backyards to achieve common sense solutions to climate change. We engage with our 1.8 million members and the 45 million Americans who consider themselves bird lovers to make complex environmental impacts tangible.
Audubon members, staff, and volunteers descend on the Washington state capitol to speak with their local representatives on Environmental Lobby Day in January of 2019. Photo: Luke Franke/Audubon
State Policies
Audubon is local everywhere. With leadership in 18 state and regional offices, and with chapters and members in all 50 states, Audubon has the presence and a committed membership to react to our changing climate in communities across the country. Our national staff works with our local offices and partners to find solutions that make sense for each region where we work, and that resonate on a wider level to help create lasting protections for birds and the places they need nationwide.
Renewable Energy
Thanks to major advances in technology, renewable energy has become increasingly more affordable and obtainable for both businesses and individual homes. That’s good news for people and birds, since adopting renewable energy is critical to reducing pollution, lowering global temperatures, and preserving the places that birds need to survive.
That’s why Audubon strongly supports renewable energy—including solar, wind, and geothermal power—that is properly sited in ways that avoid, minimize, and mitigate negative impacts on birds and other wildlife. We also advocate that Congress and wildlife agencies should ensure strong enforcement of laws that protect birds and wildlife, like the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Greater Sage-grouse displaying on a lek in a Sagebrush ecosystem at Pathfinder Ranches, Natrona County, Wyoming. Photo: Evan Barrientos/Audubon Rockies