Statement from Audubon President, Dr. Frank Gill On the 2010 U.S. State of the Birds Report
"The 2010 U.S. State of the Birds Report is a powerful wake up call. It says we must all tackle the threats of a changing climate, not just for the birds but for our own good as well.
"We must not tolerate the loss or even the decline of birds that this report shows to be at risk from climate change. The vulnerability of species from the Black-footed Albatross to the common Nighthawk reminds us of how vulnerable we are, too.
"Fortunately, people can still make a difference for these birds and for the future. We can restore and protect the critical habitats that will help vulnerable species to weather challenges of a changing climate. We can demand the local and legislative changes that can shrink our contribution of climate-altering emissions. The birds are telling us we must act now.
"This groundbreaking report must be a rallying cry for the millions of people who care about birds and nature. It took countless citizen and professional scientists to gather the data that made the report possible and it will take even more committed people to address the peril it reveals. Together we can alter the future, just as Audubon has done for more than a century. We're grateful to be among so many concerned organizations united in compiling this vital report and in charting a healthier course for birds and for people too.
"We commend Secretary Salazar and the Department of the Interior for leading the way in identifying the climate threat to birds, wildlife and our environment, and for leadership in helping wildlife adapt to a changing climate."
Remarks of Glenn Olson
Donal O'Brien Chair for Bird Conservation
National Audubon Society
"There is tremendous power in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and so many dedicated conservation groups coming together to gather and translate complex scientific data into an understanding of what is happening to the birds and to the world we share.
"The science says it all: some of the most beautiful but vulnerable creatures in the world are in real trouble. And that's helping us see that we are too.
"The dangers to these birds reflect risks to everything we value: our health, our finances, our quality of life and the stability of our natural world. But if we can help the birds weather a changing climate, we can help ourselves.
"More than a century of Audubon experience confirms that we can do it.
"Across America, nearly 500 Audubon Chapters are working close to home to protect and restore the habitats essential to helping birds and other wildlife to endure the unprecedented challenges that come with a changing climate. You can meet them, you can talk to them and you can see the difference they're making.
"We've also got people of every background, political persuasion and walk of life calling for tough action to shrink the emissions that make this crisis worse every day. And that's just Audubon—there are millions more bird lovers and other groups like the Nature Conservancy working with us to engage them.
"This report is their call to action. It means: if you love nature and care about the health of our planet, there is no time to lose. This isn't just about birds; it's about our chance to shape our future."
Olson was recently appointed by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to a three-year ex-officio term on the North American Wetlands Conservation Council and the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Advisory Group. http://web1.audubon.org/news/pressRelease.php
Dr. Greg Butcher, Audubon's Director of Bird Conservation and co-author of a 2009 report on Birds & Climate Change, served on the Science Team for the 2010 Report.
The State of the Birds Report will be posted online at www.stateofthebirds.org
Action people can take to help birds and stem Climate Change
Audubon Action Center
www.audubon.org/globalWarming/