For decades, climate change has been one of our greatest conservation challenges and has become one of the leading threats to birds and other wildlife in New York and across the nation. The National Audubon Society’s Birds and Climate Report has found that many of New York’s most iconic and beloved bird species are threatened by climate change. Many of these species are currently threatened by other factors, such as habitat loss, while others are species we previously considered secure but could face significant shifts in their ranges as a result of climate change.

Now, more than ever, we have a responsibility to be the voice of the birds and aggressively combat this urgent threat head on by protecting the places that birds need to thrive and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Over the next five years Audubon New York is focused on:

• Increasing protection of at least 10 focus areas and other Important Bird Areas (IBAs)  that are provide essential habitat for birds under a future warmer climate.
• Ensuring New York State is on track to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050 - the level of reduction experts say is necessary to prevent the worst effects of global warming.
• Building a stronger, more diverse force for action on climate change to monitor birds and advocate for solutions to tackle this threat.