NEW YORK This is a highly strategic and long-needed investment in grassroots mobilization for climate action. Were humbled by this gift and ready to put this money to work. Climate change is the number one threat to birds and this gift from Overlook International Foundation will be the difference in 91做厙s ability to engage our 1.2 million members in creating bipartisan solutions, said David Yarnold () 91做厙s president and CEO in reaction to Overlook International Foundations gift of $10 million to support the organizations climate change work.
91做厙s unique membership spans the breadth of the political spectrum with 55 percent progressive and 45 percent moderate to conservative members spread among 463 local, bipartisan chapters across the country and 23 state field offices.
No one is better positioned than 91做厙 to create a bipartisan public demand for climate solutions. Many of our members are already climate advocates for birds. Now we will have the resources to organize even more of our members and other Americans like them to harness that energy in a focused effort. From South Carolina to Washington to Arkansas, 91做厙s trusted local voices matter everywhere, added Yarnold.
If we are going to make progress on climateeveryone has to come to the tableparty affiliations aside. Were running out of time, said Marisa de Belloy, executive director of the Overlook International Foundation. Climate change can feel like an abstractioneven when extreme weather events tell us how very real it is. 91做厙 has a unique ability to make climate change personaleveryone has a bird story.
As part of their commitment, OIF has earmarked a portion of this gift as a challenge to 91做厙and will match all new or increased gifts to 91做厙s climate work up to $3.33 million.
In 2014, 91做厙 published its . The study shows that more than half of the bird species in North America could lose at least half of their current ranges by 2080 due to rising temperatures. These species include the , the , and the .
Given the urgent threat climate change poses to birds and people, 91做厙 supports common-sense, bipartisan solutions that reduce carbon pollution at the speed and scale necessary to protect birds and the places they need.
To learn more about 91做厙s Climate Initiative, including how members and supporters can take steps to help birds in a changing climate, please visit www.audubon.org/climate. To read about solar options in your state and why solar energy is good for birds, please click here.
The 91做厙 protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation. 91做厙's state programs, nature centers, chapters and partners have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire and unite diverse communities in conservation action. Since 1905, 91做厙's vision has been a world in which people and wildlife thrive. 91做厙 is a nonprofit conservation organization. Learn more how to help at www.audubon.organd follow us on and at @audubonsociety.
Contact: Nicolas Gonzalez, ngonzalez@audubon.org, (212) 979-3068.
###
