Global Warming

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Global Warming

• Framework for Discussion

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Audubons position since 1995 Global Warming is
not a priority issue for Audubon. Why?

• Science is uncertain
• gt How reliable are climate models?
• gt How severe are consequences?
• gt When will it happen?

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• 2. It isnt our issue
• gt We cant do everything
• gt We have no particular expertise
• gt Not our brand image
• gt Not what our members expect us to do
• gt Other organizations are doing it

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• 3. We cant make a difference
• gt Too big, like world hunger
• gt No one knows how to solve it
• 4. It will distract us from other issues where we
  can make a difference

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Why Re-examine Our Position Now?
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Scientific Agreement Now Overwhelming on Most
Issues

• Temperatures are rising at alarming rates
• Primary cause CO2 from fossil fuels
• Correlation of CO2 temperature clear
• Current CO2 concentration already at levels
  greater the the last 650,000 years
• Expected consequences more severe
• Expected timing is sooner

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Carbon Dioxide and Temperature 400,000 yrs
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CO2 Atmospheric Concentrations AcceleratingLast
Year 380 ppm
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Temperatures Rising
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Now the Single Greatest Long-Term Threat to all
Birds, Wildlife Habitat

• Will cause extinction of 15-50 of all species by
  2050
• 40 of all endemics extinct by 2050
• Greatest threat to IBAs Everglades, ANWR, Long
  Island Sound, Gulf Coast
• 40 of land areas unable to sustain current
  ecosystems

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Historic Transition to a Post-Kyoto Strategy

• Kyoto Treaty not sufficient to deal with the
  issue.
• Environmental community needs new strategy going
  forward.
• Issue for Audubon Will we be at the table
  helping to develop implement that new strategy?

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Goal for New Strategy Change U.S. Policy on
Fossil Fuels

• U.S. is by far worlds largest emitter of
  greenhouse gases
• U.S. is the economic, military moral leader of
  the world
• If U.S. does not lead, every other country has
  excuse to do nothing

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WHY IS THE US CRITICAL?
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Levels of Action in Overall Strategy

• Individual Organizations such as Audubon
• Environmental Community Green Group
• Broad national fundraising marketing, engaging
  labor, civil rights, agriculture, faith-based,
  business, environmental and other groups

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Elements of New Strategy That Will be More
Important Include

• Education increasing public awareness
• Changing individual behavior
• Grassroots organizing
• Public policy advocacy

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An Audubon FrameworkAligned with this Emerging
Strategy

• Science Strength Birds as Indicators
• People Strength Motivating Individual Actions
  and Engagement
• Grassroots Strength Building capacity with
  Chapters and Center
• Decentralized Strength Political Actions at the
  Local, State and Federal Level.

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Potential Actions for Audubon Include

• Use birds as indicators
• Monitor climate related changes bird migrations
• Lead by example Change behavior to reduce
  emissions, both individual organization
• Make Chapters Centers focal point of action
  Provide materials information
• Use Magazine, Audubon at Home, Web Site to inform
  engage people
• Emphasize changing state local policy
• Develop Principles to guide policy action

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