Senate Report Warns of Perils of Ignoring Science on Climate Change

WASHINGTON (August 25, 2020) – The Senate Democrats’ Special Committee on the Climate Crisis released a report today that provides a framework to address climate change and achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050. The report comes a few weeks after the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis released its own report.

"This report provides an important roadmap for Congress and makes a compelling case for the need to respond to the twin threats of COVID-19 and the climate crisis,” said Michael Obeiter, senior director for federal policy at the National Audubon Society. “Audubon’s own research has shown the devastating effects that increasing global temperatures have on birds and the places they need to survive.”

The Senate report addresses 15 different aspects of addressing climate change, including environmental justice for communities of color and low-income communities that traditionally have borne the brunt of climate change, support for agriculture and farmers in efforts to carry out their work in ways that are sustainable for the environment, and research and innovation to make renewable energy more efficient and attainable.

“Taken together, the critical steps outlined in this report, like investing in clean energy and protecting and restoring natural landscapes, will help us realize a cleaner future and a stronger economy that protects both birds and people from the threats of climate change,” said Obeiter. “We thank Sen. Schatz for his leadership and for the work of the committee in putting this plan forward, and we will continue to work with leaders across the political spectrum to meet the challenges posed by our changing climate.”

Last year, the National Audubon Society released a report showing that if the rate of global temperature rise is allowed to continue at current pace, two-thirds of North America’s birds will be vulnerable to extinction. But if that rise is slowed to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the majority of those birds can be protected.

About Audubon
The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Media Contact: Robyn Shepherd, robyn.shepherd@audubon.org