In early November, I used to be lucky to spend time with leaders from neighborhood and campus chapters and companions at Audubon’s 2023 Management Convention. Surrounded by our flock below the spectacular peaks of Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, I used to be reminded of the inspiring energy that Audubon represents. United by a standard imaginative and prescient of a future the place birds thrive, our highly effective and numerous power for conservation is gaining momentum.
The theme of the assembly says all of it: Native Motion. Hemispheric Influence. Now we have set our new strategic path and tied our success to the destiny of birds. The challenges we face require us to assume extra boldly and push ourselves towards new methods of working.
In August, for instance, we launched Birds and Transmission: Building the Grid Birds Need, a report that made clear that climate-vulnerable birds won’t flourish with out an growth of renewable power and transmission infrastructure. Whereas there are trade-offs to navigate, expertise tells us that via shut partnership with the power trade, we are able to shift new growth to the perfect locations for birds and communities.
What does this appear to be in observe? We take a “begin with sure” method to renewable power growth. After years of collaboration with power builders and neighborhood leaders, the SunZia Transmission Venture in New Mexico and Arizona is being constructed with the purpose of minimizing environmental affect. It’ll carry 3.5 gigawatts of renewable power onto the western grid—sufficient to energy greater than 2.5 million properties. In the meantime, Audubon safeguarded locations within the area for Sandhill Cranes, Western Yellow-billed Cuckoos, and Southwestern Willow Flycatchers.
From the American Southwest to the worldwide stage, Audubon is giving voice to the urgency of local weather change for birds. In September, Audubon was a sponsor of Local weather Week NYC, which coincided with the United Nations Normal Meeting. In late November, an Audubon delegation hosted occasions as a part of COP28, the 2023 UN Local weather Change Convention, in Dubai. Our message: A chook agenda can also be a individuals and planet agenda.
As we embrace the approaching new 12 months, I’m impressed by the ambition of our new strategic plan, our Flight Plan. By transferring collectively in the identical path, we’ll attain our vacation spot. On this means, we’re just like the birds that encourage us.
This piece initially ran within the Winter 2023 situation. To obtain our print journal, change into a member by making a donation today.
