Today, Governor John Bel Edwards announced coastal restoration priorities that included resiliency efforts, upriver management, and curbing carbon emissions. With disappearing coasts, rising temperatures, and climate-related events such as flooding, scientists have concluded that Louisiana birds are among those facing the greatest threats.

“National Audubon Society scientists reported in Survival by Degrees: Bird Species on the Brink that climate change is the number one threat to birds,” said Karen Profita, executive director Audubon Louisiana. “Governor Edwards’ priorities and his vision to make Louisiana a leader in climate change efforts are in perfect alignment with Audubon Louisiana’s work to conserve, restore, and protect the places in our state important for birds and people. As a science-driven organization, we are thrilled by Governor Edwards’ commitment to put, ‘science over politics.’”

Gov. Edwards signed an executive order that announced a Chief Resilience Officer, Charles Sutcliffe, responsible for integrating the Coastal Master Plan into decisions made by other state agencies to provide a more sustainable coast. In addition, he announced plans to establish a Climate Initiatives Task Force that will develop a strategy for Louisiana to address climate change and sea-level rise.

Sea-level rise and climate change are severe threats to migratory birds, and as Louisiana is an important stopover for birds right before and after migrating across the Gulf of Mexico, it is imperative we take action against climate change and reduce carbon emissions.

##

Audubon's mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity. Audubon Louisiana works daily to engage, conserve, restore and protect important areas shared by birds and people. See more at LA.Audubon.org.