PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
June 27, 2013
Contact: Michelle Smith, Communications & Marketing Manager
msmith@maineaudubon.org
(207) 781-2330 x209
Mobile: (207) 838-0511
Maine Audubon Applauds President Obama’s Climate Action Plan
Cuts in Carbon Pollution will protect Maine wildlife and wildlife habitat
Falmouth – In response to President Obama’s Climate Action Plan announced this week, Maine Audubon Executive Director, Ted Koffman, released the following statement:
“We applaud the bold step President Obama took this week to address the threat and impacts of climate change. This much needed step from the federal government is long overdue. His plan to cut carbon emissions from the nation’s power plants (which account for more than one-third of United States’ greenhouse gas emissions) and to invest in energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy will curb the impacts our warming planet is having on wildlife and wildlife habitat.
We are pleased that a key component of the President’s plan is to implement climate-adaptation strategies for fish and wildlife populations, forests, freshwater resources and the ocean. Here in Maine, warmer winters could cause a decline in populations of moose, lynx and our state bird, the black-capped chickadee. The increase in extreme weather and storms has caused increased flooding, property damage and road washouts, interfering with travel of fish and other aquatic animals up and downstream.
Storms and flooding have caused poor road stream crossings and culverts to wash out, creating safety issues for drivers and barriers for wildlife. Maintaining key habitat connections for wildlife as the climate changes is critical for their survival. Looking at two key Maine species, brook trout and Atlantic salmon, we know they need cool water refuges to survive the summers. As temperatures increase, it will be more difficult to find these cool sections of stream.
Investment in climate change adaptation strategies will also boost our state economy. In 2011 alone, state residents and visitors spent $1.4 billion in wildlife recreation. Climate change and its impacts are a large and complex issue. Working together, we can mitigate the effects of climate change and move forward with a plan that benefits both people and wildlife.”
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About Maine Audubon
Maine Audubon’s science-based approach to conservation, education and advocacy advances wildlife and wildlife habitat conservation in Maine. Our citizen science programs connect Maine people to engaging volunteer opportunities that make meaningful contributions to conservation research. The largest Maine-based wildlife conservation organization in the state, Maine Audubon has eight centers and wildlife sanctuaries and serves over 50,000 people annually, with 15,000 members and 2,000 volunteers.
Conserving Maine’s wildlife. For everyone.
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