Climate Change & Energy

Sustaining People and Nature in a
Rapidly Changing Climate
JULY 2010

The rapidly changing climate is a major threat to people and wildlife. The overwhelming scientific evidence is that these changes are driven by heat-trapping gases produced by the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas to power our homes and industry, and fuel our vehicles. Read our Climate Change Statement (PDF 173K), Sustaining People and Nature in a Rapidly Changing Climate and look through our website to find out how Mass Audubon is taking action.

By consuming less, being more energy efficient, and increasing renewable energy production, we may avoid the most damaging of the predicted impacts. Now is the time to act.

Mass Audubon has already made significant and unique contributions to meeting this threat by:

• Reducing our carbon footprint by more than 40% since 2003 by implementing energy and water efficiency measures, and purchasing and producing our own green electricity;
• Protecting over 34,000 acres of land representing a “living laboratory” for monitoring climate change and learning how people and wildlife might cope with predicted changes;
• Providing a statewide network of nature centers within easy reach of most Massachusetts residents;
• Having nationally recognized expertise in K-12 environmental education;
• Maintaining a network of more than 100,000 members, representing a tremendous force for change; and
• Providing scientific and public policy expertise to inform and encourage the environmentally responsible development of renewable energy.

These steps are just the beginning. To continue making a difference, Mass Audubon has identified these priorities to guide our response to climate change over the next ten years.

• Reduce our carbon footprint an additional 10% (for a total of 50%) by 2014 and share our lessons learned;
• Engage and educate the Mass Audubon community to reduce their carbon footprint by 25% by 2020;
• Advocate for local, state, and national public policy for the development of renewable energy facilities, and for sustainable water management and land use;
• Work to protect large areas of existing carbon-storing Massachusetts forests and further protect our existing wildlife sanctuaries; and
• Increase scientific and public understanding of the effects of climate change on Massachusetts wildlife and habitat. Read our most recent report (pdf).

Just as we all contribute to climate change, we can all take steps to protect our land, wildlife, and health. Here are a few simple steps you can take immediately to decrease your impact:

• Calculate your current carbon footprint, set a reduction goal, and recalculate annually;
• Schedule a home energy audit (ask your utility company if they offer a free audit), and then complete the most energy efficiency improvements that you can afford;
• Purchase green electricity;
• Become part of the Mass Audubon community.  With your membership, support, and participation, you will be part of the movement of people that help combat climate change; and
• Write or call your elected officials and ask them to support national climate change and energy legislation.