$1 Billion for Nature & Climate: An Overview

Mass Audubon staff & city officials at the groundbreaking event for BNC's new solar array

Unprecedented levels of federal and state funds for COVID relief and infrastructure are on the table. We have a once-in-generation chance to meaningfully address chronic underinvestment of nature and climate, clean up our air and water and landscapes, and build communities that are more resilient to a changing climate.

Mass Audubon's $1 Billion for Nature & Climate advocacy campaign will drive investments in nature by using our collective power and voice.

The Problem

Nature and nature-based climate solutions have historically been undervalued and under-resourced by local, state, and federal governments. The pandemic and extreme weather events have shined a light on not only the intrinsic value of nature but its incomparable contributions to our economy and human health as well.

The Solution

Policymakers, the private sector, and philanthropists should direct $1 billion in funds toward the protection and restoration of nature in critical places; climate resilience projects, access to parks, open spaces, and trails; and strengthening our water infrastructure. Federal funds for COVID-19 relief (via the American Rescue Plan Act or ARPA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act are our best chance to drive new funds to nature—it's a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

Funding for nature and climate does double duty. Investments in nature help our communities by reducing the impacts of extreme climate-induced weather (flooding, heat waves, and drought) while also enhancing our carbon sink to mitigate against climate change. Benefits of nature-based climate solutions also include clean water and air, biodiversity, wildlife protection, and the outdoor recreation economy. And never has the importance of nature to our physical and mental health been more evident than during the pandemic.

As a thought leader on nature and climate policy, Mass Audubon is commissioning an economic analysis to quantify these benefits.

Nature is critical for our well-being, state of mind, and health. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been more important to people than ever. As nature and climate have been under-valued, so has research around the nexus between nature and human emotional, mental, and physical health. Watch Mass Audubon’s Becky Cushing Gop make the case via a TEDx Talk >

Why Us?

Together, Mass Audubon members, supporters, visitors, advisors, and staff across the Commonwealth are our best advocates for the investments we know we all need in nature and climate. We have more than 125 years of experience advocating for birds and nature, protecting land and natural resources, and providing opportunities for Bay Staters to get outside.

We have 140,000 members, supporters, and advocates just like you across the state.
We have over 100 wildlife sanctuaries and protect 40,000 acres.
We have expertise in policy, conservation science, land management, and nature education.
We have an extraordinary network of partners to build from and expand this work.

Why Now?

$1 Billion for Nature & Climate campaign pie chart

Over the coming months and into the future, state leaders will make decisions about new funding sources.

These include Federal COVID funds (the American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA); the state’s annual budget, and the Biden Administration's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

The state legislature has already allocated $377 million in funds to these priorities. We believe that we can meaningfully build upon this initial investment and make sure that $1 billion in federal and state funds flow to nature and climate, including some of Mass Audubon’s highest priority nature and climate resiliency projects as envisioned in our Action Agenda.

TAKE ACTION

Become a Mass Audubon Climate Champion

By signing up, you'll be the first to know about opportunities to advocate for nature-based climate solutions such as habitat restoration and protection. Together we can win the investments and change needed to protect against the effects of the climate crisis.

Learn more >