To safeguard America’s wildlife and natural resources from the negative impacts of global warming...Michigan – Twenty sportsmen, conservation and outdoor recreation groups from Michigan today joined nearly 600 organizations from across the country in calling on the Senate to pass comprehensive climate and energy legislation that not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions, but also dedicates a significant portion of funding towards helping our wildlife and natural resources that are currently threatened by climate change.
“From providing us with safe drinking water to sustaining our outdoor economy, Michigan’s natural resources keep our communities healthy, our families happy, and our businesses thriving,” said Grenetta Thomassey, Policy Director, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council. “As a lifelong conservationist, I’m proud to be part of such a diverse coalition of interests rallying around a common cause. Together, we urge the Senate to put us on the right path by dedicating funding from climate change legislation to help safeguard our waters, lands and wildlife for future generations.”
All the groups agree that in order to realistically tackle the existing and forecasted impacts facing our treasured wild places and animals, the Senate will need to dedicate approximately 5% of the total allowances from a climate bill towards safeguarding our natural resources from the negative impacts of climate change. Here in Michigan, Senators Levin and Stabenow are being called on to champion these provisions as climate change legislation moves through the Senate.
Healthy natural systems provide clean water, clean air and protect communities from catastrophic weather-related disasters, ranging from hurricanes to floods to forest fires. In Michigan there are 1.7 million hunters and anglers who spend $3.4 billion annually, which support 46,000 jobs. Outdoor recreation accounts an overall annual contribution of $730 billion to the national economy, supporting 6.5 million jobs.
Local, state and federal agencies, tribes and fish, wildlife and land managers are critically short of funding needed to effectively respond to the combination of the challenges posed by a changing climate.
“The threat of climate change to our natural world is unprecedented,” said Lynne Weaver, Mackinac Bands of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. “To meet this challenge our local resource managers need new dedicated resources to employ safeguards on a scale never before seen.”
The groups are urging the Senate to develop climate legislation that will establish a national policy framework to begin addressing the impacts of climate change on our natural resources; provide increased scientific capacity, coordination and information sharing; and dedicate 5% of the total allowance value to federal, state and tribal agencies.
"Time is running out for many of America’s most treasured wildlife and landscapes," said Brenda Archambo, National Wildlife Federation outreach consultant. "New and dedicated resources are needed to safeguard wildlife and natural resources from climate change impacts today so future generations of Americans can enjoy a thriving natural heritage tomorrow."
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