Birds are definitely on the ballot this November. In fact, rarely will we get a chance to help birds and habitat so much by merely casting our vote.

Proposition 4—the Climate Bond—will invest $10 billion across California on wide array of proven strategies to address the challenge of climate change. This will include habitat protection, water, wildfire prevention, and restoration—all of which are vital to helping ensure a future for our most vulnerable birds.

For instance, just as the Threatened Western Snowy Plover is showing signs of bouncing back, climate change-driven sea-level rise and extreme weather threatens to reduce habitat and food resources. Prop. 4 will devote $1.2 billion toward coastal habitat protection, combatting sea level rise, and improving coastal resilience.

In the Central Valley, where dwindling water and drought threatens survival of birds like the Tricolored Blackbird, Yellow-billed Magpie, and the Northern Pintail, Prop. 4 would come to the rescue with $3.8 billion in clean water, drought response, and flood protection.

While wildfire is a healthy part of any forest ecosystem, the high-severity fires we’ve experienced in recent years have devastated forest habitat critical to birds such as the California Spotted Owl. Prop. 4 will devote $1.5 billion toward wildfire prevention and forest resilience projects.

Of course, the benefits of Prop. 4 go well beyond the birds, ensuring a brighter, cleaner, healthier future for all of California’s communities. The bond will send $850 million toward much-needed clean air programs, and $1.2 billion toward nature-based climate solutions. It will also devote $700 million toward the creation of new parks and green spaces, as well as increased outdoor access in underserved areas.

Importantly, Prop 4 allocates at least 40% of funding to lower-income and climate-vulnerable communities, many of which have not received funding in past bond efforts.

This is a rare opportunity for all of us to make a difference in the fight against climate change with our vote this November, and ensure a better future for everyone, including our birds. Vote YES on Prop. 4.