NEWS ADVISORY
(Sacramento, Calif., March 16, 2021)—On Tuesday, March 16, 2021 California Asm. Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) will join Audubon California, Azul and Latino Outdoors to announce introduction of a bill that would recognize access to nature as a basic human right and direct state agencies to ensure that policies reflect the need of all Californians for safe, convenient outdoor recreation opportunities.
**PORTAVOCES DISPONIBLES EN ESPAÑOL**
What: Virtual news conference
When: 11:30 a.m., March 16, 2021
Where: https://audubon.zoom.us/j/95799125801?pwd=dk96MmZralFzYkdVVHhyWFJkRHo4dz09
Contact jason.howe@audubon.org or 415-595-9245 for passcode.
Who: Asm. Ash Kalra, (D-San Jose)
Juan Altamirano, Associate Dir. of Public Policy, Audubon California
Marce Gutiérrez-Grandinš, Founder and ED, Azul
Jose Gonzalez, Founder and ED Emeritus, Latino Outdoors
Why: While studies indicate profound benefits of time spent outdoors in natural settings, research also shows that communities of color are three times more likely than white communities to live in nature-deprived areas and that 70 percent of low-income communities live in nature-deprived areas. In addition, Black, Latino and indigenous people often encounter hostility or threats when trying to enjoy time outdoors.
Maintaining urban green space is an important part of “30 x 30,” an international effort to maintain biodiversity and create resilience against climate change, recognized in an executive order signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in October. Multiple studies show a steep decline in bird populations that depend on them, in California and beyond. The number of birds in North America has dropped by one-third – a billion individual birds -- over the past 50 years, likely due in large part to loss of suitable habitat. At the same time, Audubon research shows that remaining birds face an uncertain future as the continent warms.
CONTACT:
Jason Howe, jason.howe@audubon.org; 415-595-9245
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About Audubon
The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.
