Representatives of Audubon California today reacted to this morning’s release of the State of California’s draft climate change adaptation plan by saying that the plan, while well-intentioned, threatens to come up short in managing the sweeping impacts to birds, wildlife and habitat that a number of studies are telling us to expect. “This is a commendable effort from a state that is already far ahead of the game in dealing with climate change,” said Graham Chisholm, executive director of Audubon California. “But it nonetheless underestimates the severity of the problems we face, and as a plan needs more teeth to protect the state’s tremendous natural resources.

Chisholm pointed to recent research by Audubon California that shows which bird habitat areas of the state will remain relatively stable compared to others that can be expected to see dramatic losses in bird populations. He said that this type of research is showing California policy makers just where they need to make critical investments to safeguard birds and other wildlife.

Of particular concern to Audubon California is the lack of specificity on how the different branches of state government will work together for the best results for birds and wildlife. “California is a complex state and it will be easy for one agency’s solution to climate change to become a problem for wildlife. That could lead to bad outcomes for all,” Chisholm said.

“We shouldn’t ignore the fact that safeguarding our outdoor landscapes from the harsher impacts of climate change will cost money, and that is why Audubon supports a robust cap and trade system that can generate this funding,” said Chisholm. “Moreover, a crisis like this requires tougher mandates than mere voluntary measures.”