Audubon: 'Yes' on I-1631

Increasingly severe forest fires, floods and storms make it clear that dramatic climate change is upon us. People with years of experience watching birds are witnessing first hand evidence of the climate change underway as bird ranges shift and habitats degrade. The scientific consensus has long been that the way we live has a major bearing on climate change. We are responsible, we can do something about it and it is long past time for delay.

Skagit Audubon Society has joined Audubon Washington and Audubon chapters across the state endorsing Initiative 1631. This citizens’ initiative will put a price – a fee on pollution – on carbon emitted by the largest polluters in our state. The price will increase over time as an incentive to move away from burning fossil fuels and towards non-carbon sources of power. Economists agree that this approach will significantly reduce the carbon emissions driving climate change.

Research by Audubon scientists has shown that hundreds of North American bird species are at risk as climate changes faster than birds and their habitats can adapt. In winter, Skagit County hosts more Trumpeter Swans, the world’s largest waterfowl, than anywhere else in the lower 48 states. In 50 plus years, climate change will eliminate this bird from our state because of loss of the habitat it needs. Similarly, other familiar species will decline or vanish; among them, the bald eagle, rufous hummingbird, hooded merganser, common loon, even the mallard so common now.

Some criticize I-1631 for being less than perfect, perhaps a result of being painstakingly developed by a very large coalition of groups. But the need for action is urgent, and we cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Please join Skagit Audubon in supporting I-1631.

Catherine Carter

Board member, Skagit Audubon