Survival by Degrees: 389 Species on The Brink

Recent National Audubon Study Reveals Climate Change Threatens 64% Of North American Birds

In October 2019, National Audubon Society released a new study titled Survival by Degrees: 389 Species on the Brink. The report builds on Audubon’s 2014 Birds and Climate Change Report that revealed climate change is the number one threat to birds.

Audubon’s scientists continued to closely analyze this relationship using the latest climate science research methods and modeling, while significantly expanding their pool of data sources and bird records to capture a deeper, more extensive analysis of the effects of climate change on North American bird species.

The latest report shows that North American birds are more vulnerable than ever from rising temperatures and climate-related events like sea level rise, droughts, fires, and extreme weather.

The good news is that our science also shows that if we take action now, we can improve the chances for the majority of species at risk from climate change.

Our birds are telling us that it’s time to act now.

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​Audubon’s new science shows that nearly two-thirds (389 out of 604) of North American bird species are at risk of extinction from climate change. The good news is that our science also shows that if we take action now, we can help improve the chances for 76% of species at risk.

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Connecticut’s birds

In Connecticut, 71 out of 160 species are climate vulnerable in summer under the 3° C scenario, meaning they stand to lose more of their North American summer range than they would gain under a warming climate. Reducing emissions to l.5° C reduces the number of vulnerable species to 37. Impacts are somewhat lessened in winter, with 13 out of 144 species vulnerable.

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Connecticut Species at Risk

These are the Connecticut birds that are most vulnerable to climate change.

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Five Climate Threats in Connecticut

The five primary climate-related threats in Connecticut are as follows:

• Sea Level Rise

• Urbanization

• Extreme Spring Heat

• Fire Weather

• Heavy Rain

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What can I do to help?

• View the Climate Action Handbook

• Urge Congress to Support Climate Solutions

• Work Locally on Climate

• Plant Native Plants!

• Reduce your use of energy at home and ask your elected officials to support energy-saving policies that reduce the overall demand for electricity. ​