DETROIT (October 25, 2023) – Climate change is threatening the places that Michigan birds rely on. Yesterday, Detroit residents gathered for Birds and Brews, an event presented by Audubon Great Lakes and Detroit Audubon at Brewery Faisan, to hear from local leaders and policy experts on the steps we can take to protect Michigan’s birds and people.  

“By joining together to advocate for strong climate policies in Michigan, we can help protect the two-thirds of North American bird species at-risk of extinction from climate change, while building stronger communities,” said Adam Forrer, Policy Director of Climate for Audubon Great Lakes. “To avoid the worst impacts of climate change for birds and people, we must reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Now is an important time to take action, as the Michigan legislature is considering a package of climate bills that together will set the state on the path to 100% carbon free energy.” 

More than 60 Audubon members gathered at Brewery Faisan in Detroit to hear a panel discussion from environmental and policy experts on solutions that will protect Michigan’s birds from the looming threat of climate change, while creating resilient communities. 

Speakers included Tim Slusser, Chief of Mobility Innovation for the City of Detroit's Office of Mobility Innovation, Adam Forrer, Policy Director for Audubon Great Lakes, Gretchen Abrams, Executive Director for Detroit Audubon, and Tony Antonelli, Legislative Director for Acuitas.  

“We’re working with Audubon Great Lakes to monitor one of the biggest colonies of Black Tern, a vulnerable species that faces population declines up to 99 percent over the past 54 years,” said Gretchen Abrams, Executive Director for Detroit Audubon. “As storm events and rising water levels caused by climate change make it even harder for this species to hold on in Michigan, we need urgent solutions that reduce carbon emissions.”  

During the event, panelists discussed policy solutions like Michigan’s Clean Energy Future Package, a collection of three climate-friendly bills (SB 271, SB 273, and SB 502) that will set the state on a path to 100 percent carbon-free energy by accelerating the deployment of responsibly sited renewable energy sources.   

“Climate change is one of the biggest threats facing communities across the nation, and Detroit is no exception. As our city expects more extreme weather and flooding, we have an obligation to residents to find solutions that will create a more resilient future,” said Tim Slusser, Chief of Mobility Innovation for the City of Detroit's Office of Mobility Innovation. “Solutions like expanding clean mobility across Detroit, will help drive down harmful carbon emissions to protect residents.” 

About Audubon Great Lakes 
Audubon Great Lakes is a regional office of Audubon, learn more at gl.audubon.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  

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.