INDIANA (July 23, 2021) – Indiana’s birds are telling us it is time to take action on climate. Yesterday, 80 Indianapolis residents came together for Birds & Brews, presented by Audubon Great Lakes and Amos Butler Audubon Society at Metazoa Brewing Company, to hear from local leaders and policy experts on the steps we can take to protect birds for generations to come.  

“From the Bobolink to the Field Sparrow, Indiana birds are more vulnerable than ever to warming temperatures and climate-related events like heat waves, flooding and droughts,” said Marnie Urso, Senior Policy Director for Audubon Great Lakes. “It’s going to take all of us coming together to protect Indiana’s communities and wildlife. Tonight, Indianapolis residents let us know that they are passionate about addressing the biggest threats facing birds.” 

During the event, participants enjoyed a complimentary craft beer and heard from a panel of policy experts who discussed important climate policy solutions that will protect birds and people at the local, state and federal level. Panelists included Representative Carey Hamilton (D-IN-87), Morgan Mickelson, the City of Indianapolis Director of Sustainability, Andrew Mills, Vice President of Political Affairs for National Audubon Society and Katie Nelson, Director of Legislative Affairs at the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA).  

“As more people recognize the urgent threat of climate change and its far-reaching impacts, we have real opportunity to advance sustainable solutions. Climate change is one of the biggest threats facing the wildlife community and our bird population. Thank you to the Audubon Society for raising these issues and working to make positive change to protect our environment,” said Representative Carey Hamilton.  

“I would like to thank Audubon Great Lakes for the invitation to join the panel discussion at their Birds & Brews event last night. I was honored to have the opportunity to add my voice, and a local government perspective, to this important discussion alongside an esteemed group of individuals focused on driving climate action through policy, at all levels of government,” said Morgan Mickelson, the City of Indianapolis Director of Sustainability. “I applaud the National Audubon Society for driving forward progress at the national level and for working toward solutions that will not only protect our beautiful birds but also protect our communities from intensifying weather events.” 

One of the solutions discussed was the Growing Climate Solutions Act, which recently passed in the US Senate, championed by both of Indiana’s U.S. Senators Mike Braun and Todd Young. The bipartisan bill would support farmers, foresters and landowners in adopting sustainable practices to create a cleaner future for birds and people.  

Audubon’s recent climate report found that unless the rate of global temperature rise is slowed significantly, two-thirds of North American bird species are vulnerable to extinction, and the threats posed to the places that they need to survive have dangerous implications for people as well. Audubon supports solutions to protect birds and people from the effects of climate change by achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. 

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.