MICHIGAN (January 19, 2022) – Last week, Michigan’s Council on Climate Solutions announced the release of the MI Healthy Climate Plan, which outlines the state’s bold plan to become carbon neutral by 2050. Adam Forrer, Policy Director of Climate for Audubon Great Lakes released the following statement in response to the plan, and is available for public comment. 

“Climate change is making it harder and harder for vulnerable birds like Michigan’s Black Tern — which have plummeted by as much as 70 percent over the past half-century — to hold on. Scientific studies show that the survival of many bird species depends on healthy natural spaces and clean air and water to curb the effects of climate change.

Governor Whitmer has called for Michigan to become carbon neutral by 2050 and has set Michigan on the path to address the devastating impacts of climate change by increasing the state’s use of clean, renewable energy and enhancing energy efficiency in the years ahead.

The MI Healthy Climate plan is an ambitious first step towards achieving economy-wide carbon neutrality by 2050. Renewable energy sources are key to reducing greenhouse gas pollution, which is what we must do to stall global temperature rise and protect birds and the places they need to survive. The plan guides the state in boosting renewable energy use and energy efficiency as Michigan grows its clean energy economy.

Policies and practices to fight the effects of climate change make economic sense, as well as ecological sense. Michigan’s clean energy sector supports more than 113,456 jobs and pumps $5 billion annually into Michigan’s economy.

While the plan is a good starting point, there are opportunities to make the plan even stronger by scaling up Michigan’s use of clean, renewable energy for the benefit of wildlife, people and our natural resources. Audubon’s members and the public are encouraged to offer input on the plan through February 14."

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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.