Five Ways You Can Help Birds in a Changing Climate

The birds we love need our help now. Here鈥檚 what you can do.

Climate change threatens more than 300 species of birds in North America, according to the findings of 探花精选's . But you can help these birds have a brighter future. Below are five ideas to get started today at home and in your community.

Get Talking

When it comes to climate change, studies show聽that people鈥檚 opinions on the topic are shaped most by what they hear from their peers. So start conversations (in person or online) with friends and family about the birds you love, and about聽. If you're not sure how to start these conversations, check out聽this handy graphic for ideas.

Show Your Community That Birds Matter

Ask your local leaders what they are doing to protect wildlife in the face of climate change. Share stories about聽your favorite climate-threatened birds with your community groups, or consider leading聽a field trip to a local Important Bird Area (IBA)聽or park聽to connect people to species聽that need our help. Reach more people by writing a letter to your local newspaper, speaking at a community event, or visiting a nearby school and sharing why birds are important to you.

Grow a Bird-Friendly Garden

Create a safe haven for聽birds in your yard or聽container garden聽by , using fewer pesticides, and adding a bird bath. Native plants provide important food and shelter for birds and help them adapt to a changing climate. You can make school grounds, parks, vacant lots, and other community areas bird-friendly, too. Consider a DIY birdbath or turning breakfast into a bird feeder.

Stand for Solutions

To fight climate change, we need聽policies and technology that cut carbon pollution and聽increase renewable energy. Common-sense measures such as聽energy efficiency, renewable energy standards, and putting a price on carbon pollution can all help reduce emissions and limit the effects of global warming on birds. Talk to your elected leaders about these options, and learn more here about how to go solar and why it's good for birds. To take action online on climate and other important issues that affect birds, join our .

Give a Little, Take a Little

And if none of this strikes your fancy, you can on your behalf and pour yourself a climate-themed cocktail. Don鈥檛 let the drink鈥攐r the birds鈥攇o extinct.