Dear Audubon Advocate,

In recent days, we have witnessed deadly and catastrophic flooding happening in Kentucky and Missouri. Wildfires are again burning in the West, and the Pacific Northwest is sweltering under another record-setting heat wave just a year after the worst heat wave on record in the region. And we know that two-thirds of North American bird species will be vulnerable to extinction without action.

As we send our heartfelt thoughts to those currently impacted, we have an opportunity right now to make a very real difference in what happens next.

The U.S. Senate has a chance this week to take a critical step forward in reducing emissions and creating a cleaner future for birds and communities. Senators need to hear that their constituents—people like you—want action on climate. Our window for passing legislation is closing rapidly.

Take action today and ask your U.S. Senators to vote YES on historic climate legislation.

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 represents one of the most significant pieces of climate legislation to come before Congress. It would significantly bolster clean energy, sustainable agriculture and forestry, environmental justice, and many other provisions to create a more sustainable future.

Birds are the canaries in the coal mine. They are telling us that their survival—and ours—depends on healthy natural spaces and clean energy to curb the effects of climate change. 

Scientists tell us that we must reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050—meaning that the amount of carbon removed from the atmosphere naturally or through technology equals the amount of pollution emitted. That requires urgent action starting today, and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 would put us back on track to reach our energy goals.

It is not too late, but there is no time to lose. If we stand together and act now, we can still protect our most vulnerable birds and build healthier, stronger human communities.

Please take a couple of minutes right now—before the vote—to write to your U.S. Senators and urge them to pass legislation to fight climate change THIS WEEK.