Statement: New report shows rapidly declining bird populations

Environment America

According to a new report published in the journal Science, bird populations in the U.S. and Canada are plummeting. Today, there are 2.9 billion fewer birds than there were in 1970 — a nearly 30 percent decrease.

Steve Blackledge, Senior Conservation Program Director for Environment America, responded to the new research: 

“We can’t keep our heads in the sand anymore. You only need to look up at the sky to realize that we have a big problem with our birds. 

“Like a clarion call, this study demands that we quickly focus our attention on protecting and enhancing habitat for birds and wildlife. The Land & Water Conservation Fund, which funds conservation projects around the country, is our best tool for that. Over the years, Congress has diverted $22 billion away from this program. But now they have the opportunity to fully fund it. They should do so. 

“We also need to move away from pesticides. There are plenty of ways to grow food and keep our parks pristine without dosing our lands and bodies with toxic pesticides. We simply need to break the addiction. 

“Given this news, its unconscionable that the Trump administration is weakening the Endangered Species Act. That’s clearly the opposite direction we should be going.” 

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Environment America is a non-profit advocacy organization that protects the places we love and promotes the core environmental values we share. The organization has 29 state affiliates.