“Heading south for the winter?” Nope. Global warming is pushing birds north

A new study released by the National Audubon Society (NAS) found that more than half of 305 birds species in North America, including robins, gulls, chickadees and owls, are spending the winter about 35 miles farther north than they did 40 years ago. Why? There are lots of reasons birds shift their travel range -- urban sprawl, deforestation and even the supplemental diet provided by backyard feeders. But NAS researchers say the only explanation for why so many birds over such a broad area are doing so is global warming. This is strong evidence that global warming is already altering wildlife’s -- and our own -- environment. You can learn more about how global climate change may affect bird populations with the American Bird Conservancy and National Wildlife Federation’s online Birdwatcher’s Guide to Global Warming. Or check out which species are on the move and then learn what you can do to help reduce the worst impacts of global warming.

In case you missed them: More good reasons to address global warming now

Not long ago, the folks over at Environmental Defense Fund released illuminating details about the urgency of what many call the climate crisis. Their report outlines how much global warming has cost our economy already and how much that amount will increase. Visit EDF to learn about climate change and its impact on the economy, then get an update on President Obama’s proposed ‘cap and trade’ system from EESI. Don’t think global climate change affects you? Read about the real life impacts already being experienced by people and businesses, then find out what you can do by checking out our global warming resources and green lifestyle tips.  

Flexibility and creativity = more options to save energy and money?

While there’s debate about whether the recent adoption of four-day work weeks in some states will live up to anticipated savings in energy costs, government offices in New York, West Virginia and North Carolina are considering it. Schools and post offices are also weighing their options to save energy and cut costs. While your own employer might not be considering such dramatic changes, you can help make sure you and your workplace are reducing your environmental impact with easy fixes. Check out our environmental tips for greening your office cleaners, going paperless, and greening your commute – or – talk to your employer about offering telecommuting options!

Defending the wolf

“We know everything we need to know about a society by how it treats its animals,” quoted actor Ashley Judd while appearing on Larry King Live this month with Defenders of Wildlife’s president at her side. The two appeared together to talk about their opposition to Alaska Governor Sarah Palin’s controversial support of aerial wolf hunting. Alaska grants aerial-hunting permits to thin predator populations thought to reduce the number of caribou and moose that human hunters can take home to eat. But many believe the wolf slaughter is actually reducing the wolves' important role in maintaining healthy moose and caribou populations, and has an unknown impact on other prey animals and ecological systems. America's wolves nearly went extinct in the 20th century and then made a remarkable recovery in parts of the country. Now they’re threatened again. Watch Judd and Defender of Wildlife’s leadership to get their take on why many believe aerial-hunting is an inhumane and irresponsible practice, then learn about the threat to America’s wolves and what you can do to help.>> MORE