








Our planet's changing climate is the most significant conservation issue of this time. While some people deny this change or contend that humans have no responsibility for it, the Northwest Illinois Audubon Society believes we must act.
The National Audubon Society’s Survival by Degrees Report: 389 Species on the Brink, released in October 2019, indicated that future climate change will put two-thirds of birds in North America at risk of extinction due to projected range losses. Of the 604 species analyzed, none were projected to remain untouched by either climate-driven range loss or extreme weather, sea level rise, or other climate change-related threats. National Audubon Society also provided information on how climate change will affect Illinois’s Birds, such as Bobolinks, Scarlet Tanagers, and Red-headed Woodpeckers.
Our Chapter provides programs and activities to educate the public about climate change and each individual's opportunities for action.
We suggest three paths that all of us can follow:
Our daily activities, such as heating our homes, driving our cars, water usage, and diet, can increase the amount of greenhouse gases that influence climate change. Though some people may think that getting millions of people to change their personal habits and energy usage is a daunting task, this is where each of us could start.
Calculate your carbon footprint. Use the Carbon Footprint Calculator to discover your household's contribution to the global CO2 problem.
You will need to gather some preliminary data – such as your utility bills, automobile use, and travel records – but calculating your carbon footprint will only take a few minutes. Don't be too surprised when you get the result. Many of our "normal" lifestyle choices have negative impacts to the environment that we might not realize.
Once you have calculated your footprint, we suggest the following to reduce your footprint:
The National Audubon Society provides a Climate Action Guide, which provides abundant information on how to make a difference.
A large percentage of the greenhouse gases that are driving climate change are generated by activity beyond the immediate scope of individual consumers. The industrial base that creates the consumer goods and the business and government actions that provide our products and services are a major source of our climate crisis.
In a democratic society we can clearly influence these activities by our votes and political actions. Here's what you can do:
Federal
Senator Richard Durbin
230 S. Dearborn
Suite 3892
Chicago, IL 60604
312-353-4952
Senator Tammy Duckworth
230 S. Dearborn, Suite 3900
Chicago, IL 60604
312-886-3506
16th District
Rep. Adam Kinzinger
628 Columbus Street, Suite 507
Ottawa, IL 61350
815-431-9271
17th District
Rep. Cheri Bustos
2401 4th Ave.
Rock Island, IL 61201
309-786-3406
State
45th District
Sen. Brian Stewart
50 W. Douglas Street, Suite 1001
Freeport, IL 61032
815-232-0774
36th District
Sen. Neil Anderson
1523 47th Ave., Suite 3
Moline, IL 61265
309-736-7084
89th District
Rep. Andrew Chesney
50 W. Douglas Street, Suite 1001
Freeport, IL 61032
815-232-0774
90th District
Rep. Tom Demmer
105 E. 1st Street, Suite 110
Dixon, IL 61021
815-561-3690
71st District
Rep. Tony McCombie
2510 Locust Street
Sterling, IL 61081
815-632-7384
Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121
State House Switchboard: 217-782-2000
When using either switchboard, simply ask to be connected to the legislator's office.
Other organizations committed to educate and address the climate crisis: