New study reveals where conservation can deliver for birds, communities and climate

Today, the National Audubon Society announced the publication of a new study in Scientific Reports that identifies places in the continental United States where conservation efforts would provide a triple benefit to protect bird habitat, naturally store carbon, and improve the well-being of local communities that have been underrepresented in conservation efforts.

This novel study represents an important opportunity to direct conservation toward efforts that are likeliest to succeed and secure a healthy future for birds and communities. This new science will guide Audubon’s approach to hemispheric bird conservation efforts as the organization celebrates its 120th year in operation.

“Birds point the way to healthier communities and a safer climate,” said Marshall Johnson, chief conservation officer with the National Audubon Society. “Our new science proves we don’t have to choose—by protecting birds, we can protect people and the planet.”

Audubon scientists began their analysis by identifying the places in the continental United States that are currently important habitat for birds today and will continue to be priority habitat under different climate scenarios in the future. These “climate strongholds” were then mapped and prioritized alongside areas of high carbon storage or sequestration. Areas where they are aligned can provide key opportunities for nature-based, or natural climate, solutions through conservation or restoration efforts.

Natural climate solutions can advance climate goals by conserving landscapes and bird habitat that store carbon naturally, such as wetlands, forests, grasslands, and urban green spaces. After these dual conservation priorities were mapped, Audubon researchers then compared the overlapping areas with spatial data on underrepresented communities that have been left out of environmental conservation efforts. These include communities that would benefit from conservation efforts in the form of cleaner air, cleaner water, more productive soil for agriculture, and more moderate temperatures.

“We have an incredible opportunity before us to protect birds, our climate, and our neighborhoods by letting the people with the most at stake lead the way,” said Dr. Brooke Bateman, Audubon’s senior director of climate and community science and lead author of the study.

“Historically, local engagement has been lacking from the conservation and climate sustainability efforts. By partnering with and supporting local communities from the beginning, we increase the likelihood of successful environmental conservation.”

Birds in North America face dual crises that threaten their population stability. Since 1970, North America has lost nearly 3 billion birds, representing more than 1 in 4 birds. The 2025 State of the Birds report confirmed that these losses are happening across all habitat types in the United States and that status quo conservation efforts are not sufficient. Habitat loss, among other drivers, represents a major challenge to bending the bird population curve back upwards.

Climate change represents another existential threat to the remaining birds, both today and in the future. According to Audubon’s Survival By Degrees, if climate change continues under business-as-usual scenarios, more than two-thirds of all bird species in North America would be vulnerable to extinction.

Climate change is already impacting the suitability of existing habitat for birds and other wildlife. Protecting irrecoverable carbon stores and sequestering additional carbon via natural climate solutions represents an opportunity to both act on climate as well as protect bird habitat that benefits biodiversity.

“Birds tell us they’re facing dual crises in the form of population declines as well as climate uncertainty,” said Bateman. “The best way to bend the bird curve lies in empowering and engaging the frontline communities as well—our linked futures depend on it.”

To explore the map of areas prioritized for biodiversity, carbon storage and sequestration and social vulnerability, click here. This study will be presented at Climate Week NYC the week of September 22nd—to learn more about that, please click here.