| In July, we asked you to send letters to the Obama administration in support of creating a Marine National Monument to protect critical ocean habitat where Atlantic Puffins spend most of the year. More than 21,000 Audubon members responded to our alert. Together, supporters from Audubon and our partners at PEW Charitable Trust, National Wildlife Federation, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Earth Justice sent more than 132,000 letters. Last month, all the letters paid off: President Obama announced the designation of the New England Coral Canyons and Seamounts as the first Marine National Monument in the Atlantic Ocean (see related article, above). The outpouring of grassroots support was a key part in securing protection of this vital underwater ecosystem. |
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| Earlier this month, the European Parliament voted to ratify the Paris Agreement—the international deal negotiated by nearly 200 countries to cut greenhouse gas emissions and limit the increase in average global temperatures to less than 2 degrees Celsius. This vote means that the climate agreement will officially enter into force on November 4, earlier than expected because it has met a minimum threshold of ratifying nations. India submitted its official ratification to the United Nations this month, as well. The United States and 60 other countries have also ratified the plan, which is a historic step to address climate change and protect birds and other wildlife at risk. International observers stress that strong implementation of the plan and more ambitious pledges to cut carbon pollution will be crucial. |
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