RESTON, Va. — Congress and the administration should take climate action that will curb greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 45 percent by 2030, achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and help frontline and disadvantaged communities affected by this critical transition. This resolution, adopted by the National Wildlife Federation’s 52 state and territorial affiliates, was one of 10 resolutions adopted at the 84th Annual Meeting. It heeds the urgent advice of scientists to limit average global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change, and recognizes that both climate impacts and solutions require proactive interventions to ensure all communities can thrive.

“The National Wildlife Federation … hereby urges the United States Congress and all federal agencies to swiftly adopt and implement policy actions that will ensure that the United States will achieve at least a 45 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to 2010 levels by 2030 and net-zero emissions (taking into account carbon removal) by no later than 2050,” the resolution reads in part.

“Congress and the administration shall take affirmative action on behalf of disadvantaged communities including, but not limited to those communities experiencing the dire impacts of the changing climate and those that may experience short-term economic dislocation due to efforts aimed at meeting the 2030 interim and 2050 goals, to positively transform their lives, livelihoods and communities,” the resolution concludes.

The National Wildlife Federation is America's largest and most trusted conservation organization. Its 52 affiliates gathered virtually for the first time ever for the 84th Annual Meeting. 

The National Wildlife Federation’s affiliates also approved resolutions to:
• Call for western state congressional delegations to demand that British Columbia protect downstream communities from British Columbia mining impacts like acid-mine drainage on transboundary watersheds.
• Protect and restore North American grasslands with investments for voluntary conservation, tools to help ranchers keep grasslands in grazing and an agreement with Canada and Mexico to work cooperatively.
• Protect the Tongass National Forest consistent with National Roadless Rule protections.
• Call for enhanced marine species management to prevent overfishing.
• Support the formation of a Mississippi River Basin fishery commission.
• Investigate the impacts of PFAs chemicals on fish and wildlife.
• Reduce wildlife mortality and habitat fragmentation from highway and roads.
• Oppose federal efforts to weaken the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
• Urge on state and local governments to protect island wildlife from domestic cats and other invasive predators.

Conservation Achievement Awards
The National Wildlife Federation Conservation Achievement Awards began in 1966. Since then, the National Wildlife Federation has celebrated individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting wildlife through education, advocacy, communication and on-the-ground conservation. 
This year’s awardees were:
• Affiliate of the Year: Idaho Wildlife Federation
• Affiliate Volunteer of the Year: Pete Pedersen, Environmental League of Massachusetts
• Conservation Achievement Award: Young Leader Manoj Sarathy, Conservation Northwest (WA State)
• Conservation Leadership: Claude Jenkins, Alabama Wildlife Federation
• Charlie Shaw Conservation Partnership, Affiliate: George Meyer, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation
• Charlie Shaw Conservation Partnership, National Wildlife Federation Staff: Frank Szollosi, National Wildlife Federation