The Climate Bond Will Help Build the Resilience that Californians and Birds Need
Prop 4 puts a brighter, cleaner future for our state on the ballot this November
Yes on Prop 4: A Brighter Future 4 Everyone
Birds need a climate bond. People need a climate bond.
Investing in a Climate-Resilient Future
This November 5th, all Californians will have the opportunity to vote for a brighter, cleaner, healthier future for our communities, by voting Yes on Prop 4 (the Climate Bond)! This historic bond would be the single largest investment of public funding for climate resilience in California history.
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The need for action is urgent—according to Audubon’s science, nearly two-thirds of North American bird species could face extinction by the time someone born today in the U.S. reaches their average life expectancy of 76 years, by the year 2100.
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These are urgent investments in proven solutions—from conserving rapidly disappearing habitats and protecting our natural treasures, to ensuring clean drinking water for all communities and preventing disastrous wildfires, resources will go where it is needed most to secure a resilient future.
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Proposition 4 will be uniquely equitable because it dedicates at least 40% of its funding to underserved and climate-vulnerable communities.
California Prop 4 Quick Facts
Proposition 4—also known as the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024—is a rare opportunity for Californians to make a real impact on climate change with their vote on the Nov. 5, 2024 ballot.
If passed, it will authorize the state to borrow $10 billion to make urgent investments in proven solutions that address the threat of climate change to California communities, wildlife, and habitat.
Prop. 4 offers us a real opportunity to ensure a better future for California’s natural treasures, including its incredible birds and landscapes, while at the same time protecting California’s diverse communities. [Audubon California joined forces with more than 180 conservation and environmental justice organizations, as well as key legislative partners, to give Californians this chance to make a real difference on climate change]. Audubon also knows that bond measures like Prop 4 provide real benefits for birds, other wildlife, and our communities. *For example: Proposition 1 in 2014 provided over $100 million to deliver much-needed water to drought-stricken Central Valley wildlife refuges. Proposition 68 in 2018 led to the creation of new parks along the Los Angeles River, provided habitat and outdoor recreational opportunities in some of our most densely urban neighborhoods.
Investments from Proposition 4 will focus on eight key categories. First, $1.2 billion will be allocated to protect biodiversity and implement nature-based climate solutions. Next, $1.5 billion will support wildfire and forest resilience efforts. Additionally, $3.8 billion is designated for safe drinking water, as well as drought, flood, and overall water resilience. For addressing sea level rise and coastal resilience, $1.2 billion will be invested. Clean air programs will receive $850 million, while $700 million is earmarked for park creation and enhancing outdoor access. Furthermore, $300 million will support climate-smart and sustainable farms, ranches, and working lands, and $450 million will be allocated for extreme heat mitigation.
Prop. 4 makes important investments to reduce wildfires, improve forest resilience, land protection, habitat conservation, working lands partnerships, and parks.
The bond will address critical needs in California State Parks by investing $175 million in deferred maintenance projects, such as repairing roads and trails, creating more opportunities for Californians throughout the state to connect with birds and nature. Additionally, Proposition 4 allocates $50 million to sea level rise adaptation projects on state beaches, ensuring that they will continue to be available for recreational use in the future—and great places to watch marine birds.
We Can Vote for a Brighter Future
We invite you to join us in envisioning a future that works for all of us.
Supporting this bond means investing in our environment, our treasured biodiversity, and the well-being of all Californians, creating a brighter future for everyone.
Audubon California is proud to support the Yes on Prop 4 campaign and encourage all Californians who care about our shared future to vote for this unprecedented opportunity.
YES on Prop 4: The Future We Create
A quick guide to how voting Yes on Prop 4 will benefit California:
Rivers, Lakes, Streams, and Wetlands
YES on Prop 4: With $335 million to rivers, lakes, streams, and wetlands, this initiative supports 19 state and federal refuges and wildlife areas in the Central Valley, crucial for birds on the Pacific Flyway.
Climate-Smart and Sustainable Farms
YES on Prop 4: With $300 million in funding, programs like Audubon’s Conservation Ranching Program will promote sustainable, bird-friendly practices on farms, ranches, and working lands across California.
Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program
YES on Prop 4: With a $200 million investment, we will transition agricultural lands to sustainable uses, potentially creating tens of thousands of acres of bird habitat in the Central Valley.
San Francisco Bay Habitat Restoration
YES on Prop 4: $85 million will help restore habitats in the San Francisco Bay, supporting the region's rich biodiversity and enhancing its resilience to climate change.
Revitalize the Salton Sea
YES on Prop 4: Despite the shrinking shoreline at the Salton Sea, thousands of shorebirds gather to refuel during their spring and fall migrations, counted meticulously by our dedicated teams. With a $170 million investment, the Salton Sea Management Program will create 14,500 acres of wetland habitat, protect local communities from harmful dust storms, and provide a crucial refuge for wildlife.
Parks and Outdoor Access
YES on Prop 4: Imperiled Monarch butterflies and songbirds like the Least Bell’s Vireo have a chance at making a comeback, thanks to community restoration efforts at locations like the Audubon Center at Debs Park in Los Angeles, Starr Ranch in Orange County, the Kern River Valley Preserve, and Bobcat Ranch in the Central Valley.
Learn More About Prop 4
Frequently Asked Questions about Prop 4
California's Climate Bond is an important opportunity to take climate action!
CA’s Revised Budget Highlights Critical Need for a Climate Bond
Governor Newsom's May Revise proposed budget wrestles with cuts in important climate and conservation programs
Ad paid for by National Audubon Society Action Fund.
California Birds Threatened by Climate Change
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