Environment
Protecting water during climate change is one of the most important challenges of our time. Whether it’s droughts, floods, wildfires, rising sea levels or changes in the ocean food chain – climate change affects every place we have water. We’re in a water crisis and we need to act like it.
The foundation's Environment strategy seeks lasting water solutions in three key geographies: the Colorado River Basin, the Mississippi River Basin and our Oceans. Our goal is to make sure there is enough healthy, available water for people and nature to thrive together. To meet this challenge, we need the best ideas from everyone. Big decisions to protect water must include those closest to the problem.
To learn how to grow enough food, while protecting soil and water – we listen to farmers. To keep enough fish in the ocean -- we listen to fishermen. To find ways to use less water in the West – we learn from tribal nations. They have lived there longer than anyone else.
Together, we can make lasting progress to create a secure water future. We measure progress by the increasing use of conservation solutions that benefit nature and people, the number of wetland acres or river miles restored and the recovery of depleted fisheries.
Our work supports climate-resilient approaches to agriculture, water resource management and sustainable fisheries. Our specific initiatives will:
• Drive Innovation
We work with on-the-ground partners to find nature-based solutions that lead to wider adoption of effective practices.
• Use Markets to Advance Sustainability
We support communities using market demand for sustainably produced products to improve agricultural practices and fisheries management. By doing this, we can show that sustainable sourcing is good for the environment and business.
• Encourage Smart Policy
Federal, state and local policy all drive long-term change to protect water. We elevate the voices of tribal nations, farmers, ranchers and fishers to craft policies that improve the economy and environment.
• Engage & Empower Diverse Allies
The foundation works with diverse communities, other philanthropies and the public. We are expanding engagement with Communities of Color, who experience more severe impacts of climate change.
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July 28, 2021A position paper presented by the Walton Family Foundation, working to protect and preserve water resources so nature and people can thrive together. -
April 21, 2022The foundation’s Environment Program leaders discuss the threats posed by climate change – and the actions we can take to turn the tide
Time and again, polling on climate change shows us what we already know from experience – water brings people together.
- 95% of Americans say that protecting the water in our nation’s lakes, streams and rivers is important.
- 84% believe protecting the health of our water is essential to address climate change.
- 3 in 5 voters say drought, increased temperatures, wildfires, extreme weather and flooding are a product of climate change’s effect on water.
- 3 in 4 adults are concerned about having access to safe drinking water over the next 10 years.
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August 25, 2022Tackling inequities like access to clean water and indoor plumbing requires working directly with the communities most affected -
December 13, 2022More than 62 million people living in the U.S. are Latino or about one in every five. Latinos make up the second largest demographic, yet Latinos are not a monolithic voting bloc. While the Latino community varies in political party affiliation, a new poll has found that the overwhelmingly majority support strong policies to protect the ocean and prevent plastic pollution. According to the U.S. Latinos and the Ocean Poll, conducted for Azul, Latino voters want the nation to invest more, and are willing to pay more themselves, to advance ocean justice. -
March 10, 2023A trio of Atlanta HBCUs are leveraging Audubon’s national network for campus and community change
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May 4, 2021We’re committed to helping tribal communities achieve their aspirations for protection and restoration of Colorado River water -
December 15, 2022A national poll found overwhelming support among Latinos for measures to protect oceans. Grassroots organizers are turning that passion into action
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December 16, 2021In the West, conservationists, ranchers and land managers are restoring streams with techniques perfected by nature’s most diligent engineers -
July 27, 2022Ten years ago, Congress passed the RESTORE Act. Today, this landmark legislation is advancing natural infrastructure that protects Gulf communities -
April 27, 2022Natural areas managed to provide ecological and societal benefits present an opportunity to address increasing climate change
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August 31, 2018All of us depend on healthy oceans for the air we breathe, the food we eat and the livelihoods our oceans support. -
April 5, 2018Roots of Conservation is a series of stories about the people working to address threats to water quality and soil health in the Mississippi River Basin. -
January 23, 2018Water in the West is a series of stories about the people working to address threats to water supply in the Colorado River basin and find conservation solutions that make economic sense for people and communities.
