FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2013

President Obama Calls for Action on Climate Change in Inaugural Speech
Statement from Defenders of Wildlife President Jamie Rappaport Clark:

“Climate change is the most pressing environmental challenge of our time and President Obama is to be commended for embracing this challenge head on. His leadership is critical; we must act now to slow the spread of greenhouse gases and help our communities and wildlife adapt to a warming world.

“The recent catastrophic weather events we have all witnessed are the best evidence that this is an urgent matter that needs to be addressed right now. We stand with the president in supporting a comprehensive response to these impacts, from reducing greenhouse gas emissions to protecting and restoring our forests, rivers, and wetlands to help them better withstand the warming of our planet so they can continue to provide us shelter, water, flood protection and other critical benefits. Future generations and the wildlife we share our planet with depend on it.”

For over 75 years, Defenders of Wildlife has remained dedicated to protecting all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With a nationwide network of nearly 2.1 million members and supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on X @Defenders.

  

News

Image
Louisiana Black Bear
Raleigh, N.C.

Defenders Receives Advocacy Organization of the Year Award

Defenders of Wildlife joined its partners in the Safe Passage coalition today to accept the Advocacy Organization of the Year Award at the 2026 Sweethearts
Image
Two North Atlantic Right Whales
Washington, D.C.

Defenders Raises Alarm Over Administration’s Proposal to Amend Rule Protecting North Atlantic Right Whales From Deadly Vessel Strikes

Defenders of Wildlife is devastated to learn that a three-year-old female North Atlantic right whale was found dead off Virginia on February 10, 2026. This