Less than 1% of Arizona's General Fund needed to help safeguard state's environment, experts say

There are three billion fewer birds across the United States than there were in the 1970s, according to researchers at the National Audubon Society.

This trend has been especially noticeable in Arizona as climate change and human development continue, as the state has a very fragile resident and migrant bird population, the society said. Other large portions of Arizona's wildlife, vegetation, and water are also being placed at threat and will see great damage in the coming years.

Some of the most pressing dangers can be met by diverting some of Arizona's $11.76 billion General Fund towards environmentally-focused projects and programs, according to the National Audubon Society Southwest division's Policy Director Haley Paul.

In fact, only 0.5% would be needed to make serious change.

"Less than one percent of the state’s General Fund to prioritize all those critical things for water, birds, the environment, and people," Paul said. "Arizona's general fund is pretty healthy right now, and so we need to take a moment to invest in these places that matter to both birds and people."

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