IFAW statement regarding the 2024 US elections

As the 2024 Presidential election season was kicking off, IFAW commissioned a national survey to better understand voters’ views on wildlife conservation and environmental issues that affect us all. The results were clear—Americans across the political spectrum care about conserving wildlife and our shared planet.  

Nearly 90% of Americans care about protecting endangered species from the threat of extinction. So, we’ll keep working to save the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale from extinction and to uphold laws like the Endangered Species Act, which has saved 99% of listed species. 

Seven in 10 Americans agree that disasters are becoming more frequent due to changes in climate. Our dedicated staff and volunteers recently returned from assisting officials in North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida to care for animals impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. We will continue to support communities in preparing for disasters and show up to help them when they strike.  

80% of Americans support the US funding wildlife conservation in other countries at or above current levels. This critical funding combats the illegal wildlife trade, which often converges with other forms of transnational organised crime, such as human and drug trafficking and money laundering. It safeguards Americans from zoonotic disease spread and helps keep out invasive species. And, importantly, it conserves the wildlife and ecosystems that not only captivate hearts and minds, but also provide immeasurable value to global and human health and well-being.  

Conserving the planet’s biodiversity is an ever-changing and ongoing challenge—never a battle that is won or lost in four years. Our goals and vision remain the same. We’ll be planning and looking to the next Administration and Congress, but so far beyond that as well.