We have all felt and seen a monumental shift over the past weeks. From state to national elections, the future of Rhode Island’s environment has come into sharp focus, and three truths have emerged.

1. We Are All Green

The results are clear … Rhode Islanders overwhelmingly support the protection of open spaces and farmland. Across every town and city, the Green Bond passed — even in communities that rejected all other bond questions. Urban areas, where open space is often scarce, voted for the Green Bond by the largest margins. This result clearly shows that regardless of where we live, Rhode Islanders value nature and understand the importance of preserving the natural world.

2. Support for Environmental Protection Is Under Threat

National priorities are shifting, and hard-fought progress over the past four years is at risk. Climate change mitigation may take a backseat, incentives for renewable energy projects could diminish, and protections for vulnerable communities may disappear. We cannot depend on federal action to safeguard our environment — we must act together and do it ourselves.

3. It’s All Local Now

Protecting the nature of Rhode Island, building climate-resilient communities, and preserving biodiversity falls squarely on our shoulders. If we don’t step up, who will?

Over the past three years, Audubon has made a deep commitment to science, tackling the issues of bird and insect population decline and working to stop the indiscriminate harm caused by poisons like neonicotinoids and second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs). We have pioneered innovative nature-based solutions to improve stormwater management and local water quality, and to protect our communities from the impacts of climate change.

Audubon education programs have expanded in Rhode Island’s urban communities, and we work with schools across the state to offer nature programming to learners of all ages and abilities, ensuring that nature is accessible to everyone. Audubon has made it a priority to lower barriers to outdoor experiences — our wildlife refuges are free, welcoming and open to all, because we believe access to nature is a right, not a privilege.

In just the past 16 months, Audubon has acquired some 400 acres of critical natural habitat, permanently protecting it for the species that call Rhode Island home, and those species that pass through on their migrations.

With national support for environmental protection uncertain, Rhode Island’s future depends on all of us to safeguard our resources, our communities, and our wildlife.

Through this election, Rhode Islanders proved once again that we value a clean and healthy environment, no matter our politics. Now it’s time for us to work together. Please consider volunteering in your community to support environmental projects or join our team of advocates and let your elected officials know that protection of our natural resources is a priority.

Let’s ensure that our state remains a haven for all who call it home — people, plants, and wildlife alike. It’s all up to us.

Jeffrey C. Hall is the executive director of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island.