Supporting change for climate initiatives helps polar bears too!

As an Arctic Ambassador Centre¹, and long time supporter of polar bear research, the Edmonton Valley Zoo has been keeping its eye on how Canada’s polar bears are being impacted by climate change. Newly released research shows a 27 percent decrease in adult female polar bears, young bears, and cubs over the last five years in the Western Hudson Bay population. These groups are ones that scientists have long predicted would be most negatively impacted by longer ice-free seasons due to the need to fast for longer periods of time.

The 2021 research findings highlight the continued importance of efforts by Edmontonians to address the long-term, overarching threat of climate change. When we change for climate, we help wildlife as well.

Arctic Ambassador Centres like the Edmonton Valley Zoo work with Polar Bears International to educate and empower people to take immediate steps to reduce CO2 for the conservation of polar bear habitat and other species impacted by a warming world.

“Concern for the climate is normal and addressing climate warming can feel overwhelming—but time and time again, humans have accomplished things that once seemed impossible. And fortunately, in this case, we already have the answers we need.”
— Polar Bears International

Here are a few things you can do to change for climate AND save sea ice for polar bears:

1. Continue to support and implement our initiatives:
   1. Support an energy shift: Get involved in community projects that reduce or replace fossil fuels with clean energy sources like solar and wind. Take the Actions for Change challenge!
   2. Help build better: Check out programs available to increase energy efficiency in Edmonton homes and businesses.
   3. Promote clean transportation: Learn the many ways to get around in an environmentally friendly way.
2. Talk about it: talk about climate change and climate solutions with friends and family. By talking about climate change you’ll make it a kitchen table issue and policy priority.
3. Sign up for action alerts from our partners at Polar Bears International.

Polar bears have evolved to be amazing specialized predators of the Arctic sea ice. Unless climate-change-induced ice loss is halted, reductions of this habitat may drive this species to extinction. However, there is hope because we are all part of the solution. Thank you for doing your part as a member of this Change for Climate community.

¹ Arctic Ambassador Centres are organizations endorsed by leading polar bear scientists, the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums for actively engaging in saving polar bear habitat through greenhouse gas reductions within their organizations and their communities.

Photo Credits: (1) "Dmytro-Cherkasov_274", (2) "Dmytro-Cherkasov_319", (3) "SCA-000001" by Polar Bears International