Polar Bears International (PBI) is focused on ensuring a future for polar bears across the Arctic. On International Polar Bear Day, February 27th, the conservation group asks people to join them in celebrating the bears and taking action to preserve their sea ice home.
“Sea ice loss from climate change is the biggest threat to polar bears throughout the Arctic,” says Krista Wright, Executive Director of PBI. “Polar Bear Day is a great way for everyone to learn more about this iconic species and discover ways they can help these animals and the Arctic ecosystem they call home.”
This year, PBI is celebrating International Polar Bear Day by releasing a video entitled, Ursula. The video follows a female polar bear on Western Hudson Bay. PBI is also planning a special series of live chats about polar bears featuring scientists, staff, and special guests. Hosted on PBI’s Facebook page, the chats are interactive and audience participation and questions are encouraged. Finally, polar bear expert and Senior Director of Conservation at PBI, Geoff York, will hold an interactive Q&A on Reddit’s Ask Me Anything (AMA) thread.
“Polar Bear Day focuses on making a positive impact on our environment,” says Dr. Steven Amstrup, Chief Scientist at PBI. “We estimate that we could see dramatic declines in the number of polar bears by mid-century if we stay at the current level of carbon emissions. Polar bears rely on Arctic sea ice for hunting their seal prey. As the global climate continues to warm, Arctic sea ice melts, threatening the polar bear’s future.”
As the only nonprofit organization dedicated solely to wild polar bears and Arctic sea ice, PBI educates citizens around the world about polar bears and the challenges they face. PBI’s staff includes scientists and researchers who study wild polar bears and understand their ecology, habitat, and threats. The organization is a recognized leader in polar bear conservation.
Outside of International Polar Bear Day, PBI focuses on conservation efforts year-round and relies on global support to make the most impact. The organization encourages people to take action by supporting community projects such as renewable energy options and letting their representatives know that they support action on climate change and more protection for the environment. PBI also encourages people to donate and help amplify its impact on the lives of polar bears through research and on-the-ground conservation efforts, or through symbolically adopting a polar bear.
