Polar Bear Welfare and Climate Change

Polar bears face existential welfare threats from climate change-driven sea ice loss, which reduces hunting opportunities and forces bears into starvation and dangerous human contact zones.

Key Facts

Global polar bear population is estimated at 20,000-25,000 individuals
Sea ice in the Arctic has declined by around 13% per decade since 1979
Polar bears depend on sea ice as a platform for hunting seals, their primary food source
As ice-free periods lengthen, polar bears face extended fasting and increasing starvation risk
Some populations are already showing declining body condition, reduced cub survival, and increased mortality

Welfare Considerations

Polar bear welfare is directly and severely affected by climate change. Extended ice-free seasons force bears into prolonged fasting beyond their physiological capacity. Starving bears in poor body condition suffer acutely, and reduced maternal fat stores lead to smaller, weaker cubs with lower survival rates. As bears range further into human-occupied areas in search of food, conflict incidents - including bears being shot in defence of life - are increasing. Female bears denning on thinner, less stable ice face den collapse risks. The trajectory of Arctic sea ice loss makes deteriorating polar bear welfare increasingly difficult to reverse through any means other than fundamental climate action.

What You Can Do

Take personal action to reduce your carbon footprint and support climate policy
Support polar bear research organisations monitoring population health
Advocate for ambitious international climate agreements to limit Arctic warming
Donate to organisations working on both polar bear conservation and climate advocacy
Learn about the connection between consumer choices and Arctic climate impacts