Irreplaceable: Wildlife in a Warming World

Feature:
Irreplaceable Wildlife in A Warming World
Graphic of irreplacable species, emperor penguin.
We are connected to each other, to our environment. From faraway places to our own backyard. But climate change is now changing the Earth as we know it, and animals and plants from the Arctic to the Everglades are feeling the consequences.
Key Resources:

Polar Bear

A symbol of the Arctic, polar bears are the world’s largest land predator and biggest member of the bear family.
Photo Credit:
Tom Mangelsen / ILCP (Part of Irreplaceable Wildlife Photo Exhibit)
Divider

  1. Subscribe to Earthjustice:
    Get email updates on our work to protect endangered species and other important issues!
       Please leave this field empty

  2. Join Earthjustice
    Support our vital work to preserve our natural heritage, promote a clean energy future, and safeguard our health.

Polar Bear

Scientific Name: 
Ursus maritimus
IUCN Red List: 
Vulnerable
Endangered Species Act List: 
Threatened

A symbol of the Arctic, polar bears are the world’s largest land predator and biggest member of the bear family. With heavy fur, blubber up to four inches thick and black skin that absorbs heat from the sun, polar bears are amazingly well adapted to the Arctic climate. Denning females spend long periods of time largely immobile without eating or drinking, yet they do not lose bone mass or suffer from lack of water. Scientists believe that understanding polar bears may hold the key to treating many diseases.

Climate Change Impacts

Sadly, polar bears may be one of the first species lost in a warming world. These magnificent animals are facing unprecedented threats as a warming climate and loss of their sea ice habitat make it more difficult for the bears to hunt prey like seals and find dens for their cubs. Though polar bears are well adapted to extended fasts, they can only survive without food for so long. Since polar bears have evolved to live in the extreme conditions of the Arctic, even minor climate changes could profoundly impact the species.

Irreplaceable in Your Neighborhood

The Earthjustice traveling photo exhibit, Irreplaceable: Wildlife in a Warming World, is available to bring education, scholarship and research to your community. For more information on booking the exhibit, including fees, exhibit specifications, requirements and descriptions, please contact Nadine de Coteau at 1-800-584-6460.