Recent news about retreating ice in the Arctic and how it affects polar bears has been described as the “canary in the coal mine” in terms of climate change. Remote sensing from space has revealed a large “doughnut” hole in Arctic ice coverage, the first time that such a phenomenon has ever been recorded. Scientists report that more than 20% of the sea ice in the Far North has disappeared over the last two decades. A diminishing ice pack directly affects polar bears, as sea ice is the platform from which they hunt seals. In the Western Hudson Bay population, biologists have documented a 22% drop since 1987. Scientists predict the decline will continue over the next 50 years.

“It's clear from these changes that it's vitally important that we continue our conservation efforts on behalf of the bears,” says PBI's President, Robert Buchanan. “In setting our priorities for 2007, we worked closely with the polar bear scientists who serve on our Advisory Committee. These front-line teams helped us determine which research projects are most critical to ensure the bears' survival.”

In addition to funding research projects, we also plan to continue our highly successful educational programs over the coming year. “We work hard to develop 'Ambassadors of the Arctic' through educational projects that help people to think globally and act locally,” Buchanan says. “It's important for people to understand the challenges that polar bears face in a changing Arctic.”