Policy and Management

Because of our team’s long history with polar bear research, our staff scientists are uniquely positioned to provide expert testimony on policies that impact polar bear survival. A good example of this is our recent analysis of the risks posed to denning families by proposed drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a key polar bear denning area. Our staff scientists prepared expert commentary on the threats to polar bear moms and cubs and our chief scientist, Dr. Steven Amstrup, testified before Congress. 

In addition, research spearheaded by Dr. Amstrup, then with the U.S. Geological Survey, led to the polar bears’ listing as a threatened species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act—the first species listed under the act due to habitat loss as a direct result of human-caused climate change.

Finally, we know that people around the world have extraordinary power to influence climate policy, at all levels of government. Through awareness day campaigns and distributing climate action tools, we empower communities to call for and enact climate solutions.

Because polar bears roam across five nations and are unaware of national boundaries, our staff scientists and policy experts regularly participate in circumpolar conservation and management groups, including:

• The Polar Bear Range States, composed of representatives from the five polar bear nations (Canada, Greenland, Norway, the U.S. and Russia). This includes taking part in its Conflict Working Group, which focuses on promoting coexistence between polar bears and people. 

• The IUCN Polar Bear Specialist Group, which includes top scientists studying polar bears. This group meets every three to four years and serves as the Scientific Advisory Board to the Polar Bear Range States.