Act Now
Photo: BJ Kirschhoffer / Polar Bears International
Polar bear standing on a large melting sea ice floe - BJ Kirschhoffer

Earth Day

Join us in helping to move the dial on climate change, creating a better future for polar bears and for all of us.

Earth Day is April 22!

Whether you are a student, business owner, community member, or government leader, we all have a role to play in supporting a swift transition from fossil fuels, stabilizing our climate system and creating a safer world for all of us.

Mother polar bear laying on a melting ice floe as one COY approaches her - Kt Miller
Photo: Kt Miller / Polar Bears International

Let's Make An Impact

Our Earth Day focus is on human-caused climate change, with impacts that extend well beyond polar bears and the Arctic to our own backyards. Together, we can help fast-track climate action—adding to the momentum and serving as extra hands to push the climate boulder up the hill.

Polar Bears Need Sea Ice—and So Do We!

The Arctic is warming nearly four times as fast as the rest of the planet, causing the sea ice to melt. Polar bears rely on sea ice to hunt, breed, roam, and sometimes den.

But it’s not just about polar bears. Sea ice serves as the earth’s air conditioner, helping to stabilize our global climate and keep our planet cool.

The recent IPCC global climate report is crystal clear, for polar bears and all of us: human-caused climate change threatens all life on this planet, we need to swiftly reduce fossil fuel emissions to address it, and we have a roadmap to securing that safer and brighter future.

Get Involved on Earth Day

  • Share the steps needed to stabilize our climate. No one can say, “We don’t know what to do or where to start.” The recent IPCC report holds all the information that communities and elected officials need to make the best choices for a livable future.

  • Become part of the solution. Check out our Advocacy Toolkit and find a way to plug in based on your own strengths and interests.

  • Join us for an Earth Day broadcast. Watch the live chat on from Tundra Connections page on April 22at5 p.m. ET, the event will showcase clips from cams around the world and celebrate nature.

  • Watch an inspiring TED Talk. Our own Alysa McCall offers solutions on coexisting with polar bears.

  • Send a free Earth Day e-card. Show your love of polar bears and commitment to the planet.

Polar Bears & the Changing Arctic

Big, brilliant, and built for cold, polar bears are the very symbol of a wild Arctic. Yet despite their size and strength, they need our help to survive the coming decades.

Climate Action Inspiration

No matter what your skill set or circumstances, you can help move the dial on climate change. In the list below, meet others who are taking action—giving you ideas that, collectively, will help move the dial on climate.

  • Get involved in your community

    All around the world, community projects are lowering carbon emissions on a local level and providing inspiration for others to follow.

    1) In Davis, California, Safe Routes to School Coordinator Daniela Tavares worked with parent volunteers on a Polar Pedal program that encourages students to walk or bike to school. The campaign not only reduces carbon emissions from vehicles, but has health benefits and reduces traffic around schools. Learn more about Safe Routes to School programs and how you can bring the concept to your community.

    2) Through his Brooklyn-based company, BlocPower, Donnel Baird is working to make old residential buildings in underserved communities energy-efficient, saving money for residents and slashing carbon emissions.

  • Become an involved parent

    Hear that? That’s the sound of an electric school bus fleet pulling into your district and shuttling your kids off for the day – without all the nasty toxins found in diesel school buses (and cigarettes).

    The key here is getting the information in front of the right folks. The government is already offering MILLIONS of dollars to districts across the U.S., they just need a little push from mom to get the wheels turning.

    Ready to get started? Find out what group has oversight on the buses in your town. Is it the town select board? The mayor? The school principal? The school committee? Once you've found the right person to talk to, ask them if they have explored electric buses, and tell them how much clean energy means for our kids' future. If you need a little help check out an organization near you already working towards electric school buses.

    Team up with a local climate organization.

  • Mentor and inspire youth

    Many young people feel passionate about the need to take action on climate change. By supporting their efforts and providing guidance, you can help them succeed.

    Jarett Paperny, a teacher in Bozeman, MT, uses our educational materials in after-school programs, inspiring students to care about polar bears and get involved in taking action.

    “I teach an after-school program for K-5 students, and all of them have developed an understanding of climate change from Polar Bears International’s materials. Not only do they care about polar bears, but they’re interested in making a difference.”

  • Support green businesses

    By supporting companies that are leading the way on climate change, and avoiding those that are impeding progress, you can become a powerful voice for change. In addition to mindful shopping, following are examples of ways to help shift the marketplace.

    Climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe recommends decarbonizing your retirement savings by investing in fossil-fuel-free mutual funds—and sharing these funds with your financial advisor.

  • Use your voice on social media

    Social media has emerged as a powerful way of connecting with people around the globe, providing inspiration and mobilizing action.

    Alex Haurus - Alex is an impact-focused creator using his platform to advocate for climate solutions and conservation policy while also sharing a contagious appreciation for nature. He finds concrete ways we all can get involved and produces creative content to get those solutions in front of as many people as possible. Most recently, Alex connected young people to a public comment period about new oil and gas development in Western Alaska—ensuring young people have a say in decisions that will impact their future.