Activity 5D: Apply

Watch this video to see the core story of polar bears

1. What’s at stake?

2. Why it matters?

3. What can we do about it?

Questions to consider

• Where does advocacy fit into your action plan?

• Is advocacy part of your organization’s conservation strategy?

• How can you navigate the politics in your region to do effective advocacy?

• How can you find out what climate policy efforts are underway at the state and national level?

While we emphasize the need for policy changes and community action, we also talk about the collective power of individuals to help change social norms and galvanize public support for meaningful action on climate warming.

… increasing public support 
could spur climate policies in many countries, 
which could catalyze the deployment of clean technologies, 
which could drive down their costs, 
which could further increase public support, 
… and so on in a cascading positive feedback effect.

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Learn more about Citizens Climate Lobby

Polar Bears International

Polar Bears International is the only organization dedicated solely to wild polar bears. We know polar bears – their habitat, their ecology, their threats – and are recognized leaders in their conservation. Our mission is to conserve polar bears and the Arctic sea ice they depend on.  Through media, science, and advocacy, we work to inspire people to care about the Arctic, the threats to its future, and the connection between this remote region and our global climate. Since 1992, PBI has worked to sustain a future for polar bears across the Arctic.  Leading polar bear scientists guide our research efforts and inform our policy decisions.  Our field base in Churchill provides a platform for applied research, outreach and education, and global broadcasts from a remote area on the front lines of climate change. 

We encourage you to watch the "Polar Bears International – About Us" video below and discuss with your team whether you might find it useful in your AAC interpretive space! AND you can find additional videos AACs have used in their interpretive spaces here as well (also in your AAC Toolbox).

Please also enjoy the documentary, "Bare Existence". Made possible by Canada Goose, it takes a behind-the-scenes look at our efforts to conserve wild polar bears and the Arctic sea ice they call home.(Some viewer discretion advised).

PBI Climate Alliance

PBI works with Arctic Ambassador Center (AAC) partners to provide them with opportunities to participate in research, education, and action programs that address the key issues that are endangering polar bears. The PBI Climate Alliance is a can-do working group focused on that goal. Through the Alliance, we train and empower individuals to recognize their role within their institution's AAC team and effect community change.  

The PBI Climate Alliance program includes:

• A grounding in climate science

• An understanding of the status of Arctic sea ice, polar bears, and the urgent need to act

• Training in evidence-based climate communications strategies to effect community change

The program brings together key staff members from like-minded organizations that are leading the effort in their communities to reduce CO2 emissions. Participants engage in online learning experiences, attend a training session with experts and advisors, and stay connected over time with fellow ambassadors and alumni through online gatherings and social media tools.