Climate Indicators

Polar bears and climate change: What does the science say?

Climate change makes it harder for polar bears to hunt, mate and breed.

Climate change makes it harder for polar bears to hunt, mate and breed. Image: Unsplash/noaa

Ayesha Tandon
Science Journalist, Carbon Brief
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Polar bears depend on sea ice for most important aspects of their lives – including hunting, mating and resting.
Polar bears depend on sea ice for most important aspects of their lives – including hunting, mating and resting. Image: NSIDC
All 19 subpopulations of polar bears have experienced some degree of ice loss.
All 19 subpopulations of polar bears have experienced some degree of ice loss. Image: IUCN
A review published in 2016 finds that “loss of Arctic sea ice owing to climate change is the primary threat to polar bears throughout their range”.
A review published in 2016 finds that “loss of Arctic sea ice owing to climate change is the primary threat to polar bears throughout their range”. Image: Regehr et al 2016

Polar bear diets includes bearded seals, harp seals and walruses.
Polar bear diets includes bearded seals, harp seals and walruses. Image: Unsplash/jeremypstewardson
Chart showing expected survival rate for polar bears
Polar bears living on seasonal ice will see the greatest threat from warming in the coming decades. Image: Carbon Brief

Polar bears have shown some ability to adapt to changes in their surroundings.
Polar bears have shown some ability to adapt to changes in their surroundings. Image: Unsplash/hansjurgen007

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Climate IndicatorsArctic
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