Press Releases and Updates
Polar Bear
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Politics Trump Science in Latest Obama Decision on Arctic Ocean Drilling
The Obama administration’s decision to affirm Chukchi Lease Sale 193 in America’s Arctic Ocean is a clear case of politics trumping science.
October 04, 2011 -
Melting Sea Ice Forcing Polar Bears to Swim Longer Distances, Linked to Increased Mortality of Cubs, Finds New Study
Sea ice loss from climate change is causing polar bears to swim longer distances to find stable ice or to reach land, according to a new paper co-authored by a WWF expert.
July 19, 2011 -
Climate Change Harming Polar Bear Cubs
Polar bear litters are decreasing in size due to sea ice decline resulting from climate change, according to a study published in Nature on February 8, 2011. If this trend continues as predicted, the polar bear population could be in serious jeopardy.
February 09, 2011 -
Polar Bear Habitat in Alaska Protected
A large segment of Alaska’s sea ice, islands, and coastline that is considered important to polar bears is now designated as critical habitat. As a result of the designation, federally regulated activities – such as oil and gas drilling – that may have an adverse affect on polar bears and others species will get an extra level of review by the government.
December 02, 2010 -
US Designates Polar Bear Critical Habitat, Creating Some Breathing Space for the Species
WWF applauds today’s announcement of the proposed designation of key areas of polar bear habitat across Alaska by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The requirement for the identification of “critical habitat” was triggered by the listing of polar bears as threatened under the US Endangered Species Act in 2008.
October 22, 2009 -
2009 Conservation Achievements So Far
WWF has enjoyed many significant conservation achievements across the past year. Below are a few success stories highlighting exciting results, but also emphasizing our continuous commitment to confront the ongoing challenges faced by our planet.
August 28, 2009 -
New Russian Arctic Park to Protect Key Polar Bear Habitat
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin announced today that Russia will create a new 1.5 million hectare park in the Arctic, a central area for the Barents and Kara Sea polar bear populations.
June 16, 2009 -
Key Nations Gather in Washington for Historic Polar Summit
On Monday, April 6, ministers from nations representing the Arctic and Antarctic regions gathered at the State Department in Washington for high-level talks on climate change and other issues that are affecting the two Poles. The summit marked the first time that Arctic Council nations and Antarctic Treaty members have ever gathered to meet as one body.
April 20, 2009 -
Midnight Rule Changes By Bush Administration Will Undermine Endangered Species Protections, Says WWF
In its final days in office, the Bush Administration has announced two substantial rule changes that would seriously undermine the effectiveness of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), specifically gutting key protections for polar bears, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) officials said today.
December 12, 2008 -
2008 On Track For Lowest-Ever Sea Ice In Arctic
Declining ice thickness and what is looking like the second lowest coverage on record means that Arctic sea ice may well have reached its lowest levels ever in terms of total volume, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said today. The final figures on the minimum ice coverage for this year are expected in a matter of days, but this year’s minimum figures are already flirting with last year’s record low of 1.59 million square miles.
September 15, 2008 -
Multiple Polar Bears Discovered Swimming Many Miles From Alaska Coast
An aerial survey by government scientists in Alaska’s Chukchi Sea this week found at least nine polar bears swimming in open water – with one at least 60 miles from shore – raising concern among wildlife experts about their survival. A World Wildlife Fund (WWF) polar bear expert said the bears could have difficulty making it safely to shore and risk drowning, particularly if a storm arises.
August 21, 2008 -
U.S. Government Affirms that Climate Change is Putting Polar Bears in Peril
Climate change is destroying vital polar bear habitat, putting the species at risk of extinction, the U.S. government said today as it listed the polar bear as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the world’s largest conservation organization, said the government’s decision clearly indicates that climate change impacts are already threatening the survivability of animals and habitats, and illustrates the urgency of preparing for and adapting to a rapidly changing climate.
May 14, 2008 -
U.S. GovernmentUpdate: WWF Joins Suit Opposing Lease Sale 193 in the Chukchi Sea
Climate change is destroying vital polar bear habitat, putting the species at risk of extinction, the U.S. government said today as it listed the polar bear as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the world’s largest conservation organization, said the government’s decision clearly indicates that climate change impacts are already threatening the survivability of animals and habitats, and illustrates the urgency of preparing for and adapting to a rapidly changing climate.
May 14, 2008 -
WWF Joins Suit Opposing Lease Sale 193 in the Chukchi Sea
WWF has joined with a coalition of Alaska Native and conservation groups who filed suit in federal district court in Alaska on January 31, arguing that in making its decision to hold the lease sale, Minerals Management Service (MMS) – an agency within the DOI – did not adequately weigh the impacts oil and gas activities would have on wildlife like polar bears, or on native villages along Alaska’s North Slope.
May 14, 2008 -
Native and Conservation Groups Voice Opposition to Lease Sale 193 in the Chukchi Sea
WASHINGTON D.C. - Today, Alaska Native and conservation groups voiced their opposition to Department of Interior’s (DOI) controversial Lease Sale 193, comprising nearly 30 million acres of pristine waters in the Chukchi Sea of Alaska. The Chukchi Sea is critical habitat for polar bears, walrus, whales, seals, and migratory birds and is experiencing some of the most rapid loss of sea ice in the world due to global warming. Minerals Management Service (MMS), an agency within the DOI, announced its intention to sell oil and gas leases in this critical part of the Arctic Ocean on January 2. Less than one week after that announcement, a different DOI agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), announced it would miss a legally required January 9 deadline for making its final decision on whether to list polar bears as “threatened” or “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
February 06, 2008 -
MEDIA ADVISORY: Protect Polar Bears / Delay Oil Leases, World Wildlife Fund Says
Washington D.C.- World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is alarmed that a decision to list the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to protect the species and its fragile Arctic environment has been plagued with delays while an oil lease sale of nearly 30 million acres of the prime polar bear habitat in the Chukchi Sea is scheduled for February 6 in Alaska.
February 04, 2008 -
Polar Bears Need Urgent Protection, Conservation Groups Testify
Washington D.C.– Margaret Williams, WWF’s Director of the Bering Sea ecoregion program, called for urgent action to save polar bears at the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing entitled “Examining Threats and Protections for the Polar Bear” on Wednesday, January 30, 2008. The hearing was convened to examine the status of and legal protections for the polar bear, including the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and the status of listing the species under the act.
January 30, 2008 -
WWF Disappointed by U.S. Delay in Listing Polar Bears
WASHINGTON D.C. – World Wildlife Fund (WWF) expressed disappointment over the announcement by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) on January 7, 2008 that it will delay by up to one month a final decision on whether to list the polar bear as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
January 07, 2008 -
Conservation Organizations Decry Controversial Chukchi Lease Sale, Raising Concerns About Survival of Polar Bears
The Minerals Management Service (MMS), an agency within the Department of Interior (DOI), issued its Final Notice of Intent for the Chukchi Lease Sale 193 opening approximately 29.7 million acres of the pristine Chukchi Sea to oil and gas activities on January 2.
January 03, 2008 -
Penguins in Peril as Climate Warms, WWF
Bali, Indonesia - The penguin population of Antarctica is under pressure from global warming, says WWF’s latest briefing.
December 10, 2007 -
WWF Applauds US Senate Committee Approval of Landmark Climate Change Legislation
Bali, Indonesia – Officials with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said landmark climate change legislation sent to the floor of the US Senate by the Environment and Public Works Committee this week will help put the US on the path towards meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
December 07, 2007 -
Record Breaking Year for Climate, says WWF
Bali, Indonesia– The past year has seen yet more weather records smashed as extreme weather events take a firmer hold of the planet, says WWF.
December 03, 2007 -
The Golden Compass Brings New Line Cinema and the World Wildlife Fund Together To Educate Public About Global Warming
WASHINGTON, October 16, 2007 -In the new fantasy adventure film "The Golden Compass," polar bears protect themselves with suits of armor. In the real world, threats to polar bears are not so easily abated. This majestic species is one of many in danger of extinction due to harsh changes in climate, which is why New Line Cinema has launched a unique partnership today with the World Wildlife Fund to help educate the public about the impact global warming is having on animals throughout the world.
November 01, 2007 -
Time Running Out for Polar Bears
WASHINGTON— A new report on the fate of polar bears in a world of rapid climate change predicts disaster for one of the world's most charismatic species, World Wildlife Fund said today.
September 11, 2007 -
WWF Applauds U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for Proposing to List Polar Bear
WASHINGTON, December 28, 2006 - The following is a statement by World Wildlife Fund's vice president Bill Eichbaum on the release of information about the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's decision to propose listing the polar bear as "threatened":
December 28, 2006 -
WWF Report Indicates Arctic Species Under Serious Threat from Global Warming
A new report from World Wildlife Fund (WWF) says that Arctic wildlife such as reindeer (known as caribou in North America), polar bears, ringed seals, and a host of plant species and migratory birds are all threatened by global warming and its effects -- earlier springs, loss of pack ice, and dwindling/shifting food supplies.
December 17, 1996
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