Polar

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On the whale trail in the Southern Ocean

It’s vital that we study how climate change is affecting Antarctic wildlife. Tracking whales is one way to find out more

Three emperor penguins stand on an ice sheet in Antarctica

Notes from the field: Emperor penguins

Life among Antarctica’s emperor penguins is challenging but hugely rewarding for ornithologist Jimmy Allain, who says the more we study these majestic birds, the better we can protect them

A group of walruses huddle on a small patch of ice near the coast

Get involved: Meet a walrus detective

Our Walrus From Space project, in partnership with British Antarctic Survey, is giving thousands of people the chance to get involved with conservation research. Volunteer Evy Schouten explains why she signed up to become a citizen scientist

A polar bear walks across a sparsely vegetated snowy landscape

We’re learning more about Canada’s polar bears

Your support has backed research into human-wildlife conflict in Hudson Bay, helping us to keep people and polar bears safe

Laptev walruses gather on a beach

Join our walrus watch!

As walruses face the reality of the climate crisis, we need to know more about how they’re affected.
So we’re supporting a vast satellite survey in the Arctic – and we need your help

A whale and calf swim in the ocean

Protecting whale highways

Human activities are creating a hazardous and often fatal obstacle course for migrating whales. Our new report highlights the growing dangers – and calls for urgent action to safeguard the oceans

A large group of emperor penguins and chicks

Penguins on the edge

Emperor penguins are particularly vulnerable to climate change, as they depend on sea ice for their survival. With your help, we’re using satellite imagery to understand more about these Antarctic icons to support vital conservation efforts

A polar bear stands on an ice shelf

Raising the alarm for polar bears

With your support, Arctic scientists have published vital research into the effects of climate change on polar bear populations

A polar bear mother and cub walk across cracked ice in Nunavut

Predicting the future of sea ice

Arctic sea ice is melting fast, with devastating consequences for people and wildlife. But we’re developing new technology to help forecast ice conditions, so we can plan for change

Steve Backshall stands on the shore among thousands of penguins

“Nature should be at the core of everything we do”

Naturalist and presenter Steve Backshall has seen a lot of the world, witnessing first-hand the effects of human activity. But he’s hopeful that positive action will turn the tide on destruction

Dozens of beluga whales swim close to the surface of the sea

Drowning in sound?

Our oceans are alive with an orchestra of marine wildlife. But as the ice melts, the harmony of Arctic seas is being drowned out by human activity. We’re working to understand the impact of this audio intrusion – and how to help combat it

An Antarctic fur seal sits on a rocky beach

Notes from the field: Antarctic seals

How do you survey sleeping seals? Very carefully, reports polar scientist Prem Gill

Emperor penguins on the march across a frozen landscape

The world’s climate change hotspots

Climate change could make critical ecosystems around the globe unsuitable for wildlife or people. Here are some of the stories from the affected areas

A polar bear sits in the water near blocks of melting ice

Thermal tech in the Arctic

We’ve tested cutting-edge technology using thermal cameras to help polar bears and people live together more safely

A brown bear splashes through a river

Gallery: Richard Barrett’s Wild World

Join photographer Richard Barrett on a tour of the globe in search of some of its most legendary creatures in his new photo book

Aerial shot of an Arctic forest following a wildfire

Arctic Ablaze

Wildfires have become a global problem, with colder regions now suffering the effects of devastating blazes as long-dormant greenhouse gases are released

A polar bear rests on the edge of the Arctic sea ice and gazes towards the camera

Living with polar bears

As climate change causes summer sea ice to dwindle in the Arctic, hungry polar bears are increasingly coming into conflict with local people. But we’re helping them to live side by side more safely