Protect the Arctic

The Arctic is a treasure of life and beauty, home to millions of people and amazing wildlife. Walruses, narwhals, Arctic foxes, beluga whales and polar bears are among the among the iconic animals that are found here and rely on the Arctic for their survival. Canada’s Arctic sector covers 1,425,000 square kilometers and is home to many Inuit, First Nations, Dene, Métis and non-Indigenous communities. After Greenland, the Canadian Arctic Archipelago is the world’s largest high-Arctic land area. But this unique, complex and delicate ecosystem is under threat. New risks present massive challenges for the Arctic’s people and wildlife, with repercussions across the globe. Sea ice is melting due to increased temperatures caused by climate change. Arctic communities are forced to adapt to the realities of their changing surroundings and wildlife that rely on the ice to survive are endangered, with extinction of key species, such as polar bears, a real possibility. This melting ice is raising global sea levels, and causing flooding in coastal communities and small island nations. As fossil fuel companies seek to exploit its natural resources, and with seismic blasting and industrial fishing an ongoing threat, the Arctic’s fragile ecosystems are constantly in danger. Greenpeace has mobilized over eight million people to take a stand to protect the Arctic. Under pressure from our supporters, Shell – one of the world’s most powerful oil companies – has withdrawn operations. It is a victory, but threats to the Arctic remain. We need to ensure permanent protection.