Climate Alliance Program

Polar Bears International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to sustaining a future for polar bears. We address both long and short-term threats to the bears, including the biggest threat of all: loss of their sea ice home due to human-caused climate change. We designed the Climate Alliance program to help move the dial on climate change by working with the zoo and aquarium partners in our Arctic Ambassador Center network. Why? Because zoos and aquariums are trusted messengers on climate change. They attract millions of visitors every year and are uniquely positioned to lead conservation efforts in their communities.

The Polar Bears International 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, and strategies to communicate effectively about climate change and inspire community change. Participants complete an eight-month online learning course; travel to Churchill, Canada to meet their fellow participants and see polar bears in the wild; develop a carbon-reduction action plan to implement in their home communities; and stay connected over time with Polar Bears International staff, fellow ambassadors, and alumni through online gatherings and social media tools.

Each session begins with an eight-month online course on polar bears, sea ice, and climate communication. Participants cap off what they’ve learned with a trip to the tundra to see wild polar bears and experience the ecosystem first-hand. During their time in Churchill, they form bonds with each other, meet scientists and Indigenous community members, and learn about efforts to coexist with the bears. The chance to see polar bears in their natural habitat has a huge impact on everyone involved-–giving them stories to share that resonate with the public in a deeply personal way. 

The Climate Alliance program trains key staff members from like-minded organizations. This includes Polar Bears International partners like our Arctic Ambassador Centers that are leading the effort in their communities to embrace a renewable energy future.

Polar Bears International will identify the target audiences for each year's Climate Alliance training at least two years in advance, to assist participating partners with their planning.

Each year Polar Bears International will hold a new training session, with the online portion beginning in the spring and continuing into the early fall, capped off time together in Churchill in early October. Online gatherings with ambassadors and colleagues who have previously participated in our programs will provide support to overcome barriers for implementing community-based conservation activities.

Sorry, no. Our program is specifically targeted to furthering our partnerships with our network and alliance members. But we invite you to join our efforts. Please visit our Take Action section for ways to help polar bears—no matter where you live. For information on travel to Churchill to see polar bears, contact Frontiers North Adventures.

The cost to the individual or supporting organization is minimal. This includes the cost of airfare to and from Winnipeg and a registration fee. Polar Bears International is immensely grateful to our platinum sponsor, Frontiers North Adventures, for the complimentary use of its mobile Tundra Buggies®, to Canada Goose for warm parkas provided to participants during their week at camp, to Courtyard by Marriott Winnipeg Airport for lodging, and to Calm Air for discounted flights. We also wish to thank our education partners, the National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation, Manitoba Conservation, and Parks Canada.