July is a hot and sunny summer month for many, making it the perfect time to acknowledge Arctic Sea Ice Day on July 15! Founded by Polar Bears International to recognize the importance of Arctic sea ice for polar bears and other wildlife, it’s also a day to acknowledge how essential Arctic sea ice is for us all, as it is critical for maintaining the global climate and our planet. And right now, Arctic sea ice is facing serious threats — ones that Pacific Environment is working to solve.
Give for Arctic Sea Ice DayWhy is Arctic sea ice at risk?
You may have read news articles about sea ice melt or the Arctic breaking records for some of the hottest days in history. While sea ice melt is certainly caused by warming temperatures, that warming is being caused by more direct sources: ocean-going ships. When ships — from massive container ships carrying goods around the world to cruise ships carrying tourists to beautiful locations — transit the Arctic, they very often do so running on heavy fuel oil, one of the dirtiest fuels on the planet. This fuel emits dangerous black carbon among other pollutants.
Black carbon, also called soot, causes a devastating feedback loop: when it lands on sea ice, it darkens the stark white material. That reduces the ice’s ability to reflect light and causes it to absorb more heat, increasing warming that causes more melting, exposing the darker water underneath which absorbs yet more heat, warming the water and air above it. As more sea ice melts, it opens up more Arctic Ocean areas for shipping, meaning more black carbon pollution — and the negative feedback loop continues.
While this phenomenon may sound daunting, there is still hope. Pacific Environment is taking action now — and you can help us!
How can we protect Arctic sea ice?
While ocean-going shipping is essential for Arctic communities and the global economy, stricter regulations are needed to ensure ships entering the Arctic run on cleaner fuels and follow better protocols — such as not releasing pollutants into sensitive Arctic waters. Yet since the Arctic region includes multiple nations, international waters and shipping routes, regulations that stick are complicated.
That’s why Pacific Environment and our scientific and policy experts advocate at the highest level of maritime shipping policy: at the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization. Here we utilize our consultative status — earned by only a few nonprofit organizations around the world — allows us to intervene in international negotiations, meet with world leaders, submit research and recommendations, contribute our expertise and more. Jim Gamble, senior director of our Arctic program, and Jamie Yates represent our priorities throughout the year and on-the-ground in London at IMO headquarters. Their expertise ensures Pacific Environment takes our advocacy directly to the source.
We also publish reports on black carbon to spotlight this serious issue. Our latest report, “On thin ice: Why black carbon demands urgent action,” takes you further in depth on the dangers of black carbon and what regulators can do to solve it.
What more can be done to fight Arctic sea ice melt?
Analyzing the latest research, keeping close ties with Arctic communities, and maintaining a presence at the IMO takes continuous effort — and financial support. By donating to Pacific Environment, you help further our work at the highest level of maritime shipping policy and increase our chances of securing stronger shipping regulations to ensure all ships entering the Arctic are cleaner and safer. Your support today helps protect the Arctic, keeping it frozen and contributing to a safer, more resilient and balanced world for us all.
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