Ask the Experts: What Does the Future Hold for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?

According to new research from Defenders of Wildlife, climate change imperils some of the most charismatic wildlife within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge-–including the polar bear, Arctic fox, lynx and caribou. Defenders’ Aimee Delach was among the climate change scientists working on the report. Watch her video to learn more about the report and our recommendations for protecting the refuge’s unique wildlife.

The report comes as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service releases its draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Below, Defenders’ National Wildlife Refuge expert Julie Kates discusses the plan and what it means for the largest land-based wildlife refuge in the nation.

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See Defenders’ report and learn more about the threats climate change poses to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the specialized mammals that call it home.