Arctic Beringia
Drivers of Change
This is an environment in an unprecedented era of transition—it is one of the fastest changing places on Earth. Rapid climate change at twice the global average rate has led to a catastrophic loss of summer sea ice over the past few decades and ice-free Arctic summers are predicted within decades. Earlier springs and rainier winters are challenging the resilience of many Arctic species. In conjunction, there is burgeoning industrial development, greater desire for commercial and recreational access to and through the Arctic, and profound social change for (and political engagement by) Indigenous Peoples.
4 times
Over the past four decades the region has been heating up four times faster than the global average.
Strategic Approach
WCS draws on over a century of active engagement in Alaska and a continuous presence in the Arctic Beringia region since 2002. We build on that foundation to secure the long-term needs of wildlife through partnerships, including with industry and local peoples facing a growing development footprint and profound climate change impacts.
Together we are:
- Strengthening a network of protected areas
- Promoting well managed public and indigenous lands and waters
- Fostering strong management roles for indigenous communities
Our work leverages cross-cutting WCS programs such as Marine (MPA creation), Ocean Giants (noise research), Climate Change (developing models for climate change adaptation) and Livelihoods (co-productive models of understanding and conservation). We leverage relevant Country Programs (U.S., Canada, Russia) and a broader suite of countries for migratory birds. Our outreach includes direct engagement with the New York Aquarium’s Sea Cliffs Exhibit.
Measuring Our Effectiveness
Related Country Programs
Related News
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February 21, 2023
HAULOUT: Oscar-Nominated Documentary Short Featured as Best of Festival at Upcoming New York WILD Film Festival
The New York WILD Film Festival and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) are hosting a screening of the Oscar-nominated documentary “HAULOUT,” which chronicles the dramatic effects of climate change from the most rapidly transforming ecosystem...
Read the story
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November 2, 2022
Alaska’s Little-Known Wood Bison Subject of New WCS Film
Just in time for National Bison Day on November 5th, WCS’s Arctic Beringia program has released a new film that follows 28 wood bison yearlings released in the Alaska wilderness.
Read the story
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October 6, 2022
STUDY: Lagoons from the Arctic’s “Forgotten Coast” Teem with Fish and Birds, Vulnerable to Climate Change and Human Development
A new scientific review article led by WCS captures the unique and dynamic characteristics of coastal lagoon ecosystems in the Arctic Beringia Region, and discusses how climate change effects and human development could alter these habitats.
Read the story
View All News
HAULOUT: Oscar-Nominated Documentary Short Featured as Best of Festival at Upcoming New York WILD Film Festival
The New York WILD Film Festival and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) are hosting a screening of the Oscar-nominated documentary “HAULOUT,” which chronicles the dramatic effects of climate change from the most rapidly transforming ecosystem...
Read the storyAlaska’s Little-Known Wood Bison Subject of New WCS Film
Just in time for National Bison Day on November 5th, WCS’s Arctic Beringia program has released a new film that follows 28 wood bison yearlings released in the Alaska wilderness.
Read the storySTUDY: Lagoons from the Arctic’s “Forgotten Coast” Teem with Fish and Birds, Vulnerable to Climate Change and Human Development
A new scientific review article led by WCS captures the unique and dynamic characteristics of coastal lagoon ecosystems in the Arctic Beringia Region, and discusses how climate change effects and human development could alter these habitats.
Read the storySign Up for Email Updates
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