Protect the Arctic
Protect the Arctic
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is one of the wildest places in the United States, covering 19.6 million acres of land. It’s home to animals like grizzly bears, wolves and caribou. Birds from all 50 states and across the world come here to nest. For the Gwich’in and Iñupiat peoples, this land is sacred and has supported their way of life for thousands of years.
Why is the Arctic important?
At 19.6 million acres it is the largest wildlife refuge in the country. Its habitats range from boreal forests, to rivers, tundra, lakes and wetlands to coastal lagoons, barrier lands and bays of the Arctic Ocean. Even for those who may never set foot there, the Arctic Refuge is an important symbol of conservation, and a cornerstone of the hope and peace of mind that can only be found in connecting with nature.
The Arctic Refuge is also home to some of our most iconic species of wildlife, including polar bears, grizzly bears, musk oxen, Dall sheep, wolves, wolverines and many more. Each year, the Arctic Refuge coastal plain’s vast expanse of lush tundra acts as the birthing grounds for much of this wildlife. Birds we see in our own backyards, in all 50 states and across six continents, begin their lives in the Arctic Refuge. The Refuge’s coastal plain is the most important land habitat for mother polar bears, who build dens there each year to give birth to their cubs.
Despite its importance, the Arctic Refuge has been under threat from oil and gas drilling for decades. Although President Biden paused new drilling leases in 2021, the fight isn’t over. We need permanent protections to keep this land sage for future generations.
The Arctic Refuge is the largest wildlife refuge in the U.S. and supports over 200 bird species. More than 200 species of birds visit the refuge, including snowy owls, Arctic terns, and golden eagles.
19.6M
197,000
animals in the Porcupine Caribou Herd
Safeguarding wildlife and Indigenous livelihoods from fossil fuel threats
The Arctic Refuge’s coastal plain is critical to the survival of the Gwich’in people, who call it the 'Sacred Place Where Life Begins.' The Porcupine Caribou Herd migrates over 1,500 miles annually to give birth on the coastal plain, and the Gwich’in people rely on the caribou for up to 80% of their food supply. Protecting this land is essential for both the caribou and the survival of the Gwich’in way of life.
Victory!
After decades of work and thousands of messages from Sierra Club members, the Biden Administration recently set aside 13 million acres of pristine Arctic wilderness for conservation. This is a giant victory for not only the native species of the Arctic, but those who have called this area home for thousands of years, helping to preserve their traditional way of life.
What We Are Doing
The Sierra Club is working to protect the Arctic Refuge for good. We’ve already convinced major banks not to fund drilling projects. Now we’re focused on making sure no new oil drilling happens by pushing the government to close loopholes in current laws. Right now, we need your help to tell the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to protect the Arctic Refuge and nearby lands from oil and gas drilling for good.
The Arctic is always under threat, but it doesn't have to be. Join with us to tell the White House and BLM that we need to limit Arctic drilling and development to protect this fragile ecosystem. Make sure to personalize your comment for maximum impact and tell them about your personal story of why you want to protect the Arctic.
What You Can Do
Tell the Biden Administration to Safeguard the Western Arctic Now!
Take Action! Leverage the Biden Administration's recent historic move to protect over 13 million acres of this irreplaceable landscape by encouraging further protections for the Western Arctic. Highlight its ecological, cultural, and subsistence importance, and emphasize the need for expanded and connected protected areas to safeguard the region from industrialization for the benefit of wildlife and Alaska Native communities.
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