The largest and least fragmented of the inhabited regions on Earth
What do you think of when you imagine the Arctic? The first image that comes to mind is probably ice and snow – but this is only part of the picture.
The Arctic - perhaps the world's most precious environment?
© UNEP / Grid-Arendal
There are several ways to define the Arctic. Click on the map to enlarge.
The Arctic is the largest and least fragmented of the inhabited regions on Earth: a vast area of fjords and tundra, jagged peaks and frozen seas, glaciers and icebergs, and ice and snow.
It's the realm of the polar bear and ringed seal, caribou and arctic fox, beluga whale and narwhal, sea eagle and snowy owl.
And home to Indigenous peoples, who have adapted to live in one of the harshest environments in the world.
But the Arctic is under threat. From over-fishing, climate change, toxic pollution, oil and gas exploration and production, and even corroding nuclear arsenals.
WWF in the Arctic
Since 1992, WWF's International Arctic Programme has been working with our partners across the Arctic to combat these threats and preserve the Arctic's rich biodiversity in a sustainable way.
WWF works in the Arctic through six offices.
It's the realm of the polar bear and ringed seal, caribou and arctic fox, beluga whale and narwhal, sea eagle and snowy owl.
And home to Indigenous peoples, who have adapted to live in one of the harshest environments in the world.
But the Arctic is under threat. From over-fishing, climate change, toxic pollution, oil and gas exploration and production, and even corroding nuclear arsenals.
WWF in the Arctic
Since 1992, WWF's International Arctic Programme has been working with our partners across the Arctic to combat these threats and preserve the Arctic's rich biodiversity in a sustainable way.
WWF works in the Arctic through six offices.
Polar express
Our paw prints are disappearing,
There are less of us now,
This is what our race has been fearing,
The humans disavow.
Our homes are all gone,
So we are left to wonder,
Only hoping to make it till dawn,
We've sat and pondered.
We say you humans need a tune-up
Because only a few if any care,
They do these things they can never make up,
This world we have to share,
And you're polluting and dumping,
And leisurely wasting,
The gas you just keep pumping,
When it comes to littering there's no hasting,
Maybe if you'd just stop and think,
You'll realise the damage you've done
So take this problem under your wing,
Instead of turning to run.
by Tia, aged 14
There are less of us now,
This is what our race has been fearing,
The humans disavow.
Our homes are all gone,
So we are left to wonder,
Only hoping to make it till dawn,
We've sat and pondered.
We say you humans need a tune-up
Because only a few if any care,
They do these things they can never make up,
This world we have to share,
And you're polluting and dumping,
And leisurely wasting,
The gas you just keep pumping,
When it comes to littering there's no hasting,
Maybe if you'd just stop and think,
You'll realise the damage you've done
So take this problem under your wing,
Instead of turning to run.
by Tia, aged 14
