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Climate change

climate changeClimate Change is one of the biggest threats facing whales and dolphins today. The climate is changing fast: so fast that some whale and dolphin populations may be unable to adapt. In Copenhagen, Denmark, from 7th to 18th December, world leaders gathered for what has been described as the most important meeting ever to address this threat: The 15th United Nations Meeting on Climate Change.

Changes in sea temperature, freshening of seawater, sea level rise, loss of icy polar habitats and the decline of food sources are just some of the many threats posed by climate change.

WDCS facilitates research on the impacts of climate change, leading work to raise awareness of the impacts on whales and dolphins. Working with other groups, we campaign for international action to find solutions and reduce impacts. For more information read our report: Whales in Hot Water.

AntarcticaIntroduction To Climate Change
What is this problem called 'climate change' or 'global warming' and how will it affect us, the whales and the dolphins?
Sperm whale © Hal WhiteheadClimate Change And Whales
Climate change is already affecting whales and dolphins with changes in prey availability, quality and distribution, and potentially increased competition from range expansions of other species.

Amazon flooded forest - WDCSTertiary Effects Of Climate Change
It is likely that human-mediated, or as they are sometimes called 'tertiary effects', of climate change on some cetacean populations may be even more important than the more direct effects.
Protest campaignClimate Action For Whales And Dolphins
WDCS is calling on the relevant conservation and environment ministries and agencies to include the impacts of climate change in all their work on cetacean conservation.