Climate change, mining, shipping, oil and gas growth, and overfishing are all threatening the Arctic, including the Bering, Beaufort, and Chukchi seas. Declines in sea ice thickness and extent, as well as changes in ice melt timing, are placing ice-dependent animals at risk, including narwhals, polar bears, and walrus.

Sea ice is essential for the survival of ice animals. Sea ice melting and warmer oceans are causing huge changes in the polar food web. Some are losing food sources, some are losing habitat, and practically all are experiencing disruptions in their daily routines. Exploration for oil and gas, as well as mining, pose significant dangers to the Arctic climate, people, and wildlife. Water ice has a significant impact on water temperature regulation, and its removal has an impact on creatures such as polar bears, seals, whales, and some fish.

The disappearance of seasonal sea ice has made hunting and transit in the Arctic more difficult and dangerous. Seasonal sea ice loss also depletes crucial habitat for ice-dependent animals including polar bears, walruses, and ice seals.