It is now commonly accepted that the build up of greenhouse gases resulting from human activities is altering the climate. Our scientific understanding of the processes involved has grown, suggesting that the effects of climate change are likely to be more severe than previously predicted.

Climate change may also have a significant effect on the world's remaining whales. Whales have inhabited the oceans for millions of years, but the current rate of climate change is far beyond their evolutionary experience, placing a serious question on their ability to adapt.

Changes in these oceanic systems present a considerable threat to whales, disrupting ecosystems and altering the food webs which whales belong to. Some whale populations that are still struggling to recover from exploitation may be especially vulnerable, as are those whales that rely on a single source of food, have slower reproductive rates and a restricted habitat. Whale populations under the greatest threat from climate change are: all Northern Right whales, eastern Arctic Bowhead whales, western Gray whales, Okhotsh sea Bowhead whales and many Blue whale populations.

For more information, visit the Greenpeace Climate Change Campaign website.