Just like us, penguins face an existential threat from the climate crisis. The Antarctic peninsula is one of the fastest-warming places on Earth. The loss of Antarctic sea ice caused by rising global temperatures could wipe out over 90% of emperor penguins by the end of the century.

In Chile, rising ocean temperatures, changing wind patterns, and acidification are disrupting the marine ecosystem, making it increasingly harder for Patagonian penguins to find food.

And in even more disturbing — but not isolated — cases, penguins have been caught directly in the crossfire of ecological disasters caused by oil. In one case, more than 20,000 endangered penguins on a remote island were coated in oil after a damaged ship leaked more than 800 tons (!) of crude oil into the ocean.

John, biodiversity is like a complex puzzle, and each species is a tiny, but critical piece. Taking away even one piece, like the fish population penguins depend on, damages the whole puzzle — and the ecosystem at large.

So, what can we do about it? We need to elect climate champions who understand this delicate puzzle, and the role we play in it. If you can, make a donation now to help us elect climate champions who understand the complex nature of biodiversity, and the role we play in it >>>

We can learn a lot from penguins. Emperor penguins live in one of the most extreme environments on Earth. But they work together to survive — and thrive — on the inhospitable Arctic sea ice.

Male and female penguins take turns incubating their eggs in the dead of winter. When temperatures dip to lows of -50 degrees Fahrenheit, the entire colony comes together to form a giant huddle for warmth. Penguins on the inside of the huddle take tiny steps and gradually move in waves that rotate the penguins on the outside of the huddle to the warm center.

No penguin is left out alone in the cold.

This is an important lesson for our movement. None of us stand a chance against nihilistic fossil fuel billionaires if we stand alone. But standing together, we will build a movement that can weather the most brutal storms, and protect the ecosystems we all depend on, from people to penguins.

Look, John, we’re not the only ones feeling the effects of the climate crisis, and the impacts — on even our smallest fellows — matter. Gift a contribution today to elect climate champions who understand the complex nature of biodiversity and the role we play in it.

Thank you,

The (penguin lovers) at Jane PAC