International Polar Bear Day is an annual event celebrated every February 27,[1][2] to coincide with the time period when polar bear mothers and cubs are sleeping in their dens, and to raise awareness about the conservation status of the polar bear.

[3] The day encourages people to find ways to reduce their carbon output, such as by turning down their thermostat or driving less.

[4] The day has also been used to encourage the installation of energy efficient insulation in houses.

Jack Shapiro, the deputy climate campaign manager under American president Barack Obama, used the day to argue for the need for Congressional action on the issue of climate change.

[8] The University of Saskatchewan announced in 2014 that it would be turning its thermostats up two degrees in the summer and down two degrees Celsius in the winter to honor International Polar Bear Day.