Climate change has a significant impact on polar bear populations primarily due to the loss of sea ice, which is critical for their hunting and breeding. As temperatures rise, the ice melts earlier and forms later each year, limiting the bears' access to their primary prey, seals. This leads to malnutrition, decreased reproductive rates, and increased mortality, further endangering their population. Additionally, habitat loss poses long-term survival challenges, as polar bears face increasing competition from other species in their shrinking habitats.