In 2022, photographers captured a humpback whale tail sailing off the coast of ZanzibarA group of islands off the coast of Tanzania. . When scientists studied the whale's markings, they realised the same animal had been spotted before, an impressive 13,000km away off the Pacific coast of Colombia.

This exceptionally long journey was likely a result of climate change making food scarcerNot enough of something. for the whale.

In the 19th and 20th Centuries, industrial fishing destroyed entire whale populations and many breeds faced extinction, but commercial whaling became illegal in the 1980s.

Whales eat carbon-rich food, which they then store in their bodies. An average whale can capture 33 tonnes of carbon dioxide during its lifetime, more than twice that captured by an oak tree.

Whale poo is also a rich source of nutrients for phytoplanktonVery small plants that float near the surface of water. Sea creatures feed on them. , microscopic creatures that capture 40% of carbon - the equivalent of 1.7 trillion trees.

But whales are still at risk. Six out of 13 great whale species are classified as endangered or vulnerable.

Could these gentle giants save the planet?

Yes! Whales can capture 33 tonnes of carbon over the course of their life, so restored whale populations are vital to climate resilience.

No! Whales remain at risk from busy shipping lanes, intensive fishing and water pollution, so more must be done to protect them.