Polar Bear Deserves Protection
This is a wake up call. It's haunting to visualize polar bears literally drowning from global warming, unable to swim the increasingly longer distances between declining sea ice and land. But this is exactly what scientists are documenting.
Polar bears are on a trajectory to extinction because of global warming. Unfortunately, the bear’s decline is the tip of the iceberg, an early sign of the dangers America’s wildlife faces with global warming.
For polar bears, global warming is not a future possibility; it is right now causing declines in their condition and populations because of the shortened period they are able to forage on the ice for their primary prey - seals.
Global warming is harming wildlife throughout America.
In Minnesota, heat-stressed moose are declining. In the West, critical snowpack that supplies cold water for trout streams and salmon runs is declining. Forest landscapes are being ravaged by unprecedented wildfires. As sea levels rise, coastal wetlands are being submerged.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife has done the right thing by officially declaring that the polar bear deserves protection as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.Polar bears are exquisitely adapted for living and hunting on sea ice. The global warming pollution that's melting the Arctic is harming polar bears. And the urgent threats to wildlife extend far beyond the Arctic. The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration listed elkhorn and staghorn coral as the first coral species threatened under the Endangered Species Act, in part because of global warming. Warmer water from global warming is destroying coral reefs. Similarly, global warming pollution is literally melting the polar bear's habitat out from under it.
To change the forecast for wildlife, we must reduce global warming pollution.
We can solve this problem. We have solutions. Americans want a new energy future that breaks the oil addiction, creates more American jobs and develops clean, renewable energy sources that will benefit us all.We have a moral responsibility to solve this problem to protect wildlife for our children's future.
my comment on golbal warming is that it's bad news to the
animals of America in Antartica you've got the new
apdemick about the polar bears,I mean this golbal warming thing It's bad news... our animals are dieing... America you need to do something about this prlomb this time It's not one to forget animals are dieing every 5 seconds.Polar bears arn't that great of swimmers in frozen cold water It's really bad America.Listen I go on my schools website I've pretty much read every artical on golbal warming I've learned it's bad.George W. Bush what will you do?
Posted by: catherine | December 29, 2006 at 05:18 PM
Unfortunately, we live in a selfish society which doesn't recognize the need for immediate action. There is more public interest in the closest Starbucks or McDonalds, then in the welfare of our ecosystem. The polar bears are one of many animals that are constantly threatened and killed for money and greed. In addition to destroying their habitat, we are also upsetting the balance of Mother Nature. If people were as interested in protecting animals and the environment, as they are seeing Happy Feet, we could make a big difference in the world. The people of this nation are the ones that are capable of making change. In the history of the U.S., most causes that have been fought for have been from everyday people, not presidents or Congress. We cannot wait for them to act, the louder we are, the more they will listen. If our numbers increase and our demands do not falter, they will have to respond out of public interest. Politicians care about keeping their positions and getting reelected. If they know that this is an issue the American public will not ignore, then they cannot ignore it either. We all must come together for the sake of the planet. Utilizing alternative types of energy, conserving trees and rain forests, saving the Artic, and protecting the animals that live in those habitats, should be the top priority for this nation to address. These issues can be addressed and handled on a local level, within our communities and the school system, as well as, on a state and federal level. Children have a part in this as well, because they will be here longer than we will. When there is no clean water left to drink, and no animals left except in zoos, and the air quality is dangerous because of the destruction of forests, then people will be afraid. Protecting the animals, and their environments ultimately protects us and our future. There is no time to wait. If each person does something, it will make a difference. We have to act as a global family because we all share the same home. We must stop being so self indulgent and ignorant and protect those that cannot protect themselves.
Posted by: Sonya Costello | January 03, 2007 at 10:06 AM
Global warming is an outrage. Americans concerned about the environment should only use cars that get more than 25 miles to the gallon, at least! We should preserve animals for our children and grandchildren, not destroy then forever!!!
Posted by: Polar Bear Lover | January 03, 2007 at 07:38 PM
I think as a species, we are too cocky. Homosapiens deny evolution, deny the common ancestors btwn us and primates. And are always "improving" things. Humans conquer and kill. We've been doing this since the Pleistocene. This is what we do. it's in our nature to think we are supreme and no other mammal, or living creature, matters. No one will do anything. it's sad but true. We will reap the consequences of global warming in the future. And the generations of our great grandchildren will wander why we didn't do anything. "well, you see, Jr. Driving my hummer and making 100 grand a year was much more important to me. Understand?" The polar bear will become extinct, just like any other animal that has.
The polar bear is extremely specialized. They're biology is so dependent on their environment. From their fur, to their skin, to their eating habits (they eat blubber from seals). How can you preserve a species, if you can not preserve it's environment? there is no way. So what do we do then? take a few out of their natural habitat? stick them in a zoo and make profit by putting them out on display?
My personal opinion? I think humans are nature's "oopsie" after the K/T event, mammals became "opportunist" and started evolving to survive by any means necessary. I mean, look at mammals compared to lizards. Most mammals are pack animals. With their own hierarchy. Territorial, dominant, and need more to survive than a lizard.
Humans are their own demise. There is no solution for our natural way of destroying things. The earth will be much better when we finally destroy ourselves. And hopefully we don't take the earth with us.
If you think about it, it is selfish of us to fret about Global Warming. because, ultimately, what are you worried about? You're worried about the earth changing, and why? because it effects YOUR everyday life, and YOUR species will become extinct.
I say, fret not. It is horrible, but so was snowball earth, so was the K/T, Gaia will survive, and she will have extremeophiles that will continue to exist. Humans will ultimately destroy themselves. Be it global war or destroying the atmosphere, but life will always continue. For a few billion years. I end this with a quote "I can't imagine why you wouldn't welcome any change, my friend."
Posted by: Adda Nanook | March 09, 2007 at 04:29 AM
and how exactly do we "reduce global warming pollution." Understand that we feel the effects of green house gasses and emissions from a generation ago. So even if we stop all pollution now..we have about 150 years of putting toxins into the air. From the Industrial revolution till today. Sorry, but as the laws of evolution states "survival of the fittest" we as humans are too specialized and are not prepared to survive for the coming changes. oopsie.
Posted by: Adda Nanook | March 09, 2007 at 04:39 AM
I highly advise everyone to see the biography by Al Gore, "An Inconvenient Truth". Its all there people, staring us point blank in the face. We can't deny scientific fact, the fact that our life here on earth is in jeopardy. We need to unite and collectivly come together to reduce polluting our home. Reduce your daily impact mother fuckers
Posted by: nate dogg | March 25, 2007 at 09:58 PM
I lament the effects of global warming. Regarding polar bears, would it not be possible to create artificial "floats" structured like the sea ice they are used to, which would allow them to have a resting place while they search for food? Surely something could be created to meet immediate needs.
Posted by: Koala | March 30, 2007 at 10:25 PM
My sister and I are so worried about the polar bears. We want to know if there is anything we can do to help. Anything
Posted by: Amber Preston | May 12, 2008 at 11:30 AM
I agree before its to late. EVERYONE needs to change there ways . We are so fucked.
Posted by: Amber Preston | May 12, 2008 at 11:33 AM
I think that they should be puting polar bears in zoos to help them survive. But would they still be endangered?
Posted by: Chanel age:11 | November 13, 2008 at 05:39 PM