The biggest threat to Polar Bears is global warming. Global warming is something that can not be stopped, only slowed. So, if we want our polar bears to be around for longer than expected, we need to focus on slowing global warming.The Basics
Specifically, global warming is an increase in temperature over a short period of time due to human activity. Humans are pumping more carbon dioxide into the air due to industrial work. The excess carbon dioxide is leading to infrared radiation. Another gas, methane (coal, decomposition of garbage) keeps the heat energy on Earth and also absorbs infrared radiation. Nitrous oxide absorbs more energy than CO2. This gas comes from the nitrous oxide placed on crops. (15)
How this affects the Polar Ice Caps
Ice and Glaciers around the world are melting. This is leading to a raise in sea level. This could cause problems for below sea level residences. If the west Antarctic Ice Sheet melts, then the seal level raises 10 feet and coastal areas would sink below sea level, unlikely because the temperature never rises about freezing. In the North Pole, ice is not as dense, meaning that ice could be melted easier, which would cause the sea levels to rise. (15)
Polar bears need the ice to live. They use it to find food (such as fish). If it is melting, what change is there left for the Polar bear? Polar bears can not adapt to such warm conditions so quickly. The layers of their fur limits this. Right now, researchers in Polar bear organizations are trying to slow global warming, so they can receive more answers and help Polar bears adapt to the ever-changing world.
Scientist do believe global warming may take centuries because of its long processes, there are certainly several ways we can help slow global warming (including the 3 R's):
- Reduce the amount of garbage you throw away!
- Reuse as much as you can. Buy recycled materials!
- Recycle everything possible! Look up your town website to see what exactly you can reduce!
- Use public transportation! Not only does it help the environment, but also benefits the company!
- Make sure your car is in tune...or consider giving it away...or buy an eco-friendly one!
- Tell your parents to buy ENERGY STAR equipment!
- Plant trees! They absorb CO2. (16)
These are only A LITTLE of what you can do to help! Join the cause! For more ways to help, go to http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/environment/
Do Polar bears live on ice sheets as well? Will they have no where to live if the earth heats?
ReplyDeleteSince a lot of ice is melting causing more water, does the polar bear ever have trouble swimming? Do polar bears ever drowned?
ReplyDeleteHailey- Polar bears do become trapped on the ice sheets when they separate, meaning there is no place for the Polar bear to go. If the earth heats, ultimately ice melts, meaning polar bears homes are non-existant.
ReplyDeleteBekah- I'm sure a very small amount of polar bears have drowned. They are generally good swimmers, so it would be an unexpected case.
That is really sad, but it seems global warming is an ongoing problem that will be very hard to fix. However, hopefully everyone can contribute and help make a change to save these polar bears!
ReplyDeleteI never really thought of it that way, everyone is say let’s stop global warming, when in actuality it needs to be slowed.
ReplyDeleteMelting glaciers and ice caps, is a lot of extra water that the polar bears have to travel, that’s not very healthy for them, I don’t think their bodies can handle that sort of strenuous activity. Can they?
Its great we can really help the polar bears daily. Although its sad they are in danger.
ReplyDeleteHas there ever been any issues with polar bears being aggressive towards humans?
ReplyDeleteI know global warming has been effecting the bears and their enviroment, is there an exact prediction of time or a date when polar bears will become extinct.
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