Polar Bear Day: Here Is Everything You Need To Know

In 2017, a gruesome video of a starving Polar bear on iceless land went viral. The animal was seen during an expedition in the Baffin Islands, looking for human garbage as a means of food. National Geographic received backlash for misinterpretation of that specific situation by stating ‘This is what climate change looks like’, without them having researched proof that was the case. Later on, they clarified that they felt they had to share the video in order to spread awareness of the daunting future of the great mammal. And this threat they face is 100% real and terrifying. In honor of International Polar Bear Day, February 27th, we want to spread awareness about its extinction rate and inspire change.

Melting Arctics

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Science reported that the melting of sea ice is one of the foremost reasons why polar bears are starving. The high temperature melts their habitat and drives away their food. Even though these animals are used to extreme conditions in their Arctic habitat, they are unable to change their diets. They require a high-fat prey, such as seas. They are commonly found on sea ice, but unfindable in ice-free conditions. Furthermore, they are built to swim fast and catch prey in marine areas.

The speed in which the Arctic is melting is accelerating. In 2008, scientist Josefino C. Comiso discovered that from 1979-1996, the Arctic ice coverage declined by 2.2%. But from 1998-2008, this percentage has risen to 10.7%. Today, the Arctic is melting and decreasing at a rate of 14% per decade, resulting in an absence the Polar Bear’s favorite prey: the seal.

Chemical Pollution

Another study, by Science Nordic, showcased another horrible threat to polar bears: chemical pollution. It’s no secret that our oceans are polluted beyond repair and this also includes chemical, man-made waste that ends up in the Arctics and their food chains. Turns out that these chemicals really affect polar bears to the extent where they experience brain damage. They trigger a disruption of enzymes and signal substances, which seriously affects the bears’ senses and behavior

What can we do?

As long as temperatures continue to rise and sea ices continue to decline, wild polar bears will go extinct. The only thing that rests us to change this fact, is reducing greenhouse gas emissions to stop the Arctics from melting down any further. The IUCN Polar Bear Specialist Group reported that these mammals are now listed as vulnerable species and that the decline predicts a horrible outcome by mid-century. Here are some tips from us and Polar Bears International on what we, as global citizens, can do for the polar bear. Let’s take action!

1. Go sustainable. In order to help our earth restore - we need to treat it differently and change the way, we consume and waste. Here are some tips on how you can go circular.

2. Get (locally) involved. Whether you’re voting with the climate in mind during elections or join climate protests. Your voice is important and needs to be heard.

3. Donate, if you can. There are many charities out there, who work hard and research ways of change. Do your own research and find a charity you’d like to support.

4. Spread awareness. If people don’t know the situation, they can’t change it. Talk about it, engage and educate each other.

#TogetherWeCanHelp!

Want to know more about the polar bear & their natural habitat? Check out this informative video below.