The effects of global warming on Polar Bears

The change in our planet’s temperature has had a drastic effect on all living creatures.  The polar bear, native to the North Pole is one such creature.  Global warming has not only threatened its natural environment but has also affected its feeding ground, reproductive capabilities and territory.

Experts say that there are around 20,000 polar bears out in the wild.  But these numbers could decline by as much as 35% in the next 30 to 50 years.  This decrease is largely due to the disappearing ice in the North Pole.

Because its home is in the Arctic Sea, the Polar Bear has become the region’s main carnivore.  Its diet consists mainly of ringed and bearded seals.  The seals surface holes on the ice in order to breath or to eat.  Polar bears wait near the holes to catch the seals using its paws to crush the seal.

But because of dwindling sea ice, polar bears face hunger.  Every year, the ice in the North Pole melts earlier.  Ice has began to melt three weeks earlier than it did 30 years ago.  This means that the bears will have less time to stock up on meat and  take care of their young .

The polar bear is now listed as “vulnerable”. We can help save the polar bear by reusing, recycling and reducing our consumption of Carbon dioxide.  Carbon dioxide is one of the gases which speed up global warming.  By using only what we need or by conserving energy, we can help lower carbon emissions and help the plight of the polar bear.

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