Species at Risk: International Polar Bear Day
By Willow Beck, Project and Admin Coordinator, Sea Smart
The Alaska polar bear of the Southern Beaufort SeaWho’s excited for International Polar Bear Day coming up on February 27th? This global event, established by Polar Bear International, draws attention to the threats that polar bears face and the actions we can take to help.
Polar bears are an icon of Canada’s arctic wildlife heritage, with 65% of the global population residing within our borders. These majestic animals are an important keystone species in the north. As apex predators in the ecosystem, they are the first to feel the effects of environmental change. This means that the health of their populations gives scientists the quickest insight into the health of an ecosystem. Currently, their numbers aren’t doing very well. Estimates say that two-thirds of the global population of polar bears will be gone by 2050, and entirely extinct by 2100.
What’s the Issue?
The biggest threat to polar bears is melting sea ice caused by global warming. Polar bears rely on sea ice to hunt seals (the main component of their diet), often spending their entire lives out on the ice. The ice has been the foundation of their lives for thousands of years. Their thick underfur, translucent guard hairs and massive paws that distribute their enormous weight are all indicators of how bears have adapted for life on ice.
As the ice melts, polar bears are forced onto land where they face starvation and exhaustion due to lack of access to food. This has caused a phenomenon where bears must move south in search of food. In turn, this causes trickle-down effects to other ecosystems that are difficult to predict. The further south they migrate, the more bear-human conflicts result as polar bears move closer to human settlements.
What You Can Do?
International Polar Bear Day is a call to action and a reminder that individuals have the power to make a difference and protect species at risk. On February 27th, participate in action pledges by “Chilling Out” (turn down your thermostat) or “Power Down” (unplug appliances and electronics that aren’t in use). Small actions can make a big difference. Reduce idling by turning your car off while waiting to pick your child up from school, or go one step further and “pedal for polar bears” by biking to work instead of driving.
These actions turn into habits that have a ripple effect across communities. At Sea Smart, we have seen first hand the power of individual action. Our species at risk school workshops teach students about other aquatic species at risk and their associated threats. Many of these species are impacted by the same threats as polar bears - so one action can help many different species! The action projects that students produce have a huge impact. When we approach environmental issues from a solutions-oriented mindset, we can all play a part in helping protect vulnerable ocean ecosystems from pole to pole.
Want to learn more about polar bears and International Polar Bear Day? Check out this article by our friends at Twinkl Education!
