Why We Need to Protect Polar Bears: The Importance Explained

Leave a comment / / Updated on: 13th January 2024

The polar bear is one of the most iconic animals on Earth but also the most threatened.

They are known for their white fur and black eyes and inhabit some of the harshest environments on the planet.

Climate change is causing the Arctic to warm at twice the rate of the rest of the planet, and as a result, sea ice—the bears’ primary habitat—is melting.

This has led to a dramatic decrease in polar bear populations; unless we take action now, they could disappear completely within 100 years.

In this article, we will discuss the importance of polar bears and what we can do to ensure their survival.

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The Plight of the Polar Bear

The plight of the polar bear is a pressing issue.

They are iconic species that play a vital role in the arctic ecosystem, but they are rapidly losing their habitat and face numerous other threats.

The are two main reasons for this: climate change and human activity.

How Climate Change is Affecting their Habitats

Polar bears in the arctic | avstraliavasin via Getty Images

In recent years, polar bear populations have declined by as much as 40%, and the main reason is sea ice loss.

As the climate warms and Arctic Sea ice melts, polar bears are increasingly forced onto land where they cannot hunt for their primary food source, seals.

This puts them at risk of starvation and makes them more vulnerable to human encroachment and conflicts.

In some areas, the ice is disappearing so quickly that polar bears are being forced onto land earlier in the year when their food sources are scarce.

This results in lower birth rates and increased mortality rates among polar bears.

Scientists believe that polar bears could be extinct within our lifetime unless urgent action is taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate change is affecting not only polar bears but also the entire Arctic ecosystem.

The Dangers they Face from Humans

Polluted Waters | Suphanat Khumsap via Getty Images

In addition to climate change, polar bears also face many human threats.

The main threat is habitat loss and fragmentation due to human activity, such as oil and gas development, mining, shipping, and tourism.

Not only does this pose a risk of spills and contamination, but it also disturbs their natural hunting and breeding grounds.

Other human-related threats include hunting, pollution, and disease.

Polar bears are often hunted for their fur or killed as trophies, which is now illegal in most countries.

They can also become entangled in fishing nets or ingest pollutants from the water and food they eat.

Why We Need to Protect Polar Bears

A lone Polar bear | Page Chichester via Getty Images

As seen above, Polar bears are one of the most iconic and beloved animals on the planet.

They are also most vulnerable, as they struggle to adapt to the rapidly changing Arctic climate.

Melting glaciers and sea ice, which polar bears depend on for hunting and travel, put them at risk of starvation and drowning.

In addition, humans kill polar bears as they come into contact with people more frequently in search of food.

As a result, we must take action to protect polar bears before it is too late.

There are several reasons why we should protect polar bears.

They are Keystone Species

The polar bear | pum_eva via Getty Images

Polar bears are a keystone species in the Arctic ecosystem. This means that they play an essential role in maintaining the balance of their environment.

Their decline will impact the delicate balance of life in the Arctic.

For example, polar bears help keep seal populations in check, preventing overgrazing of specific areas.

Their carcasses also provide food for other animals and help fertilize the tundra.

Without polar bears, the delicate balance of the Arctic ecosystem could be disrupted, potentially disastrous consequences.

A Cultural Icon

Polar Bear on an iceberg | SteveAllenPhoto via Getty Images

Polar bears are also culturally significant in terms of their ecological importance.

They have been an essential part of the Inuit culture for centuries and symbolize strength, power, and endurance.

The Inuit people have a deep spiritual connection to polar bears and consider them an essential part of their culture and identity.

A Major Tourist Attraction

Polar bear with cub | Flinster007 via Getty Images

Polar bears are a valuable economic asset in terms of tourism and research.

Tourists come from all over the world to see polar bears in their natural habitat, an essential source of income for many communities in the Arctic.

Scientists also study polar bears extensively, and this research is essential to our understanding of the impacts of climate change on wildlife.

Last but not least, and perhaps most importantly, we must protect polar bears because they are a species worth saving.

Finally, polar bears represent hope.

They have survived through some of the harshest conditions on Earth, and their continued existence reminds us that we can also weather any storm.

We are, therefore, morally obligated to protect polar bears from extinction, as they are helpless victims of our changing climate.

We are responsible to future generations to ensure that polar bears are still around for them to enjoy and appreciate.

What can be Done to Help Protect Polar Bears?

Polar bear walking on sea ice | vladsilver via Getty Images

There are several things we can do to protect polar bears, including:

  • Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels: Burning fossil fuels is the primary driver of climate change, melting the sea ice polar bears rely on for hunting.
  • Supporting sustainable energy: We can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow climate change by investing in renewable energy sources.
  • Educating others about polar bears: By raising awareness about the plight of polar bears and the threats they face; we can encourage others to take action to protect them.
  • Supporting conservation efforts: Many organizations are working to protect polar bears and their habitat. You can support their efforts by donating or volunteering.
  • Speaking out against climate change denialism: Climate change is happening, it’s a threat to polar bears, and we need to take action to reduce its effects. Denying this only makes the problem worse.
  • Urging governments to establish protected areas for polar bears: By creating protected areas in the Arctic, we can help ensure that polar bears have a place to live and thrive.
  • Funding research on the effects of climate change on polar bear populations: We need to understand how climate change affects polar bears to develop effective conservation strategies.

Every little bit helps when it comes to protecting polar bears. By taking action on any or all of these fronts, we can make a difference for these iconic animals.

Conclusion

Polar bears are one of the most iconic animals on our planet.

As we learn more about their importance in the Arctic ecosystem, it becomes increasingly clear that we must do everything possible to protect them.

With melting sea ice making it harder for them to find food and habitat, climate change puts these fantastic creatures at risk.

There are many ways to protect polar bears, but the most important thing is reducing our greenhouse gas emissions to slow climate change.

We can also help by raising awareness and supporting organizations working to save polar bears.

If we do not act now to protect polar bears, we could lose them forever.

We must work together to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, slow the rate of climate change, and create a safe future for these magnificent creatures.

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