On thin ice
The majesty and misfortune of the world's polar bears
Matt Petronzio
The polar bear is more vulnerable than ever before.The total population of the iconic Ursus maritimus is currently between 20,000 and 25,000, spread across 19 subpopulations in the Arctic. Polar bears in the U.S. Arctic have been listed as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act since 2008, and according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, at least three subpopulations of the species are in decline, with future decline predicted. Climate change's effect on sea ice extent is a significant factor. Rapid loss of Arctic sea ice is depriving polar bears of their habitats, because they depend on that ice to hunt prey — namely seals — and access areas to build dens.Researchers measured the fourth-lowest sea ice extent on record earlier this year, and Arctic sea ice has now been declining at a rate of 13.4% per decade relative to the 1981 to 2010 average. Several assessments show that at the current rate, the Arctic will be nearly ice-free by the middle of the century — if not sooner.While many wildlife around the world are increasingly threatened by climate change — some species arguably more so — the polar bear and its shrinking habitat remain visible, striking reminders of global warming and the need for action.In honor of Polar Bear Week, which runs Nov. 1 - 7 this year to coincide with the fall polar bear migration to Churchill, Manitoba, we rounded up these images that show both the magnificence and struggle of the world's polar bears, as well as resources to find out how you can help.
Admiring polar bears and spreading awareness about their plight is helpful, but it's also important to take action. Several organizations are working to save polar bears through conservation efforts and research, as well as aiming to change human behaviors and policies that contribute to the disappearing of their habitats. Check out these six organizations, which you can support directly through donations, and also visit their websites for more information and resources.Polar Bears International: Polar Bears International's mission is to "conserve polar bears and the sea ice they depend on." It focuses on critical research, as well as education and outreach programs to address climate change.World Wildlife Fund: WWF advocates for governments to recognize and mitigate the effects of climate change, works to reduce conflict between the bears and humans, monitors populations, and helps ensure industrial development near these habitats is sustainable.Defenders of Wildlife: Defenders of Wildlife identifies the various issues surrounding polar bear survival, such as arctic drilling and bear migration to inland communities, and details how it's helping. It also provides resources to take real-life action to save the polar bears, such as writing letters to government representatives.National Wildlife Federation: NWF is a U.S.-based conservation organization that works to protect and spread awareness about the survival of many animals, including polar bears. Its website highlights the major issues, and also its advocacy efforts.Frontiers North Adventures: The mission of Frontiers North Adventures' foundation is to support the wildlife and landscapes of Canada's North. Along with its educational tours of the Arctic, including polar bear habitats in Churchill, Manitoba, Frontiers North actively advocates for social and environmental responsibility, and is a partner with Polar Bears International and Explore.org for Polar Bear Week.Explore.org: Philanthropic media organization Explore.org works to empower individuals and organizations supporting humankind and the natural world alike. One of its signature features is its popular polar bear cams, as well as its grants through the Annenberg Foundation to support impactful nonprofits — including Polar Bears International, with which Explore.org partners on Polar Bear Week along with Frontiers North Adventures.