Why Should We Save Polar Bears?

Polar bears are beautiful animals that serve an important part of the ecosystems in which they live. They can also be frightening, and have been known to hunt and kill humans. Polar bears have lost a great deal of habitat to human incursion, and they are losing range and territory to the effects of global warming, which in particular affects the amount of sea ice present.

An ecosystem is highly dependent on all of its parts, and removing even a single species can have potentially drastic consequences. Polar bears are an apex or top of the line predator in areas where they live. They feed on seal, fish and native populations of deer. Several other scavenging carnivores depend at least in part on the kills of polar bears. The failure to save polar bears might result in loss of species like the Arctic fox, which is currently not endangered.

Additionally, all large predators perform a very important function in their habitat: helping to regulate and control the populations of other species. When an animal group loses its natural predators, overpopulation, sickness and mass die offs can result. Moreover, overpopulated groups can have a direct result in underpopulating other groups. A huge boom in population of Arctic seals would have a direct effect on the prey of seals, and could reduce numbers of certain types of fish and crustaceans.

This could have a direct effect on humans, who might have to compete with Arctic seals for food supplies from fish. If people want a more people-centered reason to save polar bears, the lack of polar bears could ultimately affect human food supply and commercial fishing industries. The idea that no species, including humans, lives without depending on others might be the most vital human reason to save this species.

With many arguments existing for why we should save polar bears, there is still another question in play: can they be saved? This is a matter that scientists debate because of what appears to be rapid degradation of the polar bears' environment in recent years due to warming temperatures. In fact, the US Geological Survey has alarming predictions about humankind's ability to rescue the species before it fully declines. If the bears cannot adapt to changing climates, they might face almost total extinction before the end of the 21st century, with about 66% of the animals disappearing by 2050.

There are some things that may help slow warming trends and help delay extinction of polar bears. These include things like finding energy sources that don’t release greenhouse gases and not making any more incursions on polar bear territory that is still stable. Drilling for oil or natural gas in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) might accelerate destruction of this vital species and is looked upon by most environmentalists as a surefire way to subvert any attempts to save polar bears and other endangered or at risk species.

Polar bears are apex predators and play a critical role in maintaining the health of the marine ecosystem. They help regulate seal populations, which in turn influences fish populations and overall oceanic health. Their presence indicates a healthy Arctic environment, which is crucial for global climate regulation.

Polar bears are primarily threatened by climate change, which is melting the Arctic sea ice they depend on for hunting seals. According to the World Wildlife Fund, oil and gas development also poses risks through potential spills and habitat disturbance, while pollution, shipping, and increased human activities in the Arctic further exacerbate these threats.

Conserving polar bears helps preserve the Arctic ecosystem, which plays a significant role in the Earth's climate system. A stable Arctic climate affects global weather patterns and sea levels, which are crucial for human agriculture, coastal communities, and overall well-being. Moreover, polar bears are an indicator species, signaling the health of their environment which is interconnected with ours.

Conservation efforts include international agreements like the Agreement on the Conservation of Polar Bears, which protects bear habitats and regulates hunting. Organizations are also working on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slow down climate change, while research and monitoring programs aim to better understand polar bear ecology and adapt conservation strategies accordingly.

Individuals can contribute by reducing their carbon footprint, which helps slow down global warming and sea ice melting. Supporting organizations dedicated to polar bear conservation through donations or advocacy, and spreading awareness about the bears' plight are other effective ways to help. Making sustainable seafood choices also reduces pressure on the Arctic ecosystem.

While polar bears are still vulnerable, conservation efforts have seen some success. For instance, the population of polar bears in the Chukchi Sea was found to be stable and healthy, according to a study by the U.S. Geological Survey. This suggests that with continued efforts, it's possible to maintain and even improve polar bear populations in certain areas.