Polar bears are in danger. The species is going extinct as a result of climate change. The rising temperatures are causing  the arctic ice to melt, leaving thousands of polar bears with shortages of food, land and resources. Scientists predict that most of the polar bears will disappear by 2100. In less than 80 years, the creature that is present now, may only exist in books. The next generations of humans won’t be able to witness the great animal of the Arctics if we don’t take action now. 

Polar bears rely on the sea ice of the Arctic Ocean to hunt for seals. As the ice breaks, they have to travel greater distances from the shore, to find food and feed their cubs. With limited resources female polar bears are not able to produce milk to feed their offspring, causing a rampant decline in population. As polar bears lose their strength to  malnutrition they are unable to hunt big animals such as walrus, which could be a source of food for months. Polar bears are considered as vulnerable species, with an estimated 22,000-31,0000 remaining in the wild. 

The bad news is that polar bears will go extinct in 100 years if no action will be taken. The great news is that we can save them if we work together. First of all, we need to cut our greenhouse gas emissions. This could be achieved by using renewable energy and planting trees to absorb CO2. Cutting emissions is something that the government has lead, but There are smaller ways people can help fight climate change in their daily lives:

1. Volunteer your time. Find different organisations that help polar bears.

2. Help fight climate change. Plant trees and plants.

3. Raise money for environmental charities or host environmental fundraising events, such as car washes and bake sales.

4. One of the ways you can help to preserve our nature, help fight climate change and save polar bears in WESS, is by joining the Green Team Club. Our club fights for the green environment and green future. Contact a Green Team member with any questions through this email.

Junior Catherine thinks that the greatest threat to polar bears is the oil industry.

 “I think the greatest threat to polar bears and Arctic wildlife right now is oil corporations that are drilling in habitats crucial to polar bear survival. The Trump Administration in particular has repealed many environmental regulations, allowing things like drilling in the Arctic wildlife refuge, and prioritizing the economy over the environment. While making small individual changes like using less power, eating locally, and generating less waste are all important steps to help combat climate change, I think to work towards helping the polar bears in particular, students should research these environmental regulations and reach out to their representatives in Congress. Voicing your opinion and becoming a part of the legislative process is the most effective way, in my opinion, to create real change.”

Sophomore Rose thinks that  “students can help to save the polar bears from climate change by promoting the cause, signing petitions online, and donating to organizations that support polar bears.”

Sophomore Advitya thinks that “climate change is something that is extensively affecting the polar bears due to the extreme change in weather patterns (caused by global warming). There is so much we all can do, as students to help. First and the foremost thing is to become informed and spread the information to the people around you as much as you can which can be through creating eco-groups at your school, talking to your friends about it, raising awareness on social media and so on. Instead of having our parents drive us to school, we can walk or bike to school. Buying local, organic food is another way. If all of us start to adopt these small and easy measures, we can for sure do wonders!”

The existence of polar bears depends on humanity. Our actions, mindset and activism will determine our future and the future of polar bears. With rising temperatures, all life on Earth will be affected to some extent. The change starts from us.