Global warming is a problem that affects wildlife of all sorts, but polar bears in particular present one of the greatest concerns. This is largely due to the adverse effect of warming temperatures on their native habitat.

Already facing diminished food sources due to human encroachment, hunting, and development, polar bears may find it more and more difficult to seek a habitat that will sustain them.

Threatened Species

Currently there are approximately 20,000 polar bears living in the Arctic. The U.S. Geological Survey Office predicts that as the temperatures of our planet rises, the resultant loss of ice caps and floes may cause a reduction of up to two thirds of this population within 50 years.

In response, the United States Department of the Interior has placed the animal on the Threatened Species list and will most certainly classify it as Endangered unless something is done to drastically change the situation.

Underlying Problems

Already ice is melting at a rapid rate and many polar bears are drowning. Photographic evidence has captured the image of polar bears balancing on tiny remnants of ice while all around them floes are disappearing into the Arctic Sea.

If global warming continues unchecked, more than the lack of ice will be a problem; polar bears will overheat if the ambient temperature becomes less cold than normal. Their bodies are designed to capture and retain heat, from the tips of their ears to the double layer of fur, making their far north habitat ideal.

In addition, the warming waters of the Arctic are causing much of the polar bears’ normal food supply to diminish. The northern sea otter is another species on the threatened list; with ice seals, these are a primary source of nutrition for polar bears.

What Can Be Done?

For one thing, the polar bear’s submission to the threatened species list makes it illegal for sport hunters to bring any part of the animal across the United States border. This should at least keep the population stable as long as possible.

Along with this, their habitats need to be protected and preserved with no further areas taken away by humans seeking to develop one of the world’s last frontiers.

Another helpful initiative is for the globe’s populace to cut down on CO2 emissions that contribute to global warming. This can be accomplished via recycling and using alternative energy sources.

The changes we make now could someday prevent polar bears from becoming endangered or even extinct.

Find out more about efforts to save the Polar Bear or take a look at our Polar Bear Q&A.