Every February 27th, the International Polar Bear Day is celebrated, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the alarming situation facing the Ursus maritimus, the majestic bear of the Arctic.
Currently, it is estimated that the global population of polar bears ranges from 22,000 to 31,000 individuals, distributed across 19 subpopulations. Of these, three are in decline, mainly due to the loss of their habitat caused by climate change.
Main threats to their survival
The greatest threat to polar bears is the reduction of sea ice in the Arctic, a consequence of global warming. This ice melt decreases the platforms from which bears hunt seals, their main food source, forcing them to travel longer distances and expend more energy in search of sustenance.
Furthermore, the decrease in sea ice has led to bears spending more time on land, increasing the likelihood of dangerous encounters with humans and competition for resources.
Industrial expansion in the Arctic, especially oil exploitation, also poses a significant threat. These activities can disrupt breeding and nursing areas, and there is a constant risk of oil spills that could devastate local ecosystems. Additionally, pollution from industrial and agricultural effluents contributes to the degradation of the polar bear’s habitat.
Conservation efforts and current challenges
Since the signing of the International Agreement for the Conservation of Polar Bears in 1973, measures have been implemented to protect this species, including the ban on commercial hunting in most Arctic countries.
However, Canada continues to permit commercial hunting, with an average of 300 to 400 skins exported annually, mainly to China. Furthermore, technology has advanced in tracking and monitoring polar bears.
Researchers in Svalbard, Norway, have implemented the use of GPS tracking adhesive tags to study the movements and health of these animals. These advancements allow for a better understanding of how climate change and other threats affect polar bear populations, providing crucial data for their conservation.
An uncertain future
Despite conservation efforts, scientific projections are concerning. It is estimated that, if current trends continue, more than half of the polar bear population could face prolonged periods on land by 2040, increasing conflicts with humans and reducing their feeding opportunities. Additionally, the decline in sea ice could lead to the extinction of some subpopulations by the end of this century.
“If we want to protect polar bears and halt the progress of climate change, urgent measures must be taken to reduce our environmental footprint. Adopting a plant-based diet is one of the most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserve the habitat of thousands of species. The future of polar bears, and the entire planet, depends on our decisions today,” stated Ignacia Uribe, CEO of Fundación Veg.
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