Created in 1994 by the non-profit “Polar Bears International,” Feb. 27 was officially named National Polar Bear Day to raise awareness for polar bears. As the earth is getting warmer, the polar bear population gets smaller. Many polar bears are dying and on the verge of extinction because of the sea ice melting in the Arctic. It is predicted that polar bears will be totally extinct by the end of this century. Below are some contributors to the polar bear extinction.
Oil and Gas
The oil and gas business is slowly moving into the Arctic as reserves in the south dry up. This is a major reason as to why polar bears are dying. They ingest oil through grooming and eating. The oil can cause liver and kidney damage, even a limited amount on their fur can cause severe damage.
Climate Change
Climate change is real and is affecting the polar bears heavily. The main reason climate change is happening is the burning of fossil fuels, which reverts back to oil and gas. Because of this, the ice in the Arctic is melting rapidly. Polar bears need the ice to survive. They use it to hunt and for protective cover. This leaves them without a source of food and a way to keep safe.
Willow Project
Approved on March 13, 2023, The Willow Project is a huge oil drilling project located on Alaska’s North Slope proposed by ConocoPhillips. According to the New York Times, the project plans to hold up to 600 million barrels of oil in the area. This project has received a massive online uproar of activism against it, including more than 1 million letters written to the White House and millions of signatures on a Change.org petition. Even though it has already been approved, the petitions are still available. Writing to the White House and getting involved can still make a difference to stop this project.
How Can I Help?
Saving the polar bears from extinction cannot be done by one person. But just changing simple habits in everyday activities can make a huge impact. For example, carpooling reduces the burning of fossil fuels and carbon emissions. Even better, find another way of transportation such as biking, walking or public transportation. Reduce energy use by turning off lights when exiting a room. Recycle and prevent waste. All of these little changes can make the biggest difference.
Why should I care?
With the loss of sea ice not only will the polar bears go extinct, but the world could lose walruses, arctic foxes, reindeer and many other species. If the world continues to go on like this, it puts the Arctic in danger. Even though West Virginia doesn’t have polar bears, if the Arctic melts, the world will rapidly get warmer, and the sea levels will rise. It is important to take action while you still can.
