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The Effects of Climate change on polar bears.
Abdifatah N. Mohamed.

ENV-2603. Env Sustainability

Professor: Patel, K September, 28th, 2023

The polar bea r (ursus maritimus) is one of the most popular species of the arctic, and has since become a symbol of the region's impacts on climate change. Due to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, the arctic region is warming at an alarming rate, resulting in the loss of sea ice, which is a vital habitat for polar bears because polar bears are highly adapted to life in the arctic's icy environment and rely heavily on the sea ice for their survival. Climate change has slowed the availability of sea ice in recent years, resulting in a decrease in the number of polar bears. This paper will investigate the effects of climate change on the polar bear population, with a particular emphasis on changes in the availability of sea ice, changes in the polar bear's behavior, population, and impacts of climate change on the species of food supply.

The polar bear's habitat is dominated by sea ice, which provides a platform for them to hunt their primary food source, the ringed seal. Polar bears' behavior has changed dramatically as a result of climate change. The species is incredibly adapted to life in the arctic's icy environment and relies heavily on the sea ice for protection. Polar bears have had to adapt their behavior in order to survive due to the reduction in the availability of sea ice. However, as the arctic region warms, the sea ice is melting at an unprecedented rate, and the average length of sea ice is decreasing. Polar bears have been unable to reach their prey due to the loss of sea ice, so they have to travel farther to find food. According to Wiig and Aars(2015), studies have shown that the body condition of polar bears has deteriorated due to the reduction of sea ice, leading to a decline in their reproductive success.

Polar bears' range has increased dramatically as a result of a decrease in their range. Polar bears have been compelled to move further away from their traditional hunting grounds in order to find food as the sea ice has depleted. The species has been able to travel longer distances in search of food, and its range has increased. Polar bears have been pushed to spend more time on land by the reduction of sea ice, resulting in increased competition for food and space. The number of polar bear-human conflicts has increased, which can be dangerous both for humans and bears. In addition, climate change has lowered the amount of sea ice in the ocean, resulting in a decrease in the quality and thickness of the ice. The sea ice has gotten thinner and less stable, making it difficult for polar bears to hunt and feed. This has also contributed to the decline in the species' population. The polar bear's ability to mate is also affected by the loss of sea ice, since they rely on the sea ice to find their match. As a result, the population of polar bears is declining at an alarming rate.

Climate change has had a major effect on the polar bear's food supply in addition to the loss of sea ice. The species depends heavily on the sea ice for survival, and since sea ice has declined, the polar bear has had to change its diet in order to survive. The species has been compelled to switch to a more terrestrial diet, and has been spotted to feed on a variety of land-based animals, including reindeer, moose, and even snow geese. Born (2012) reported that the reduction of sea ice has shifted the polar bear's feeding season, since the ice break-up occurs earlier in the year. The polar bear's feeding season has coincided with the availability of their primary food source, the ringed seal, which has resulted in a mismatch. Polar bears are being forced to adapt by changing their diets or refracting to fasting, which can have a bigger effect on their reproductive success and survival.

As climate change continues to jeopardize polar bear survival, it is vital to find and implement effective solutions to mitigate its effects. Here are two possible solutions: Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: the main cause of climate change is the excessive release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. To safeguard polar bears and their habitat, it is vital to reduce their emissions. This can be achieved by a variety of means, including switching to renewable energy sources, improving energy quality, encouraging green transportation, and enforcing stricter environmental laws. We can slow down global warming by drastically lowering greenhouse gas emissions and giving polar bears a better chance of adapting to changing conditions.

Conservation and protection of polar bear habitats: polar bears rely on sea ice for food, mating, and raising their young. As the arctic sea ice melts due to rising temperatures, their habitat is rapidly disappearing. To remedy this, it is vital to establish protected areas and enforce stricter rules on activities that threaten polar bear habitats, such as oil and gas exploration, shipping, and tourism. We can provide polar bears with a secure and undisturbed environment in which they can continue their normal habits and adapt to the changing climate by preserving their critical habitats.

In conclusion, climate change is having a major effect on the polar bear population. The species' population has decreased dramatically as a result of the decrease in the availability of the sea ice. In addition, climate change has influenced a shift in the polar bear's behavior, resulting in an increase in its range and a change in its diet. These changes have had a major effect on the species, as well as a decrease in the polar bear's population. And urgent measures are required to protect their habitat and ensure their survival. Polar bears are the most vulnerable to melting sea ice due to rising temperatures, and it is vital to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

Literature cited.

Prop, J., Aars, J., Bayrdsen, B. A., Hanssen, S.A., Bech, C., Bourgeon, S., de Fouw, J., Gabrrielson, G.W., Lang, J., Noreen, E., Oudman, T., Sittler, B., Stempeniwiez, L., Tombre, I., Wolters, E.,& Moe,B .A.(2015). Climate change and the increase impacts of polar bears on bird populations. Frontiers in Ecology and evolution, 3. https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2015.00033

Stirling, I., Derocher, A. (2012). Effects of climate worming on polar bears: a review of the evidence. Department OF Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E9. Retrieved from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1365-2486.2012.02753.x

Wiig, O., Aars, &Born, E.W(2008). Effects of climate change on polar Bears. Science in progress (2008), 91(2), 151-173.