In 2008, the Polar Bears were enlisted in the US Endangered Species Act. The main reason for their extinction is global warming, which is the rise of CO2 in the atmosphere of the earth. Our negligence towards the issue is leading to the extinction of the species.
It’s
a common knowledge that the polar bears are found in the Arctic regions, where
the weather is below freezing point. Polar bears are dependent on sea ice and
that is their source of living. As we all know, global warming is steadily
increasing throughout the world and is the primary reason
for the melting of ice and glaciers across the North Pole. Attempts have been
made to control the CO2 emissions but no fruitful results have gained from the attempt. Polar bears have a direct threat from our own need of consumerism. The world is using
non-economic friendly source to develop itself. The polar bears are mostly
being affected from global warming. The greenhouse effect has a direct effect
on the lives of the bears. As the polar bear thrives on the colder regions, the
bears are severely threatened from the heating of the earth’s surface which
results in the melting of ice.
There
are also many other reasons for the polar bears to be on the list of endangered
species. Pollution and hunting are also contributing to the extinction of the
mammal. The exposure of harmful chemicals and toxic substances into the seas by
industries result in the contamination of water and death of sea life, on which
the polar bear is heavily reliant on. Hunters kill the animals for skins and
hides, which accounts for the extermination of the animal. Although reductions
and restrictions have been placed on the hunting of the specie which has
resulted in the reduction of the hunting of the animal, the World Conservation
Unit still considers it a risk to the continuation of the race of polar bears.
How can we protect these animals:
In
order to save the species from extinction, we have to control the global
warming emissions a lot more. As global warming is the primary reason for the
deaths, governments and world institutions have to restrict the countries from
emitting toxic substances into the atmosphere. Economic friendly practices can
improve the situation greatly. Pollution should also be checked by the state
actors as pollution causes harm to the lives of polar bears, sea life and human
life combined. There should be an increased regulation of the hunting of the
bears and state laws should be made to persecute the individual found in
hunting of the animal. It is not just up to the governments to take matters
into their hands. We, as an individual,
should refrain from exercises which cause harm to the lives of these species
such as using economic friendly methods to reduce pollution and global warming.
Vital
steps need to be taken by all countries to control the situation which
threatens the existence of the polar bears. If we take the appropriate steps,
we can ensure the continuity of the species.
