The Effect of Climate Change on Polar Bear Populations Arthur Burns Julie Manoharan Olivier Sherman Jovan Stojanovich

Introduction Some researchers speculate that global warming is threatening Polar Bear populations and well-being. We investigated the effects of climate change on Polar Bear habitats, feeding habits, and reproduction.

Sea Ice and Ice Sheet Melt There is disagreement about causes of melting sea ice. It is likely due to a combination of natural variation and human effects on climate.

Melting Sea Ice Sea Ice is greatly affected by rising temperatures. There has been natural variation in temperature throughout history, largely due to CO2 concentrations. In recent history we have been adding huge amounts of CO2 to the atmosphere, which increases temperature and melts sea ice.

Effect on Feeding Habits Polar bear’s overall hunting ability will decline. Competition with other populations will increase. Ringed seal population, Polar Bear’s primary prey, will also go into decline. There will be an increase in polar bear-human interaction.

Effects on Reproduction There is no effect on the act of mating itself. Less ice means more energy will be needed to reach maternity dens. This decreases mother-cub survival rates for those using terrestrial dens. This also causes an increase in ice-bound dens.

Polar Bear & Human Interaction Polar bear sightings on land have increased, but populations may be decreasing. Pollution and hunting are the biggest anthropogenic threats.

Public Policy Policy Solutions must address the problem of rising carbon dioxide emissions. Polar bears have recently received protection under the Endangered Species Act. Current Protections fail to address root cause of the problem.

Solutions International agreements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (Kyoto). Cap and trade system. Bottom line: We must combat global warming and melting icecaps that threaten polar bear habitats.