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Climate Change Threatens Polar Bears with Extinction

Unless urgent action is taken to slow down global warming polar bears will be extinct by the end of the century. The stark warning is contained in an authoritative report compiled by more than 250 scientists on the effects of climate change in the Arctic. It predicts that the ice on which polar bears live will have melted within 100 years. This will have “devastating consequences” for the bears, the report concludes. “They are unlikely to survive as a species if there is an almost complete loss of summer sea-ice cover.”

Their only option would be to adapt to land, where they would face fierce competition from North American brown and grizzly bears and increased threats from human interaction. “The loss of polar bears is likely to have significant and rapid consequences for the ecosystems they currently occupy,” the report adds.

The Arctic Climate Impact Assessment will be unveiled at a scientific conference in Reykjavik, Iceland, this week. It is the most comprehensive and detailed study ever done on how global warming will affect the Arctic.

Alarming Findings of the Report

The study was commissioned by the Arctic Council, which brings together the eight countries that surround the North Pole. They are the US, Canada, Russia, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland and Denmark, which governs Greenland and the Faroes. The report points out that the average temperature in the Arctic has risen almost twice as fast as the rest of the world over the past few decades. Over the next hundred years winter temperatures are expected to rise by up to 10°C over the oceans.

In the past 30 years, the annual average area of Arctic sea ice has shrunk by nearly a million square kilometers, an area larger than Norway, Sweden, and Denmark put together. By late this century, the report predicts, 50% of summer ice could be gone, with “some models showing near complete disappearance”.

Seals that give birth on the ice would also be at risk, as would the several million birds that migrate to the Arctic every summer. These changes would, in turn, threaten the livelihood of many native peoples that hunt polar bears and seals around the Arctic. The report blames all this on the climate change being caused by carbon dioxide and other “greenhouse gases” emitted by vehicles, factories, farmers, and homes around the rest of the world. “Human-induced changes in Arctic climate are among the largest on Earth,” it concludes.

The Grave Implications for the Environment

“These changes will also reach far beyond the Arctic, affecting global climate, sea level, biodiversity, and many aspects of human social and economic systems. Climate change in the Arctic thus deserves and requires urgent attention by decision-makers and the public worldwide.”

Polar bears were “walking on thin ice”, according to the international environmental group, WWF. Their extinction would be the most dramatic demonstration to date of the climate chaos engulfing the globe.

“The demise of the polar bears will be a foretaste of the devastation that climate change could bring to all of nature’s top predators, including humans,” warned Dr. Richard Dixon, head of policy at WWF Scotland in Aberfeldy.

“We have only a few years to curb our polluting ways and save the Arctic, including the polar bears. This is a challenge to the generation of people running the world today – the last generation that can prevent the worst of climate chaos.”

Hotels Can Make a Sustainable Difference

While the issue of climate change remains a global concern, many industries have a role to play in mitigating their impact on the environment. One significant sector that can make a sustainable difference is the hotel industry.

Promoting Green Practices

Hotels can adopt various green practices to minimize their carbon footprint and contribute positively to the environment. From energy-saving measures such as using LED lighting and installing efficient HVAC systems to implementing water conservation strategies like low-flow fixtures and linen reuse programs, hotels have the power to make a tangible difference.

Embracing Renewable Energy Sources

Many hotels are also embracing renewable energy sources such as solar panels and geothermal systems to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. By harnessing clean energy, hotels can significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and set an example for other industries.

Promoting Sustainable Tourism

In addition to implementing environmental practices within their own operations, hotels can also promote sustainable tourism to their guests. This involves educating visitors about the importance of minimizing their impact on the environment and providing them with eco-friendly options during their stay.

Furthermore, hotels can partner with local conservation organizations and support initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable ecosystems and wildlife habitats affected by climate change.

Encouraging Collaboration

The fight against climate change requires collaboration and collective effort. Hotels can actively engage with industry associations, government bodies, and experts to develop and implement sustainable practices. By sharing best practices and participating in global initiatives, hotels can contribute to the broader goal of combating climate change.

While the threat of climate change looms large, the actions taken by the hotel industry and other sectors can help slow down the devastating impacts on the environment and species like polar bears. It is crucial for all stakeholders to recognize the urgency of the situation and work together to create a sustainable future for our planet.

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