Rolling on the Tundra: A Polar Bear Adventure

The entry below is from B. J. Kirschoffer, Director of Field Operations for Polar Bears International. B.J. works with Dr. Tom Smith on the north slope of Alaska assisting with research studies involving polar bears and maternal dens. Below is his reflection on his most recent trip to Alaska.

“I have just returned to my house in the rocky mountain west after spending 7 weeks on the frigid north slope of Alaska. My time in the north was spent studying adult female polar bears in maternal dens with their cubs. To study the bears, we set up remote cameras on the sea ice near the polar bear den. The remote cameras capture the rarely seen moment when a mother bear emerges with her new cubs for the first time. The purpose of the study is to define what normal behavior is for mothers with cubs at the den site. This year was a low bear year, and our team was only able to locate one polar bear den. On the bright side, that mother had triplets, rare in the polar bear world.”

Thank you, B.J., for your commitment to the bears and for sharing your thoughts about your most recent time on the north slope.

This post is from Andrew E. Derocher, Ph.D. Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB

Once again, the University of Alberta research team was back to the Canadian side of the Beaufort Sea to continue our monitoring program. Based from Tuktoyaktuk in the Northwest Territories, I had 4 graduate students out in the field with me this spring. We were tracking polar bears using GPS–satellite linked collars that provide us with 6 locations per day. These collars help us understand the distribution, habitat use, and movement ecology of the bears. The 10 collars we deployed this spring help keep our sample size up when added to the 10 bears from last year.

This spring was like none other I’ve ever seen in the Arctic, and for the first time in 28 years. I managed a whole field trip without needing a parka or gloves! All the days we were out flying were above freezing and almost no wind. Oddly enough, the bears seemed to be enjoying it all. Tracking out individual animals is largely how we find the bears. This year was complicated by the bears jumping in and out of the water with abandon. Normally, April and May are pretty chilly in the north, and the bears are reluctant to enter the water because it freezes on their fur. No such problem this year. The sea ice was in pretty good shape this year despite the warmer temperatures. For the bears, the important issue is really how long will the ice stay in good shape because this dictates how their spring hunt will proceed. A slow melt means lots of seals, but a fast one means a quick retreat northward to the ice or southward to land is in order. There are good ice years and bad ice years but the longer-term trends are worrisome for the Southern Beaufort Sea polar bear population. We found lots of sub-adult bears this spring, which is encouraging for recent productivity, but we didn’t see the tracks of any females with newborn cubs, which is unusual. We hope to keep the study moving for years to come to follow the population but, as always, our budgets are pushed to the limit.

I must start by apologizing for my recent lapse in blog entries. Life and activities have been hectic…in a good way, but close to out of control! I have finally settled back into somewhat of a normal routine again, and I will work to be more consistent in the posts in future. Of course, these are my best intentions. We’ll see how successful I end up being!

So, have you noticed that some people are suffering from “climate change fatigue?” And, there are some who even show symptoms of “polar bear fatigue.” After the Copenhagen climate change talks and the unfortunate press releases and lack of real action, the symptoms for both of these “fatigues” are more evident now than ever. This can become quite discouraging at times for those of us who see the evidence of climate change, are concerned about the toll it is taking on not only the polar bears but other species as well (including humans), and are passionate about affecting change and making a difference.

Most of the time, negativity and climate change fatigue and feelings of helplessness are quickly dismissed by myself and others of like mind because of the strength of our beliefs in climate change and its effects…beliefs that are based on scientific facts and first-hand accounts from scientists in the field. But, once in a while, the bad news and the negativity are discouraging. However, I often share three points with people when I give presentations and workshops. These three messages or points of interest are loosely based on Al Gore’s second book and what I heard him say when he was interviewed on The Tonight Show. When I share these three facts with people who have a wide range of opinions about climate change and global warming and the effects of both on animals and the planet, it usually remedies the sometimes “charged” situation and moves past the negativity and fatigue.

Here are the three points:

1. Being good stewards of our planet and the environment is just the right thing to do. We should all be working to conserve resources and take care of our world and its inhabitants simply because it truly is what we should ALL do.

2. Green jobs and green technologies are good for our economy. Efficient energy and other green initiatives provide people with opportunities to successfully implement good business strategies that create new jobs and save money on expenses.

3. Less dependency on foreign oil and energy sources and the creation of alternative, independent resources for our energy are beneficial to our national security (or any country’s national security).

So, when you realize that the things we do to stop climate change, protect the polar bears and other species, and take care of our planet are also important because of these three reasons, why wouldn’t we do those things? Why wouldn’t we plant more trees? Why wouldn’t we recycle and conserve our resources? Why wouldn’t we find alternative energy sources that don’t damage the environment or deplete our natural resources? I could go on and on, but I think you “get the picture.”

So, the next time you encounter “climate change fatigue” or “polar bear fatigue,” focus on these three basic ideas. Move away from the politics of global warming. Move away from the negativity associated with some of the previous events. And, focus on ways we can all make a difference. While individually our efforts may at times seem insignificant, remember that we have great power to create change when we look at our efforts collectively. Dr. Jane Goodall says and truly believes that together we can make a difference. I have seen it happen, and I know it is true. Keep up the good work as we all continue to make the world a better place. And, I will try to remember my own advice when the negativity takes its toll.

So, it sure has been a wild and crazy winter in the United States this year. Record snowfall and cold spells have spread across the country. On Friday, February 12th, 49 of the 50 United States had some level of snow with Hawaii being the only state without any snow.

So, what does this mean in regard to climate change and global warming? Critics of climate change say that this exemplifies what they believe is a healthy climate. However, what we are witnessing is “weather” as opposed to “climate.”

So, what is the difference? An explanation of this is available on the “Climate and Global Change” portion of  NASA’s website:

“The difference between weather and climate is a measure of time. Weather is what conditions of the atmosphere are over a short period of time, and climate is how the atmosphere “behaves” over relatively long periods of time. When we talk about climate change, we talk about changes in long-term averages of daily weather.”

While we have, indeed, had record-breaking snowstorms and periods of very cold weather in the United States this year, climate change and the negative impact it has on animals, people, and the environment is real, and it continues. And, the negative impact is becoming increasingly critical. Scientists state that if we are going to reduce CO2 emissions and save the habitat of the polar bears and the polar bears themselves, we must do so within the next five to ten years.

I challenge you to take action to reduce your carbon footprint at home, in your community, and at your school or place of work. In addition to taking action locally, we must all engage in public policies through our government and corporate organizations. Finally, help raise awareness and educate others on the importance of protecting our environment and, hopefully, through your action you will inspire them to also take actions of their own. Together, we CAN make a difference! Oh, and, watch the weather out there….it is cold!! But, spring is just around the corner for those of us in the northern hemisphere, at least!

Resource: Top 10 Things You Can Do to Reduce Global Warming

COP15, the Copenhagen United Nations Climate Change Conference opened today, and the news media is buzzing on many levels. Dire warnings by scientists, corporate and government leaders, and conference presenters are highlighting the fact that man is largely responsible for much of the climate change that can be attributed to increased CO2 emissions and greenhouse gases. Stories of rising seas, melting ice, and erratic weather patterns – all of which potentially have a serious effect on life on our planet – were impactful and sometimes quite emotional. The scientific leaders at the conference believe that the facts and evidence are unequivocal and that it is critical that action be taken on a large scale to stop the damage being done.

While all of this activity is going on at the conference, there is also a backchannel of news about the leaking of e–mails of the scientists at the University of East Aglia. The text of the e–mails suggests that data regarding climate change had been altered by the scientists and was not accurate. This news shook the level of trust by many people on many levels, especially due to the economic and financial impact of climate change steps and agreements that governments of many countries are preparing to undertake.

However, the focus of the climate change conference remains steady as repeatedly scientists and experts state that the data, the research, and the science of what is happening to the climate and to our planet are sound and based on accurate facts. The work of those in attendance (individuals, organizations, and government leaders) continues during the conference, and the serious implications of what is happening is repeatedly being shared with attendees.

While there are still those people who are doubtful or unsure about climate change and the effects of mankind’s CO2 emissions on greenhouse gases and global warming, it is clearly evident that we all need to “change our ways” and become better stewards of our planet. No matter what the reason for doing so, it is just the “right thing to do.” And, along with “going green,” we create new industries, which helps our economy. As we become self-sufficient in our energy production as a country, we become less dependent on foreign countries for our energy supplies, which benefits our national security. So, what is there to lose?

And, if you have been to the Arctic and seen the changes in the ice formation and the effects on the polar bears…or if you have been to Tanzania and seen the reduced ice on the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro – the same ice that melts and supplies water to the surrounding villages – or if you have heard of the flooding of areas of Bangladesh due to rising sea levels, then you know that the signs are clear in those places as well as in many other places around the world. And, you also know that now is a critical time to take action and make a change. Change must come not only in the form of changing lightbulbs and driving hybrid cars and all of the things we can do individually, but it must also happen on a much greater scale. Business, government, and industry leaders are the ones who are going to truly make a difference through their policies and laws affecting energy production and greenhouse gas emissions.

Thus, the success of the Copenhagen Climate Conference is critical as scientists and leaders come together over the next two weeks to learn from each other, plan together, and take actions to make a difference for all of us and for our planet. Don’t let the backchannel of news distract from the bigger issue. It is more important now than it has ever been that we all continue to take action and do all that we can to stop climate change. And, if we all do our part, then collectively we truly can make a difference.

Celebrate the Copenhagen climate conference as we all are hopeful that through this opportunity for scientists and world leaders to connect and collaborate will come real actions to help us on our path to solutions for the polar bears and for all of us!

While in Churchill last week, I met an amazing sculptor from the UK, Mark Coreth, and his fabulous videographer, Ollie (Oliver) Parker. The passion of the work Mark is doing related to his Ice Bear Project was truly inspiring. Below is Mark’s response to my request for a message for this blog. I encourage you to view Mark’s website and follow the story of this amazing piece of art that he is creating to tell a very, very important story. The ice bear will be placed in Copenhagen in December during the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Mark’s ice bear holds within it a bronze polar bear skeleton, and as the ice begins to melt, the skeleton of the polar bear will “appear.” The metaphors are many (especially when people increase the speed of the ice melting by touching the ice-carved polar bear), and the message of the effects of global warming and climate change on polar bears and their habitat are visually evident in Mark’s work.

Thank you, Mark, from everyone with Polar Bears International, from me, and from the multitudes of us working to make a difference. Below is Mark’s reflection after his visit to Churchill last week. Enjoy.

—————

“As the sculptor behind the Ice Bear, I have returned from Churchill delighted by the support and approval that I received from all of the PBI family…and highlight that from the scientific world. When as a new boy to the Arctic environment, as an artist with eyes wide open and a desire to make art count, a blessing from those so much more experienced is gratifying. Ice Bear is a philanthropic work; it is meant to be a vehicle to bring the problems in the Arctic to the wider world. I am determined that its message travels far and educates people from all walks of life and nations. I want people to touch the ice and so touch the Arctic, to become aware and a part of the project and so, hopefully, the solution. I carve the first bear on Nytorv Square in Copenhagen on 5th December and the second on Trafalgar Square in London on 11th December…there after with the help of like–minded people, we will let it travel!”

“An idea of this sort is born by experiencing the environment and learning from others. The week in Churchill was a huge part of my education, and for that I thank PBI collectively–especially all those who gave Ollie and me time with interviews. Studying bears at such close proximity is wonderful and a shed load easier than I found in both of my trips through the North! If I am to pick one concern and one concern only, it would be the basking warmth of Churchill…where was the cold and, looking at the weather through this week, I have to ask where IS it now? This seems to me to be horribly like a crystal ball to the future…that makes me ever more determined to travel my bear. Let us see what comes out of Copenhagen, but let’s not hold our breath. I see a long mission ahead.”

Thank you ALL…

With all the VERY best

Mark Coreth

In May 2009, to prepare for his exhibition on the Arctic, renowned animal sculptor Mark Coreth set off across the Baffin Island sea-ice in search of polar bears. This is a video from that journey.

At the end of the Tundra Connections webcast and videoconferencing series last week, Dr. Don Moore of the Smithsonian National Zoo wrote the following blog post for Polar Bears International to be shared. Thank you, “Dr. Don” for your amazing contribution to our efforts on behalf of the polar bears!
————
“We finished our third Apple Learning Interchange – Polar Bears International webcast today.  It was interesting to cover Evidence, Impact, and Action over the last three days.

The weather out here has been beautiful for the webcasts, quite unlike previous years. We have seen many bears, but some were pretty skinny compared to previous years (we rated one at between 2 and 3 on a 5–point scale today, because we could see the points of his hips but couldn’t see his ribs showing through). I’m worried about the condition of some of the bears. This lowered bear condition will be exacerbated by continuing warm weather and positive–feedback warming (clear skies, open dark water that absorbs sunlight instead of reflecting it like ice and snow do, etc). My very personal feeling is that it hurts deep in my gut to see thin bears, and to know that humanity has caused this climate change and global warming and that some people are in denial about the facts, so are frozen into inaction when we really need to take action immediately.

We’ve had a lot of viewers of our webcasts and videoconferences, and we have had good and intelligent questions. We were able to hold their attention, of course, by showing the tundra and the bears beyond—we had about 15 different bears today and as many yesterday. During the videoconference yesterday, the drama was a mother and a relatively large Cub of the Year (COY) trying to make it back to shore while the tide was rising under the in–shore ice. We were trying to pay attention to the class and the COY at the same time—as the COY kept trying to jump from ice chunk to ice chunk, it went into and under the  water several times. The COY did NOT drown, and made it to the shore with its mother, then they both rolled in the snow to dry themselves off. We were a little more relaxed as we continued that videoconference!

I think the webcast crew this year has been AMAZING! For all of us to sit on a Tundra Buggy educational platform to have good conversations with students of many ages is just incredible. I wonder if the viewers and others know how much expertise is on this Buggy at one time! Dr. Tom Smith or Geoff York, with decades of experience studying polar bears in the wild, Julene Reed with her knowledge as such a professional educator, or Kassie Siegel with her incredible wealth of knowledge and experience on the legislative front. It has been a real honor for me to sit and chat with these folks, and with the scientists like Andrew Derocher that Polar Bears International had in town last week to do educational talks there for all of us. The overwhelming evidence continues to show that global warming is destroying the Arctic ice habitat, and many of the 19 polar bear populations are in decline because of it. For me, this means sleepless nights. I hope our visitors are understanding our message of Hope—that because the evidence is that people have caused this problem, and people are  smart, PEOPLE can also be the solution. I think a lot of the students understand this, and are trying to take personal action, action within their school, community, and families at home. I think their teachers and families might be listening. This gives me hope for the polar bears and other Arctic animals.

This is an incredible place, and I will hate to leave soon to go home, away from some of my favorite animals and people! I hope I can return to a returning ice habitat…”