Rolling on the Tundra: A Polar Bear Adventure

The increasing ice melt in the Arctic area of the north pole has been witnessed over the past years as the published “Ice Age” video indicates. And, recently, scientists have seen evidence of faster ice melt covering a more widespread area in the western Antarctic region of the south pole area than had previously been witnessed. Associated with this increased melting is an anticipated rise in sea levels. As a consequence, both plant and animal life are predicted to be affected, including polar bears. This information was released in February, 2008, in a scientific report from Geneva, as reported on many new sites.

With continued evidence of climate change and ice melt, concerns are mounting in the scientific world. It is evident more and more every day that we must make changes on personal, corporate, and government levels to conserve energy and reduce carbon emissions. One of the more interesting suggestions to reverse climate change and stop global warming involves the launching of mirrors into space to create a “sun shade” which will reflect the sun’s rays. While this seems extreme, it is evidence that many scientists are taking the ice melt issues very seriously and brainstorming possible solutions for the future.

Scientists continue to study the ice melt at both polar regions. Louise Gray, Environmental Corrspondent with the U.K.’s Telegraph, wrote about the changing ice caps in February 2009. A related video is posted along with this article.

For now, do your part to reduce carbon emissions and encourage community leaders to do the same. Scientists believe we have only five to ten years to make a real difference in this problem, and it must be addressed on multiple levels. Even if every individual reduced their carbon footprint, it would only affect approximately 20% of the problem. We must be looking at this from a global or “earth” level, not just as individuals, countries, or continents, if we are to succeed in protecting our planet.

Photo from Reuters UK article, “Polar Regions Found Warming Fast, Raising Sea Level.”

Additional article by AFP “Scientists Find Bigger Than Expected Ice Melt”