At a time when debate over climate change is at its most prolific, and we face the commercial reality of what effective, increasingly urgent action will mean; it is easy to forget that our actions today are shaping the landscape of tomorrow.
According to a new study published in the journal Nature, significant cuts in greenhouse gas emissions over the next two decades could give polar bears a chance of surviving for the long term. Set against an often depressingly glum outlook, this is refreshing hope. But we have to act. Immediately. Polar bears rely on the vast expanses of sea ice to hunt for prey. This ice is melting, and threatening their existence. Today there are approximately 22,000 polar bears in the world. At current rates, and if greenhouse gases continue to rise, only a third might be left by 2050, causing the bear’s extinction within 100 years.
As battle wages between countries, governments, policy makers, industry, greenies, polluters, naysayers, dooms day-ers, and everyone in between, we should remind ourselves of the human element at the core of this debate. This affects us, and we have a right to our say.
So, we come back to the debate: action, no action, what action? If consensus within our own government is so difficult to achieve, can we expect global agreement? While we are reminded constantly that time is running out, it has not run out yet. There is hope, and governments still have a choice. Legislate, and cut emissions. Simple. For those of us who care about the future, it is our responsibility to remind the government of that.
How do you feel when you look at the image of the polar bear? Optimistic, because there is still hope? Anger at government delay? Or fear at what this delay will mean? Action will come at a price. Inaction at a much higher one.
Look at the picture once more. Do we want this to be a common scene in the wild, or seen only in picture books? Ethereal I can handle, mythical I can’t.
If you would like to donate to polar bear conservation, there are several meritorious organisations including:
Comments are closed.