Global Warming Killing Animals

According to a new federal study, global warming is attributing to fewer polar bear cubs surviving than even 20 years ago.  Only 43% of polar bear cubs survived their first year during the past five years, compared to a 65% survival rate in the late 1980s and early 1990s.  The alarming rate of death is caused by melting polar ice that limits bears’ food supply.

"The Grim Reaper of global warming is now clearly killing polar bear cubs," said Deborah Williams, president of Alaska Conservation Solutions, an Anchorage-based group aimed at halting climate change. "This study should be interpreted as a cry from the North to reduce greenhouse gases."

And such alarming global warming changes are seen in Russia as well.  Roaming brown bears from the forests of southwestern Siberia are scaring local people as the weather stays too warm for the animals to fall into their usual winter hibernation (torper).   

As I write this, the UN Climate Change Convention is underway in Nairobi, Kenya.  I hope for world progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as innocent animals will continue to be the first victims of global warming caused by humans. 

by
Erin Swanson
ESwanson@enviance.com