Rethinking the Polar Bear as the Symbol of Climate Crisis

The warming planet is causing steep declines among some of the world’s 26,000 wild polar bears, but it is not universal and the picture is complicated, say experts

Introduction

In the ever-evolving narrative of climate change, one iconic image stands out – the polar bear stranded on melting Arctic ice. This poignant symbol has become synonymous with the devastating consequences of global warming. However, as we delve deeper into the intricate web of polar bear biology and their relationship with a changing environment, a more nuanced story begins to emerge. In this blog post, we will explore why it may be time to reconsider the polar bear as the face of the climate crisis and the complex reality behind their survival.

The Plight of the Polar Bear

Few images evoke the climate crisis as powerfully as the polar bear marooned on dwindling sea ice in the Arctic. These magnificent marine mammals rely heavily on sea ice for their hunting grounds, and as the Arctic warms, their very existence is threatened. In recent years, long-term declines have been observed in several polar bear subpopulations across the Arctic, including those in the western part of Hudson Bay in Canada, where numbers plummeted from an estimated 842 to 618 between 2016 and 2021.

However, it’s essential to recognize that the situation is far from universal, and the polar bear’s status as a symbol of the climate crisis may not hold true in all cases. Some experts argue that this oversimplified narrative can hinder conservation efforts, particularly among Indigenous communities in the Arctic. They suggest that other species may be more suitable symbols of the wildlife imperiled by a warming world.

A Complex Reality

Professor Jon Aars, a leading polar bear researcher at the Norwegian Polar Institute on Svalbard, highlights the complexities of polar bear biology and ecology. Svalbard, an archipelago in Norway, has experienced a rapid temperature increase of 4°C on average in the past half-century, accompanied by a significant reduction in sea ice. Surprisingly, the polar bear population in Svalbard has not yet seen a decline. Aars attributes this to the bears’ recovery from historical hunting pressures, banned in Norway in 1973.

Despite dramatic environmental changes, Svalbard’s polar bears are adapting. They are altering their hunting practices, targeting reindeer in addition to seals. Changes in denning behavior and increased swimming distances indicate their resilience. Remarkably, there is still enough sea ice in the spring for successful hunting.

The Global Perspective

Understanding the global perspective of the roughly 26,000 wild polar bears presents challenges due to data gaps, particularly in Russia and parts of Greenland. According to Dr. Steven Amstrup of Polar Bears International, the types of sea ice play a significant role in polar bear dynamics. Regions with seasonal ice, like Hudson Bay, force bears to come ashore for longer fasting periods, where food is scarce.

Svalbard presents a different scenario, where ice moves away from the shore in summer, creating a divergent ecoregion with uncertain outcomes. Crucially, the region benefits from rich continental shelf waters, providing ample seal pups for hunting in the spring. In contrast, polar bear populations in Alaska’s Beaufort Sea, also in the divergent group, struggle due to less productive waters supporting fewer seals.

A Subpopulation Perspective

Professor Andrew Derocher, a polar bear expert at the University of Alberta, emphasizes the need for a subpopulation perspective. Some polar bear subpopulations are thriving, while others face significant challenges. This complexity can lead to confusion, especially when working with Inuit hunters in Canada who report varying polar bear sightings.

Derocher acknowledges the polar bear’s role as an accidental icon of climate change but emphasizes that it’s not a doomsday scenario. Nevertheless, considering a high-emissions scenario, some subpopulations could vanish this century. This raises concerns about increased human-wildlife conflict and polar bear starvation, as exemplified by a recent attack on three people in Quebec.

A Diverse Future

In conclusion, the polar bear’s status as the climate crisis symbol deserves reconsideration. With 19 polar bear populations spread across the Arctic, diverse scenarios are unfolding, each shaped by local environmental conditions. While some subpopulations may face extinction, others are expected to persist. Our challenge is to look ahead, plan for the future, and embrace the complexity of polar bear conservation. As we navigate this uncertain journey, it’s essential to acknowledge that the climate crisis story is not one-size-fits-all, and the fate of the polar bear remains intricately woven into the fabric of our changing planet.