This Organization Created “Arctic Sea Ice Day” to Help Save Polar Bears’ Homes

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Pie
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Polar Bears International is the only organization committed exclusively to wild polar bears. The group worked hard to conserve these gigantic animals and the sea ice they depend on.

“Through media, science, and advocacy, we work to inspire people to care about the Arctic, the threats to its future, and the connection between this remote region and our global climate.”

According to the organization, every year, polar bears of Western Hudson Bay are forced ashore in summer when the sea ice melts. To raise awareness about the alarming sea ice loss in the Arctic, they created “Arctic Sea Ice Day,” on July 15th to help reverse this trend.

“The key to getting the climate system back to functioning the way it should, and to preserving a future for polar bears across the Arctic, is to move away from using fossil fuels for energy altogether.”

You can help save sea ice by supporting your local renewable energy programs and learning facts about Arctic sea ice, or by getting involved in the group’s different programs and campaigns.

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Polar bears don’t prefer sea ice to land, they NEED sea ice to survive. . A polar bear’s hunting and eating patterns depend completely on sea ice. Why? Because seals depend on it➖and seals are the only food source with a high enough fat content and enough calories to keep a polar bear healthy. Polar bears can only reach seals from the platform of sea ice. While they are good swimmers, catching a seal in open water is extremely challenging and unlikely. Polar bears also rely on sea ice for traveling, breeding, and sometimes denning. . As Arctic Sea Ice Day comes to a close, please take just a few moments to learn how you can draw attention to this remarkable ecosystem, the ice loss taking place, and how a shift to renewable energy can help reverse that trend. Link in bio ⬆️

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Sea ice is magical, complex, and an important part of the Arctic ecosystem. But sea ice is melting as climate change heats up the Arctic➖and the impacts reach well beyond polar bears and walruses to our own backyards. . The key to getting the climate system back to functioning the way it should, and to preserving a future for polar bears and all wildlife across the Arctic, is to move away from using fossil fuels for energy. Here are a few ways you can encourage the shift to renewable energy, on #ArcticSeaIceDay and every day: . 1️⃣ Learn more about your local and regional renewable energy options and programs. Are there any solar or wind energy options available to you? Does your local energy company offer sustainable energy incentives? Are there any local programs aimed at reducing emissions? Google knows! . 2️⃣ Support a state/province/country-wide renewable energy program. Vote for representatives who commit to investing in programs that make renewable energy affordable and accessible across communities. Let these leaders know that you want efficiency standards and renewable energy sources for constructing, heating, cooling, and lighting the places where we all work and live. Also show your support for carbon pricing plans, which economists say are the swiftest, most efficient paths to a renewable energy future. You can start by calling, writing a letter, or reaching out on social media.

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It's Arctic Sea Ice Day! And this is your last sea ice fact in the countdown ❄️💦 . June 2019 had the second lowest Arctic sea ice extent for that month in the 40-year satellite record. This year’s record is likely to deepen at least for the coming days and possibly months. The Arctic experienced record-breaking temperatures this spring, especially around Alaska where the ice cover had almost disappeared in the Bering Sea by March. The impacts on the local polar bear, seal, walrus, and whale populations will become clearer in the coming months but are expected to be substantial. . Despite the threats, it’s important to remember that it's not too late to save Arctic sea ice. Studies show there is no tipping point. The ice will rebound if we work together now to shift away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Not only will this help reduce the carbon emissions that are causing the planet to warm and the sea ice to melt, it will also create jobs, strengthen the economy, and improve the overall environment and our health. . Visit our Arctic Sea Ice Day page to learn how you can join us in celebrating the importance of sea ice and helping to safeguard its future➖Link in bio ⬆️

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