Most polar bear populations will collapse by century’s end without emissions cuts, study says

July 20, 2020

A recent study became the first to predict the rate of survival for all of the world’s 19 polar bear populations in the face of the climate crisis. The study found that, if global emissions continue at the rate they are right now, the vast majority of polar bears will die out by 2080. By examining the patterns of rising temperatures in the Arctic, and the subsequent rapid ice melting, the study predicts the effects these changes will have on polar bears’ ability to find food. The authors then make predictions about reproduction and cub survival rate given the projected decrease in food availability.

The study is the first to use calculations of food availability to estimate reproductive success in polar bears. The authors also highlight the fact that they used conservative estimates both in the rate of ice melt and in the amount of food the bears will need in order to successfully reproduce – the reality could very well be much more bleak.

However, hope is not lost. As the authors point out, polar bear populations would likely fare much better if the global emissions reductions called for in the Paris Climate Agreement are achieved.

Read more

Photo by Pixabay (Pexels)