Global Change
Polar Bear Floating on Sea Ice
Once deemed a majestic creature of the article circle the polar bear has now become the billboard of global warming's effect. Though not the best term to describe the overall changing of global climates, global warming has dramatically harmed polar bear populations. The increase in polar temperatures has reduced the amount of the sea ice shelf that the bears use to hunt for food. Thus they find themselves swimming more and more in a seemingly endless such for seals and other prey items. Near the end of this downward spiral, the polar bear pictured is emaciated, having used up a great deal of its fat reserves in the search for food.