Arctic SunrisePolar bear off the starboard bow

Polar bear off the starboard bow

07/11/05

Polar bear off the starboard bow

I've been through a lot of fire, man overboard and abandon ship drills, but I've never seen a crew muster on deck as fast as we did this morning, when the polar bear alert came over the ship's address system.

It was a big bear, or at least it looked big to me - but then this is the first polar bear I've seen outside of a zoo. Apparently, that the males can weigh up to 900 pounds. Majestic, even from a distance in fairly thick fog, that much I can say for sure.

I do wonder what the bear made of us. It was walking parallel to our course on thick pack ice, going the other way in no apparent hurry. Maybe busy hunting the two seals we saw a few minutes later. Of course, if I'd been out there on foot or in a kayak he might have decided I was breakfast instead.

At the time, we were about 65 miles (105km) from shore, and if you don't know polar bears, you might think it strange to see one this far from land. In reality, this is where they live for much of the year. Out on the pack ice. It's even common for them to go much further out than this.

Polar bears depend on the ice. It's where they hunt seals. They are no match for seals at swimming, but polar bears use a number of clever strategies to catch them anyway. They sneak up on seals basking near the edge of ice floes, break into the their ice dens, and wait patiently at breathing holes to snatch them from the water.

Like many arctic species, the polar bear depends on sea ice for its survival- ice that global warming is melting. Unless we reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, and soon, the wild polar bear could well be extinct in my lifetime. So, I'm glad I've seen one at least, but if someday I have grandkids I hope they get a chance to do the same.

Fortunately, we do have options - as individuals and as nations. We can push our politicians to sign and properly implement the Kyoto Protocol, choose energy efficient products, and demand a switch to proven renewable energy technologies, like wind and solar. If you live in the US, your help is especially needed - act today.

- Andrew

22 comments

Comments:

Comment from: Carol [Visitor]

I really do not know what is wrong we are all from the same world and this effects all living creatures.

It is called common sense.

2005-07-13 @ 20:28

Comment from: Mark [Visitor]

This is a major concern, but here in Canada there are already commercials telling us that everyone could make a difference and whats better is that it is shown on a channel for youth(YTV).

we could also help by stopping paul martin and his scheme of paying gmc vehicle manufacturing.
Oh and one last thing....Yay polar bears.

2005-07-15 @ 02:24

Comment from: Zsuzsanna [Visitor]

I have always believed that Greenpeace was doing what we all think about doing. Speaking for the environment and the world around us. We have to protect it because we have nowhere else to go. And lets not forget our children, they have the right to clean air and water. Need I say more. Keep it up!!

2005-07-15 @ 04:14

Comment from: santiagodaniel lara gonzalez [Visitor]

basta con la captura de ballenas marinas y focas no mas muerte con eso es mas que sufisiente para haser productos alimentisios ustedes estan acavando con las especies animales del planeta ya YA BASTA MALDITOS IN BESILES .. ustedes no tiene perdon de dios y de nadien mas en poco tiempo acavaran con el world deidquiense a otra cosa malditos canadienses y mal dito japoneses piel amarilla ... ojala y dios tenga piedad en lo que estan siendo

2005-07-17 @ 05:40

Comment from: nacho [Visitor]

its just amazing: i live in argentina i we donÂ´t have any kind of comercials showing us the big problem that is coming... we have to do somethin now!.. quickly.. th world is dying!...

2005-07-19 @ 04:52

Comment from: Archie [Visitor]

dear greenpeace,

I think your opporrations are great but
all around me think greenpeace are a bunch of do gooders.

Do you know what I do?
please write back soon

Archie

2005-07-20 @ 07:07

Comment from: archie [Visitor]

hello

i am archie good work!

archie

2005-07-20 @ 07:10

Comment from: dimas [Visitor]

Hi
I'm from Indonesia, most people in my country or specialize my city not to care about what was happened in arctic and about your activities. I think it because of your activities in my country is almost unhearded or maybe unpublished even there are so many thing to do here. okay i'll be waiting for your real action here. Keep up the good work guys

2005-07-20 @ 09:09

Comment from: Daiana [Visitor]

Hi Andrew...

In Brazil we're not having significant discussions about the Kyoto Protocol. I think that Greenpeace itself it's not so active. What's going on here???

2005-07-20 @ 15:29

Comment from: Sandro [Visitor] · http://brturbo.com

Hi gues und tutsos, and blanquios, gues en girls; Brasil minds, peacefull cultures, saudacions...

SV, 20.07.2005

2005-07-21 @ 02:54

Comment from: elainemark [Visitor] · http://www.onecitizenoftheworld.com

good work guys! There does need to be more work done and you guys are one of many that are part of the conglomerate that is having a voice to make changes. Awesome! No matter how big or small that voice is, it's important that it is out there and educating globally. We can all educate ourselves to learn more about our Mother earth and help to save the planet from dying -this is in OUR hands as human beings living on this planet.

2005-07-21 @ 19:45

Comment from: )O( Zylix )O( [Visitor] · http://n/a

Governments are not going to do anything as long as we keep asking them to,i know you dont want to have to fight for this,but time is running out,are we just going to keep asking the Governments of the world to help,thats what they want,right?I think its drawing near the time where "Greenpeace" may need to change its name,and for a good reason (to save our planet)to "GreenEarth" and start getting ready to start a revolution against ALL that are detroying our planet (not just the Governments that dont care,but ALL)"I Say To You Now,Stand And Fight For Earth,Your Planet Is Your Life,Dont Let It Go So Easy" )O( Zylix )O(

2005-07-22 @ 03:32

Comment from: pete [Visitor]

these visitor comments give a great insight into the global vibe ... seems to me like greenpeace could definitely be doing more of what it's best known for and what effectively brought it to the world's attention and global support ... just like when the brent spa happened and the rainbow warrior was bombed, realise that the world will rally behind the greenpeace banner if such injustices happen again ... the real danger is that because nothing is hitting the criminals hard enough, they are getting away with more and more ... hit them hard ... create a global moment ... focus hearts and minds ... now is the time ... before it's too late ... your supporters empower you to do what needs to be done and will stand with you in the face of the flames ... start with exxonmobil

2005-07-28 @ 17:21

Comment from: shane halsall [Visitor] · http://www.rainforests.net

Well what can I say the population is growing and we are using up resources at alarming rates. We all know that things can be sustained but so called fat-cats want us to use them up to make short term profits/gains. The problem is that greed will ultimately destroy us and mans lust for power will drive him to damage the planet . Greenpeace you do great , keep up the good work and pressure on the evil men......

2005-07-29 @ 03:55

Comment from: L Starkey [Visitor]

Hello Greenpeace I used to be a member in 1979. Your predictions of what was going to happen to our world were cast aside by the people who were in control. Now I think we all realise what is going on. Sorry I lost the faith. Carry on the good work.

2005-08-01 @ 22:07

Comment from: lynn burgett [Visitor] · http://gonzales, la 70737

I have lived in Gonzales, La for 52 years. Recently, after taking a short trip out of this state I realized how fast we, in Ascension parish are dying. Our parish is truly called "Cancer alley". There are 20 + chemical plants here. They have been here probably 40-50 years.,and they are killing us day by day. As usual we are put off to the back burner. How sad we sit and literally watch death pass us by.

2005-08-05 @ 03:27

Comment from: Brilliantka [Visitor] · http://www.love.mail.ru

Êàê âû íàõîäèòå ýòîò ôîðóì, ãîñïîäà? ß çäåñü âûñìîòðåëà íåìàëî èíòåðåñíåíüêèõ òåì, íî íå íàøëà íèêàêèõ ïèêàíòíîñòåé à ëåòîì ìíå èõ òàê íå õâàòàåò!!! Àäìèíèñòðàòîðû, ìîæåò ñîçäàäèì ñîâìåñòíî ðàçäåë òèïà "Ïîðíî è ñåêñ" èëè âðîäå òîãî, à? Èëè ìîæåò åñòü åù¸ êàêèå-íèáóäü ïðåäëîæåíèÿ??? Äàâàéòå ïîäóìàåì, õâàòèò ëåíèòüñÿ, ëåòî âåäü è õî÷åòñÿ ÷åãî-íèáóäü ãîðÿ÷åíüêîãî!!! ÂÎÇÁÓÆÄÀÞÙÅÃÎ! È îòêðîâåííîãî...

2005-08-05 @ 05:13

Comment from: brian edwin jensen [Visitor]

HI arctic sunrise I arrived in Narsaq yeaterday ,thursday and tried to get your attention by waving to you from the shore while you were testing the helicopter ,but failed .
I came to greenland to get an idea of the state of the icesheets etc I am an Ecologist and biology teacher however I lack any funds to travel further around greenland I am a greenpeace member and have recently done some awareness raising for greenpeace in London .My preoccupation over the past 3 years has been preservation of the last remnants of ancient forests in Tasmania and attempted to raise awarness in London about it.
I would love to get on board and spend a week or so with you so that I can get a bit more of a feel for what is going on Climatologically AND IN OTHER WAYS
IF YOU ARE STILL IN THE NARSAQ AREA OR IF I CAN MEET YOU ALONG THE COAST PLEASE EMAIL ME BACK OR CONTACT THE NARSAQ TOURIST OFFICE ib Laursen 299 661325 fax 299 661394 info@2narsaq.gl !!! ??

SINCERLY
BRIAN JENSEN

2005-08-05 @ 19:27

Comment from: treehugger [Visitor]

I totaly agree with you guys! People don't care what they're doing to the earth and live life like there's nothing wrong!! Someone should build a big float with tons of info on what the world is coming to and drive it down the road in a huge parade!

2005-08-18 @ 12:17

Comment from: herb delight [Visitor]

as the world moves on to technological dependence,u seem to be a messiah,a protector for the living kind.i guess hitler massa cared lesser people than these industries.looking forward to more of ur presence in cities like Calcutta,where pollution from evey quarter is becoing rampant by day.

2005-08-23 @ 16:34

Comment from: Vukelic Dario [Visitor]

I think that we must do something. Because we are really dead. Worls is mad.

2005-08-24 @ 15:20

Comment from: adawakeman [Visitor]

The Kyoto Protocol is generally seen as an important first step towards a truly global emission reduction regime that will stabilize GHG concentrations at a level which will avoid dangerous climate change. As a result of the Protocol, governments have already put, and are continuing to put legislation and policies in place to meet their commitments; a carbon market has been created; and more and more businesses are making the investment decisions needed for a climate-friendly future. This is why I think al the countries should take part of it!
Ada acetyl-l carnitine

2008-02-12 @ 18:57

You must have an account and be logged in to post comments. Log in or create an account for the Greenpeace member center here.

07/11/05

Polar bear off the starboard bow

Comments:

Visit the Arctic Sunrise!

Take Online Action with Greenpeace

Images

Tour Weblog

Archives

Search

Syndicate

< July 2009 >
Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28	29	30	31