michellefrey

 

 
Every year, gung-ho people show they are not afraid of the cold by plunging into freezing cold waters and swimming around in little clothing.  I’m not a big fan of watching or partaking in these activities – but since these “polar bear” plunges may be the only “polar bears” around in the near future – I may have to start enjoying them more.

In case you haven’t heard, polar bears are in really bad shape thanks to the effect that global warming is having on their habitat. Polar bears live on the sea ice in the Arctic. It’s basically melting faster than anyone has predicted and the polar bears are left hanging without a home and starving for food.

 To come to their rescue, what has the United States done? Well, basically nothing. Instead of listing them as an endangered species – to give them greater protections – they have stalled and are moving ahead on a drilling project in their habitat.

There is something about the sad state of the polar bear that truly makes my stomach flip-flop. I am afraid that if drastic and immediate action isn’t taken to help them out -- it just may be too late for our polar bear friends.