Why would polar bears become extinct?
A new study has predicted that most polar bears in the Arctic will become extinct by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions remain on their current trajectory. Further, polar bears are likely to experience reproductive failure by 2040, reducing the number of offspring needed for population maintenance.
What would happen if the polar bear became extinct?
If polar bears were to go extinct, the population of walruses, seals, whales, reindeer, rodents and birds would increase and get out of control. Since seals create breathing holes, in about 100 to 200 years this will break up the ice and split the arctic circle.
Is the polar bear going to be extinct by 2100?
More likely, research published in a July 2020 issue of Nature Climate Change suggests that most of the species will be extinct by 2100. “Previously, we knew that polar bears would ultimately disappear unless we halt greenhouse gas rise.
Are there any polar bears left in the Arctic?
Why are polar bears on the brink of extinction?
Climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions is a threat to the existence of polar bears that, if left unabated, may push many some groups to the brink of local extinction by the end of the century — and that’s under conservative estimates.
How are polar bears going to be wiped out?
Nearly all of the 19 subpopulations of polar bears, from the Beaufort Sea off Alaska to the Siberian Arctic, would face being wiped out because the loss of sea ice would force the animals onto land and away from their food supplies for longer periods, the researchers said.
What is the main reason for polar bears being extinct?
Hence, there will be a gradual extinction of polar bears, due to the degradation of their natural habitat. If this rate of global warming continues, most of the ice in the region of the Arctic will melt, by the end of this century. Hence, the polar bears will also be extinct.
What would happen if Polar Bears got extinct?
Polar bear’s extinction according to conservationists could create an imbalance in the Arctic’s ecosystem. For instance if the bears become extinct the population of ringed seals (the primary prey) could grow to an unmanageable proportion. Scientists estimate 20,000 polar bears living today and each year they kill one million ringed seals.
Are the polar bears doomed to extinction?
Polar bears are listed as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with climate change a key factor in their decline. Studies show that declining sea ice is likely to decrease polar bear numbers, perhaps substantially.
How did polar bears become endangered?
Polar bear population was believed to be endangered, especially due to global warming and melting of sea ice. However, recent study shows polar bear numbers have risen.
