Make an impact from afar on International Polar Bear Day
Polar bears are a mighty creature with a fragile future. They are big, brilliant, and built for the cold, which is exactly why the greatest threat to their future is climate change.
Even though most people think of Valentine’s Day in February, this mid-winter month also hosts another celebration for those of us that might prefer the companionship of a furry friend over a bi-pedal significant other.
International Polar Bear Day, set for February 27th, was selected by Bozeman-based nonprofit conservation organization, Polar Bears International, as the annual day to bring awareness to polar bears and the threats that they face in a warming Arctic.
This year Polar Bears International is hosting live chats with polar bear scientists around the world on their Facebook page all day on Feb. 27th. Scientists will talk about a variety of subjects from polar bear basics, to cutting edge research and take questions from viewers in real time.
Additionally, Polar Bears International has a dedicated webpage where anyone can go to learn about how they can help polar bears, including free community action toolkits for ideas on making an impact close to home – a great project for schools!
Polar bears depend on sea ice to travel, hunt, mate, and sometimes den. As sea ice continues to melt in the Arctic polar bears will struggle to survive. Scientist predict that we will lose 2/3 of the world’s polar bears by the middle of this century.
“It’s not just polar bears that depend on the Arctic,” said Kt Miller, who grew up in Bozeman and is now Media & Outreach Manager at Polar Bears International. “We all depend on the Arctic to regulate the earth’s climate. Whether you are a skier and want your grandchildren to get to play at Bridger Bowl, or you own property that is threatened by wildfires, or if you are a fly-fishing guide, rancher, or farmer whose livelihood depends on spring runoff, we are all impacted. Southwest Montana is not immune to the effects of a warming world.
“The goal of International Polar Bear Day is to get everyone talking about polar bears and re-inspired to push for the implementation of climate change solutions,” Miller adds. “Scientists have crunched the numbers and know that it is not too late to turn this around.”
Polar Bears International encourages you to share your concern for polar bears on Feb. 27th using the hashtag #InternationalPolarBearDay on social media. They also shared this list of actions that can be taken by people in all walks of life:
– Citizens: Exercise your right to vote and speak up for climate.
– Business Owners: Be a sustainability leader in your industry.
– Community Members: Vote with your dollars, your voice, and your networks.
– Teachers: Engage your students and coworkers to make change.
– Students: Educate yourselves and become climate leaders in your schools.
According to climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe, “When it comes to fixing climate change, we need all options on the table and all hands-on deck.”
Now you have some ideas on how to celebrate, aside from thinking about how incredibly cute polar bears are and how much you might want to cuddle one (Polar Bears International notes that this is not recommended).
Join the celebration on February 27th and learn more at www.polarbearsinternational.org.
Polar Bears International apologizes in advance but noted that they will not be hosting any in-person events in Bozeman on International Polar Bear Day. •