About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Projected Ice-free Conditions in the Arctic may Affect Polar Bears

by Kalyani Thivakaran on November 27, 2014 at 6:28 PM
 Projected Ice-free Conditions in the Arctic may Affect Polar Bears

A study published by Stephen Hamilton and his colleagues, from the University of Alberta, in the open-access journal PLOS ONE reports that the shifts in the timing and duration of ice cover, especially the possible lengthening of ice-free periods, may impact polar bears under projected warming before the end of the 21st century.

Sea ice across the Arctic is declining and altering physical characteristics of marine ecosystems and the polar bears are vulnerable to these changes in sea ice conditions. The authors of this study used sea ice projections for the Canadian Arctic Archipelago from 2006-2100 and metrics developed from polar bear energetics modeling to gain insight into the conservation challenges for polar bears facing habitat loss.

Advertisement

Shifts away from multiyear ice to annual ice cover throughout the region, as well as lengthening ice-free periods, may become critical for polar bears before the end of the 21st century with projected warming. Each polar bear population in the Archipelago may undergo 2-5 months of ice-free conditions, where no such conditions exist presently. Under business-as-usual climate projections, polar bears may face starvation and reproductive failure across the entire Archipelago by the year 2100. "We predict that nearly one-tenth of the world's polar bear habitat, as much as one-quarter of their global population, may undergo significant habitat loss under business-as-usual climate projections," said Stephen Hamilton.



Source: Eurekalert
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest Environmental Health

Groundbreaking Study Forecasts 2023 as Hottest Year on Record
As global warming accelerates, the need for immediate and ongoing action to mitigate climate change's catastrophic consequences becomes imperative.
How Forever Chemicals Lead to Delayed Puberty?
Forever chemicals or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure in children, may cause them to mature later during puberty.
Carbon Footprint of a Hospital Bed Calculated
To achieve more substantial reductions in emissions, hospital sustainability efforts must extend their focus beyond the surface.
Most Parents Report Children Facing Poor Air Quality
Most parents in Canada support moving school activities indoors to protect children from poor air quality.
Rising Demand for Bioinsecticides Reflects a Transition to Eco-Friendly Agriculture
The increasing demand for bioinsecticides reflects a broader shift toward sustainable agriculture, prioritizing long-term ecological health and food security.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

Projected Ice-free Conditions in the Arctic may Affect Polar Bears Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests