Polar Bear Endangered Species consideration being revisited by a U.S. District Judge.....................The ice is melting folks...........is it too late for endangered status to help the big white bear survive?

Polar Bear Could Get Endangered Species Status

 by Jake Richardson

U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan is reviewing the federal government's decision that rejected endangered species status designation to the polar bear. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will have about 30 days to present their side of the story. The issue has been revisited due to the efforts of environmental organizations like the Center for Biological Diversity that have continually applied pressure on behalf of the bears facing a devastating loss of habitat.

The federal government says polar bears should not be used as a policy tool for climate change. Their view seems to be out of touch with the practical reality that polar bears are a mammal species and have lived for about 150,000 years. They are the world's largest land carnivores, and their habitat is undergoing a rapid, and potentially catastrophic change.

Polar bears are not merely a policy tool. Climate change itself is not the main issue. Polar bears need to be protected from any threat that could drive them into extinction. Environmental groups advocating for them say polar bears are already endangered. No more waiting is necessary, as there is ample evidence sea ice is melting, and their food sources are dwindling. The obvious danger with waiting is there might not be any bears left to protect by the time the law is finally passed.

Last year Noah Greenwald, biodiversity program director for the Center said, "As part of comprehensive efforts to address greenhouse gas emissions, we should take measures to ensure that we're not unduly harming polar bears and other species threatened by climate change. With its sea-ice habitat rapidly disappearing, the polar bear needs the full protection of the Endangered Species Act." (Source: Center for Biological Diversity)

As it stands now, oil development and greenhouse gases are two things exempted from polar bears  "threatened" legal protection, but these are the two things impacting them most, according to the Center for Biological Diversity. So once again, it appears legislation related to a wild animal's ability to continue living on Earth, is influenced very negatively by the oil and gas industry.

Ken Salazaar, Secretary of the Interior had the opportunity to remove a rule which reduces protections for polar bear, a rule established during the Bush administration. Critics have said for at least two years Mr. Salazaar's connection with industry is too strong, "Mr. Salazar has consistently supported the interests of the oil and gas industry above the need for conservation and alternative energy sources. He maintains very strong industry ties." (Source: Colorado Independent.com) Over 4,000 letters and emails have been sent requesting his resignation from the Dept. of the Interior.

About half of polar sub-populations are in decline. If sea ice continues to melt at the same rate, polar bear habitat will shrink and their numbers could decline by two-thirds by 2050.