POLAR BEARS

Polar Bears

The Problem

Polar bears, also called Ursus maritimus are gradually becoming endangered. (Lennox 2008) Polar bears inhabit the Arctic coast and islands of the five countries surrounding the North Pole: United States (Alaska), Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Norway and Russia. (Stirling & Derocher 2007)

Analysis of the problem 

Global warming could have a negative impact on polar bears.  (Amstrup 2000). Also, toxic substances that we spread in the sea are eaten by small marine organisms. They are in turn eaten by fish, which are themselves caught by seals, the latter being the prey of the bears. The accumulated poison in these animals badly affects every animal in the food pyramid (Derocher 2004)

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is working with governments to establish special protected areas of wildlife throughout the world. The agreement prohibits hunting from the air and motor boats. (Owen 2009)

Proposed Alternative Solutions and their evaluation1: Stopping the illegal hunting and poaching of the polar bears.

Feasibility: This can be easily achieved when people are made aware of the precarious situation in which polar bears exists. Also, hunting could be banned though legal reform

Economics: Awareness programs can be run by the government and animal protection organizations in the highly affected areas.

Availability of Resources: Media as a promotion and awareness tool could be effectively used.

Implementation: Channels like national geographic are already playing their part. 

Risks involved: Capital would be required by the non-governmental organizations to play their part for the cause

Contribution of solution: This is going to ensure that no more bears are hunted, and the precious species could be saved.

2: We must reduce the output of greenhouse gas emissions. 

Feasibility: This is a global initiative and can only be successfully implemented if all the countries honor the Kyoto protocol. It's a long-term plan, yet it is of high consequence for the entire ecosystems and would ensure a sustainable environment in the future (Stirling 2008)

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Economics: It can be made cost-effective by the generation of alternative fuel.

Availability of Resources: Solar energy and other energy resources are already making their presence felt. 

Implementation: Sanctions ...