This is Scott Amyx with today’s Climate Change Flash Briefing.
Today is International Polar Bear Day, an annual event that raises awareness about the impact of climate change and thinning sea ice on polar bear populations.
As I shared on my February 14th flash briefing, things are not looking great for polar bears. The ongoing loss of their sea ice habitat is forcing polar bears to desperately look for food elsewhere, pushing them closer to human villages and cities. Some estimates put two-thirds of the global population of polar bears could be wiped out by 2050.
The day encourages people to find ways to reduce their carbon output, such as by turning down their thermostat, driving less or installing energy efficient insulation in homes. But, I would challenge you to further. Every little thing helps but to really make a difference, it requires changing our source of energy. As long as we continue to burn fossil fuels to generate electricity, power businesses and cars, nothing is going to change. Make a commitment to buy clean energy and/or invest in clean energy. Listen to my “Fridays with Scott” episodes to learn how you can get involved in increasing clean energy.
Remember, turning down the thermostat or walking more helps but to turn the tide in climate change, it requires an overhaul in our energy production.
Stay tuned next time to find out why it’s been so windy lately.
