Polar Opposite

Conventional wisdom would have you believe that polar ice caps are shrinking, and this is destroying polar bear populations around the world. As is usually the case, however, conventional wisdom misses a few important facts.

When the ice level data is sufficiently analyzed, a trend appears. This trend shows that since record low ice levels in 2007, ice levels are beginning to bounce back. On August 8, 2007, there was almost 1 million km2 less sea ice than there is today. But wait, there’s more!

In 2007, polar bear population levels were supposed to be impacted by decreasing ice, but they weren’t. Actually, in the Chukchi Sea for example, polar bear populations were aided by receding ice levels because it exposed more surface water for seals to hunt, which in turn made seals fatter and more populous. This, in turn helps polar bears, who feed on seals.

The point of all this information is to show how natural variations in climate and ecosystems can have a real impact on the environment. Why have ice levels been increasing over the last few years when global warming alarmists are screaming the threats are worse than ever? Why don’t we hear about the fact that when ice levels recede, it has the consequence of actually aiding polar bear populations? The answer is that it doesn’t fit into the global warming narrative.

This is not to advocate for the reduction of sea ice because it will help bears, rather it is to highlight how little humans can predict nature or change its outcome. Things are not always as black and white as the media, environmentalists, and global warming alarmists would have you believe.