Lesson 04
Lesson 04
Lesson 04
ANIMALS
WILD PETS FARM SEA INSECTS
Lion Cat Duck Whale Fly
The polar bear is the first animal that has been classified as endangered due primarily to global warming. Global
warming is a form of climate change caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases
that become trapped in the atmosphere. Oil and gas heaters, engines using oil or petrol (or gasoline) and coal-
powered electricity plants all require fossil fuels that lead to global warming. Renewable energy sources or
renewables that don't cause global warming include solar, wind and hydro-electricity power. These alternative
forms of power, as well as the science of climate change, have been strongly attacked by many of the world's
biggest companies in order to protect the huge profits they make from fossil fuels. They do this even though
they're fully aware of how much fossil fuels are damaging our planet and endangering many of the species we
share it with.
The polar bear's habitat is more vulnerable to global warming than many other species.
Polar bears live mainly on the sea ice in the Arctic. This is where they hunt for fish and
build up fat reserves. When the ice melts many polar bears move to land and live off their
stored fat. In the Arctic, global warming is causing the ice to melt slightly earlier and form
slightly later. This results in a shorter feeding season for the polar bear. Some risk their
lives to find ice. If they have to swim too far they will drown from exhaustion and hunger.
The World Wildlife Fund estimates that over 25% of Arctic sea ice has disappeared in the
past 30 years.
It is not only the polar bear that is at risk in the Arctic. Every species of plant, animal, and
insect there is threatened by global warming. Nevertheless, groups of concerned scientists
and environmentalists such as the World Wildlife Fund often study large carnivores in
order to assess the health of an ecosystem. The Arctic food chain relies on the polar bear. In
addition, donations are more commonly offered for the protection of large animals such as
bears or elephants. People in general are less interested in conservation efforts that protect
small wildlife, such as plants or insects. However, by using donor money to protect the
habitats of larger animals through reforestation and similar programs, entire ecosystems
with many threatened or endangered species can be saved.
What major change has occurred in the polar bear's
natural habitat?