An award-winning photo of a lonely Arctic bear tells a story we cant ignore about the future

[n2doc]

National Geographic today announced the winners of their 2016 Nature Photographer of the Year competition. Coming away with an honorable mention in the “Environmental Issues” category is a solemn photo of a polar bear resting on a rocky shore off the Barter Islands in Alaska. The photographer Patty Waymire noted “there is no snow when, at this time of year, there should be.”

“The locals in Kaktovik noted that it’s been an unseasonably warm winter, and that the ice will be late in forming this year” she said. “This will have an impact on the local polar bear population when it comes time to hunt seals for their food in the winter months.”

Sea ice in the Arctic and Antarctica is at record lows. Recent findings by climate scientists found that a portion of sea ice roughly the size of India has melted as worldwide temperatures rise.

more
http://qz.com/859367/2016-national-geographic-nature-photo-contest-an-award-winning-photo-of-a-lonely-arctic-bear-tells-a-story-we-cant-ignore-about-the-future-of-our-planet/

[niyad]

1. tears

[disillusioned73]

2. So sad...

[0rganism]

3. a lot of adaptive pressure going on right now

end of the line for a lot of species, as those successful time-tested mutations turn into disadvantages
all those natural experiments coming to an end now, with humanity sucking up the "research budget"
be a real shame if one of those species had the cure for cancer or ALS or something like that, but billionaires gotta billionate

[madaboutharry]

4. I am beginning to think that mankind won't survive another 100 years.

Think about what has happened to the planet in the last 100. In a matter of three generations we have brough the earth to the brink. It seems impossible for the planet to survive.

[They_Live]

5. the planet will survive and adapt,

but most likely, we will not.

[NRaleighLiberal]

6. exactly. Earth will heal once the fever that will drive us off does its thing.

[EX500rider]

7. Actually besides cockroaches and rats mankind is most likely to survive..

...as we are the most adaptable larger species on the planet, occupying every continent and every environment from harsh deserts to frozen wastes.

[They_Live]

8. Well that's encouraging.

[Ilsa]

9. Don't show that pic to trump. He'll want to

Make melania a coat out of the bear's fur.