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Polar bears, often seen as symbols of a pristine Arctic wilderness, are in reality exposed to high levels of pollution through their food. The Arctic food chain contains persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that accumulate in top predators, causing severe health issues. Polar bears with high concentrations of POPs in their systems show reduced levels of vitamin A, thyroid hormones, and antibodies. These deficiencies can affect their growth, reproduction, and ability to fight diseases. Shockingly, 1.5% of polar bears sampled in Svalbard exhibited pseudohermaphrodites—female bears with underdeveloped male sexual organs—likely due to long-range pollutants. Pollutants concentrate in the fat of mother bears, leading to toxic milk that can harm or even poison cubs, resulting in lower survival rates and a long-term threat to polar bear populations.
As the oil and gas industry expands into the Arctic, polar bears face increasing dangers. Offshore drilling poses the biggest risk, with spills and emissions contaminating their habitat. Oil spills damage the insulating properties of polar bear fur, forcing them to burn more energy to stay warm. Finding extra food to compensate is a challenge in a harsh Arctic environment. Polar bears ingest oil while grooming or consuming contaminated prey, leading to liver and kidney damage, along with long-term toxicity. Oil spills near denning sites, such as Hopen Island, could have catastrophic population-wide effects. Worse still, no proven method exists to clean up an oil spill effectively in icy Arctic waters.
Today, as we observe International Polar Bear Day, it's crucial to acknowledge that these majestic animals face threats beyond climate change. Pollution and industrial expansion are making survival even harder for them. At Vyakti India, we stand for more than just plant-based fashion—we advocate for sustainability and environmental responsibility. Being woke isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessity. Let’s commit to protecting our planet and its incredible wildlife.
Sources:
- Letcher, R. J., et al. (2010). "Persistent Organic Pollutants in Polar Bears: A Review of Exposure and Effects." Science of the Total Environment.
- AMAP (Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme). (2018). "POPs and Heavy Metals in the Arctic Environment."
- Stirling, I. (2011). Polar Bears: The Natural History of a Threatened Species