The US government just released its plan to help polar bear populations recover in America's Arctic. The plan is a great start, but more needs to be done to ensure the future of these amazing animals.
To achieve recovery of America's polar bear population, it is absolutely essential that the US government take strong steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as help halt the warming of the Arctic and the resulting loss of sea ice habitat.
Thank the US Fish & Wildlife Service for identifying the reduction of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere as the single most important conservation action. Then, let the agency know that it must also call out the threats associated with oil and gas development.
Dear Director Ashe,
Thank you for your work to protect polar bears under the Endangered Species Act. I commend the US Fish & Wildlife Service's recent release of its Polar Bear Conservation Management Plan and the plan's clear recognition that climate change mitigation is what's most important for conserving polar bears and their habitat in America's Arctic.
Your diverse team of experts collaborated to produce an excellent first draft of the roadmap to polar bear recovery.
To achieve recovery of America's polar bear population, it is absolutely essential that the US government take strong steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as help halt the warming of the Arctic and the resulting loss of sea ice habitat.
At the same time, the US Fish & Wildlife Service and other entities should take action now so that over time, polar bear populations will be in the best possible position to adapt to and recover from the impacts of climate change.
With this in mind, the plan must seriously consider the very immediate threats to polar bear populations from oil and gas development. Shell Oil is even now preparing to drill in Arctic waters, putting polar bears in immediate danger due to potential oil spills and other human disturbances.
Neither the US government nor industry has shown itself capable of containing oil spilled in Arctic waters. The extreme conditions posed by sea ice, storms, seasonal darkness and remoteness make drilling in the Arctic Ocean uniquely dangerous.
As long as we lack effective spill response capabilities and adequate protections for sensitive ecosystems and species in the region — including polar bears — drilling should not be permitted.
Finally, as you work to implement the plan, I encourage the US Fish & Wildlife Service to collaborate closely with Arctic communities to ensure the plan's effectiveness. This can be accomplished by making local stakeholders strong partners in polar bear conservation while recognizing and respecting their traditional way of life.
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