Chapter 1: The Iconic Image of Climate Change

The quintessential representation of climate change is undoubtedly that of a polar bear stranded on a minuscule ice patch, appearing helpless as the surrounding environment melts away. As May arrives and the Arctic spring begins to thaw the previously frozen ocean after an unprecedented warm winter, I recall a visit to Svalbard Island that reshaped my understanding of this poignant image and the realities of bear life.

In optimal conditions for both climate and polar bear habitats, these magnificent creatures prefer to be on floating ice. Fast ice, which forms at the interface of land and more stable sea ice, serves as a vital hunting ground for polar bears. This dynamic environment allows these energy-intensive animals to conserve energy while they search for their next meal.

The hunting technique of waiting for seals near their breathing holes can be highly effective. However, once a seal is consumed or driven away, the bear must seek out another one. This reliance on ice is crucial for their survival.

The next meal is often a seal—whether it’s a ringed seal, harp seal, or bearded seal. Seals spend around 80% of their lives submerged, making their time on land a vulnerable period. Bears are acutely aware of this and will patiently wait for a seal to surface for air, hoping to make it their next meal. For polar bears, seals are not just a source of nourishment; the blubber also provides essential hydration since freshwater is scarce in their habitat.

Section 1.1: The Importance of Ice for Hunting

The hunting strategy of waiting on ice is effective, but once a seal has been consumed or scared off, the bear must find a new hole. Each new sheet of ice represents a fresh hunting opportunity. The broad paws of polar bears enable them to traverse both thin and thick ice efficiently, making the Arctic ice archipelago a vital nexus for both predator and prey, akin to the cyclical patterns of tides and winds.

Subsection 1.1.1: Observations in Svalbard

Svalbard is one of the most polar bear-dense regions globally, home to approximately 3,000 bears (with an estimated 25,000 polar bears worldwide). It was no surprise when we quickly spotted a bear during our expedition. A fellow passenger casually exclaimed, "Bear," as he peered through his camera lens. Soon, radios crackled with excitement, and several Zodiaks surrounded the wandering creature. The roughly 400-pound female (or possibly a juvenile male) moved along the ice shelf extending into the bay. I managed to capture a quick image with my smartphone, while Cian Ryan, an enthusiastic wildlife photographer aboard our Zodiak, provided a closer perspective.

Later, we observed fresh bear tracks, large enough to resemble two human hands, meandering along the shore in search of a crossing.

Chapter 2: The Critical Timing of May

May is a pivotal month for polar bears, as mothers must either hunt for their cubs or significantly increase their body weight to sustain a developing fetus. Fast ice facilitates this crucial phase, but as summer approaches, the ice diminishes weekly under the intensifying sun. By August, the ice has largely melted, and the opportunities for hunting seals dwindle. While other Arctic creatures thrive during the summer bloom, polar bears on Svalbard often find themselves waiting in the mud, gradually starving except for the occasional stolen egg.

The precarious timing of the bears is vital; if they miscalculate, they may exhaust their fat reserves, leaving them too fatigued to hunt when the ice eventually refreezes.

The disappearance of Arctic ice is deeply concerning. The graphic illustrates that the most significant ice loss occurs not in the thick, central ice at the poles, but rather in the rapidly melting sea ice along the fringes. This older, thicker ice is of little use to seals and bears, as it lacks the crucial breathing holes seals require.

This dramatic loss of habitat is particularly distressing now, as polar bears are experiencing a resurgence. Throughout the 20th century, they faced intense hunting pressure from trappers using cruel methods, such as "kill boxes" designed to trap bears. Thankfully, these traps have been abolished, and bears are now better protected in Svalbard and many parts of the Arctic. In fact, due to declining trapping and traditional Inuit hunting practices, the number of polar bears today is likely higher than at any time since humans began settling in the Arctic. However, if we continue to lose sea ice, the current population may decline rapidly, potentially by mid-century.

This illustrates the delicate balance of life in the Arctic, where energy margins are thin, and the key player in this equation is the ice itself.

This narrative first appeared on the Safina Center's platform, where Paul Greenberg serves as the writer-in-residence.