051. Polar Peril

usedbooks on Sept. 13, 2009

When they emerge from dens in spring, polar bears are very hungry from fasting all winter. They hunt seals on the pack ice, and if they can't get enough food before the ice breaks up, they run the risk of starvation (sometimes taking on beluga whales or walruses in desperation). Now that the ice is melting earlier, polar bears face that age-old dilemma to “adapt or die.” Yes, they can survive – if they change their habits by moving south, and that could pose problems.

Environmentalists sometimes get caught up extolling the intrinsic values of nature and fail to address the practical issues. It's because to them, the biggest issue is that future generations won't experience the beauty and wonder of our current biodiversity. It's easy to forget that this is not high priority for many (I'd venture to say *most*) people. It is unfortunate that many environmentalists stress this “save the polar bear” (or whatever) angle with pictures and emotions and empathetic campaigns rather than stressing the implications to society and daily human life. People need to consider and be informed about impacts on water quality, economy, health, safety – all things directly or indirectly affected by conservation. Sometimes I get angry at people saying “Jaguars are beautiful, save the rainforests!” NO! BAD ECO-PERSON! Drinkable water, clean air, and life-saving medicines are beautiful. *That* is why we should save the rainforests!

In other news, Used Books hits 750 pages tomorrow! *Throws confetti.* I'm also running a cover art contest.