Why must polar bears be "endangered" to be protected?

Recent news has informed us that the polar bear population in the Western Hudson Bay in Canada has dropped 22 percent in less than 20 years. Polar bears rely on sea ice for hunting, seeking mates, breeding, maternity denning and traveling. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arctic sea ice is rapidly declining. It is predicted that the summer sea ice that polar bears rely on for many life functions will decline 50-100 percent this century if Arctic Ocean temperatures continue to rise as rapidly as they have been.
 
The polar bear is currently listed as “vulnerable” by the IUCN – The World Conservation Union, and is considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. It has been proposed that the bear be listed as “threatened” or “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act. The ESA defines threatened as “likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future” and endangered as “likely to go extinct within all or a significant portion of its range.”
 
Meanwhile, across the pond, climate changes are responsible for lack of snow in the Alps, especially in Germany. These mountains, known for their beauty and great skiing, are experiencing warming three times the global average. Four of the past 13 years are recorded as the warmest in the last 500 years.
 
That being said, 10% of the ski resorts are experiencing snow shortages, and a 1-2 degree temperature increase will dramatically affect that number, thus affecting the economy. Banks are refusing to loan money to resorts resting below certain altitudes. The women’s World Cup races had to be rescheduled, in hopes of colder temperatures and more snow. Ironically, artificial snow enabled more ski resorts to open in late December, while consuming excessive water and energy, and having a negative impact on the environment.
 
Of these two scenarios, which do you think is most likely to grab the attention of those who can do something about it? Does it even matter? Why do we wait until beautiful polar bears are close to endangerment to scratch our heads and wonder what we should do? Why do we allow snow, of all things, to become a scarcity on the supposed snow-capped peaks of the Alps? Truly, does something really need a special title, or to be in dire straits, to deserve our care and protection?
 
While the legal definition of endangered is set in stone, we challenge individuals to embrace a new definition, that all species and their habitats are endangered on our planet. Whether motivated by the thrill of skiing or sweet photos of polar bear cubs, it’s time we all start doing our part to be sure that both are still around 100 years from now.

Endangered Species Chocolate’s core value is Reverence for Life – a philosophy drawn from renowned humanitarian Albert Schweitzer – which encompasses our spirit and goals. Reverence for Life manifests itself in the triad: endangered species recovery, habitat conservation and compassion for fellow humans. We believe that all life is precious and deserves our respect, kindness and care. If you’ve made it to the bottom of this letter, you likely already join us in that philosophy and we hope that you’ll be apart of spreading environmental awareness and igniting compassion for all life on our planet.

Favorite resources for earth-friendly living:
www.chocolatebar.com/links.htm <http://www.chocolatebar.com/links.htm>
www.coopamerica.org <http://www.coopamerica.org/>
www.lohas.com <http://www.lohas.com/>
www.idealbite.com <http://www.idealbite.com/>
www.greenlightmag.com <http://www.greenlightmag.com/>
www.care2.com <http://www.care2.com/>
www.treehugger.com <http://www.treehugger.com/>

Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, IUCO Red List of Threatened Species, LOHAS, BBC News

About Endangered Species Chocolate
Indianapolis-based Endangered Species Chocolate is fully committed to providing premium, all-natural ethically traded, naturally shade-grown, and kosher products, as well as products that are certified vegan and organic. To honor its core value – Reverence for Life – ESC confirms that all beans used in its products are purchased from small, family-owned properties where the income benefits the community. The company also donates 10-percent of net profits to help support species, habitat and humanity. The number one best selling brand of natural and organic chocolate in the natural food category, ESC offers more than 30 products.

For more information, please visit www.chocolatebar.com.