It takes time for animals to adapt

In response to Jane George’s article about global warming not hurting polar bears, (Nunatsiaq News, May 26, 2006) Mitch Taylor mentions that if climate change is threatening polar bears, then all species are threatened.

He is only partially correct. Some animals (think mosquitoes) will flourish in a hotter climate while others (like butterflies, amphibians, and yes, polar bears) will dwindle. That is because they are bellwether species — an animal that is very sensitive to a change in its natural habitat.

Taylor is correct in his assertion that polar bears have been around for over 100,000 years. However, animals take time to evolve and adapt.

Were humans releasing carbon dioxide 100,000 years ago? No. Is the change in the climate now due to our activities? Yes, according to the U.S. National Academy of Science, the U.S. Meteorological Society, and various governments around the world.

We can take steps to lessen the impact, but putting our head in the sand is not going to help.

David R. Celebrezze
Columbus, Ohio