With the #Arctic sea ice now at its fourth lowest level in history, the ecosystem of #walruses is shifting completely due to #climatechange. - http://clapway.com/2015/09/22/walruses-climate-change123/

Alarming pictures of polar bears have become a huge cause of concern for people all over the world. However, they are not the only animals radically changing their behavior to adapt to climate change and the dynamic shifts in their local habitats.

Walruses Huddling, but Not for Warmth

Recently, an astounding 35,000 Pacific walruses in Alaska left the Arctic seas to crowd onto a beach. As witnessed in 2009, this poses a significant problem: if walruses are startled or disturbed, they will return to the Arctic sea ice, but its current state puts the animals at risk of death.

With the Arctic sea ice now at its fourth lowest level in history, the ecosystem of these walruses is shifting completely. To make matters worse, Royal Dutch Shell is currently drilling for oil less than 100 miles from the beach, where these animals are known to be resting. The procedure, approved by US President Barack Obama, has caused a public uproar, as figures support a 75% chance of an oil spill, which could kill all kinds of vulnerable marine life.

Fossil Fuels vs Marine Life

The most concerning factor, however, is that climate change gives access to untouched pools full of natural gas and other fossil fuels. If these additional fossil fuels are burned, the ecosystems of these animals will unpredictably morph even more significantly. Global temperatures might skyrocket, the ice caps at both poles may deteriorate and climate – at least as we know it – could completely change.

President Barack Obama, who was recently in Alaska for an international conference on the Arctic, commented that action isn’t being taken fast enough to combat the issue. Furthermore, since the United States is a leader in the creation of the problem, the country must also play a leading role in finding a viable solution.

We Are Also Be Victims to Climate Change

Climate change is not only going to affect animals; rising sea levels may also displace people from their own homes; in fact, estimates suggest that one in every 45 people may eventually become a refugee of climate change. It is a chilling thought, but one that urges for the delay and reversal of these climatic changes.

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PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT WE LIVE IN BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE:

Mass Movement of Walruses Another Warning Sign

Climate Change Is Forcing Walruses On Land #climatechange #walruses #Alaska - http://clapway.com/2015/08/28/climate-change-walruses123/

Due to the side effects of climate change, the livelihoods of thousands of walruses are currently being threatened. Rapidly melting sea ice is forcing these animals to take refuge on a remote barrier island in Alaska, according to EcoWatch.

CLIMATE CHANGE THREATENING THE WALRUSES

Unfortunately, this isn’t a rare occurrence. In fact, EcoWatch reports that the Arctic could be entirely “ice-free” in summer months by the 2030s, leaving walruses with no other option than to take refuge on shore. Local indigenous communities that thrive around the presence of this ice will also be largely affected by the unforeseeable consequences.

This year, the first sighting of  a walrus “haut out” – as the event is referred to as – was reported by Gary Braasch, an environmental photographer, who spotted the walruses about two miles from the hamlet of Point Lay on August 23^rd. In lieu of the event, President Obama is planning to visit the Alaskan Arctic on a three-day tour this coming Monday, on August 31^st, according to The Guardian. In doing so, he hopes to draw much needed attention to the growing effects of climate change.

THIS ISN’T THE FIRST TIME

Last year, roughly 40,000 animals, mostly comprised of females and their babies, faced the same fate; such haul outs are concerning since they can expose the walrus population to a number of external risks. For example, because the animals are easily scared by unfamiliar sounds or objects, stampedes have become a major problem.

Although it is common for Pacific walruses to utilize coastal haulouts during the fall southward migration, females and their young prefer to rest on the ice before migrating back to the Bering Sea. The limited space on the barrier island, however, resulted in the death of 60 young walruses last year.

“Walruses often flee haulouts in response to the sight, sound, or odor of humans or machines. Walruses are particularly sensitive to changes in engine noise and are more likely to stampede off beaches when planes turn or fly low overhead,” stated Andrea Medeiros, a spokeswoman for the fish and wildlife service.

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Climate change could alter the world as we know it. Preserve the beauty of nature before it is too late:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD63kwQuZ2I

 

Climate Change Is Forcing Walruses On Land