Essential+Questions

__** Big Question: **__ Why is it important to preserve the polar bear population and what are the consequences if we don't?

__** Key and Supporting Questions: **__


 * 1. __If we don't act now, what will become of the polar bears?__**
 * How does global warming change or affect a polar bear's life?
 * What can we do to protect the polar bears?

Due to Global warming, polar bears' habitat(The arctic, sea ice) is melting. As the sea ice melts away the polar bears' population decreases from starvation. Because the land is becoming smaller the polar bears have to hunt for a long time in the sea and may be attacked by their worst enemies, the killer whale or they might drown. The melting sea ice restricts the polar bears' ability to hunt their main food, ice seals and have to hunt themselves. This will make their population decrease rapidly.

The only way to save the polar bears is to reduce global warming. Here is a list of some organizations that are trying to protect polar bears: Endangered species act (ESA) U.S fish Wild life service Marine mammal protection act Zoological parks.


 * 2.** **__What are the negative effects of global warming?__**
 * How many polar bears die of global warming?
 * How do we reduce global warming?

There isn't an exact number of polar bears dying each year, but over the past two decades, 20% of the polar bear's population has decreased. Today there is only about 25,000 polar bears living and 20% is equal to 5,000 polar bears. That means after five decades they might become extinct or severely endangered.

We can help the polar bears by reducing global warming. There are lots of ways to reduce global warming but these are the ten most effective ways:

Choose recyclable products instead of disposables. By recycling half your family's waste, you can save up to 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide each year.
 * Reduce, reuse, recycle:**

Turn down the heat when you aren't at home or sleeping at night. Setting your thermostat lower in Winter, you can save up to 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide.
 * Use less heat and air conditioning:**

Use a fluorescent light bulb instead of a regular light bulb. A fluorescent light bulb can save you money and use two thirds less energy.
 * Change a light bulb:**

Driving a little less and taking buses can reduce 20 pounds of carbon dioxide. Besides, walking and cycling is great exercise.
 * Drive less:**

When you want to buy something new, be aware of products which come with molded plastic, or non recyclable products, etc. And if you are buying a new car check that it offers good gas mileage. You can save 1,200 pounds of carbon dioxide.
 * Buy energy efficient products:**

Use low-flow shower heads to save water and 350 pounds of carbon dioxide each year. Wash your clothes in warm or cold water to reduce use of hot water. It can save at least 500 pounds of carbon dioxide every year in most households.
 * Use less hot water:**

Save electricity by turning off lights, television, computer, etc when it is not needed.
 * Use the "Off" switch:**

Trees and other plants absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. They are important in the natural change of Earth but there are too few of them. One tree will absorb approximately one tonne of carbon dioxide during its lifetime.
 * Plant a tree:**

Many Companies with utility have free home energy audits provided to help customers identify different areas in their homes that may not be as energy efficient. Many utility companies also help pay for the cost of energy-efficient upgrades by offering other rebate programs as an addition.
 * Get a report card from your utility company:**

Inform your friends and neighbours on how to recycle and these 10 steps.
 * Encourage others to conserve:**


 * 3. __How are other problems endangering polar bears?__**
 * What other problems are endangering polar bears?
 * How does poaching affect polar bears?

The only reasons for polar bears to be endangered are loss of habitat, food source, and poaching. Loss of habitat and food source are results of global warming and poaching is a result of human greed.

The main danger to polar bears is global warming. But, poaching also has a major affect on them. Even though poaching was banned 30 years ago, there are still legal hunting that is killing more than 700 polar bears a year. Canada and Greenland are the only countries allowed to poach polar bears. They poach for a sport and trophies. Whoever gets a trophy pays $20,000 for it, and can make a lot of money. So that is the reason why so many people still poach them.