birds.3 environmental groups today filed suit against government over it
http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/swcbd/press/polarbear12-15-05.htmlCONSERVATIONISTS FILE LAWSUIT TO PROTECT POLAR BEAR UNDER ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT
Global Warming, Melting Ice Threaten Bear with Extinction
WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 15, 2005) – Three leading conservation groups filed a lawsuit under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) today, to protect the world’s polar bears from extinction as a result of the disappearing Arctic sea ice that they depend on for hunting, mating and travel. The lawsuit points to extensive scientific evidence showing that the unprecedented polar meltdown is the result of global warming.
The lawsuit was filed in federal district court in San Francisco, one day after scientists released a study documenting that polar bears are drowning as a result of record low sea ice levels off the coast of Alaska. The groups include the Center for Biological Diversity, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and Greenpeace.
On Wednesday, scientists with the U.S. Minerals Management Service released a report documenting the deaths of four polar bears found drowned in September 2004, when the sea ice had retreated a record 160 miles north of the northern coast of Alaska. The researchers said that more polar bears may have drowned that have not been found.
“Global warming and rising temperatures in the Arctic jeopardize the polar bear’s very existence,” said Melanie Duchin, a climate campaigner with Greenpeace. “Polar bears cannot survive without sea ice, polar bears could disappear in our lifetime if we don’t take action.”...