Melting world of polar bears: Arctic

SVALBARD AND JAN MAYEN - JULY 15: An aerial view of the partially melting glaciers as a polar bear, one of the species most affected by climate change, walks on glacier in Svalbard and Jan Mayen, on July 15, 2023. Under the responsibility of the Turkish Presidency and Turkish Ministry of Industry and Technology, with the coordination of TUBITAK MAM Polar Research Institute (KARE), 11 scientists carried out the 3rd National Arctic Scientific Research Expedition, within the scope of the Turkish Naval Forces Command, the Turkish General Directorate of Meteorology, Anadolu Agency, research institutes, universities and bilateral cooperation. While the Arctic region remains one of the most profoundly impacted by global climate change due to its geographical location, maritime activities, trade routes, overfishing, mining, oil and gas exploration, human-driven pollutants, and the proliferation of plastic in ocean waters, it persists in experiencing rapid warming and melting. Projections indicate that polar bears, categorized as 'vulnerable' on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)'s endangered species list and recognized as the world's largest land carnivores, will confront habitat loss and the threat of extinction should the ongoing Arctic melt persist. (Photo by Sebnem Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)