A poignant image of a polar bear with plastic hanging from its jaws has been shortlisted for the Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024 award. The photo, taken in the Arctic, serves as a stark reminder of the widespread impact of plastic pollution on even the most remote ecosystems. This image highlights the threats faced by polar bears, including the decline of sea ice due to climate change and the increasing ingestion of plastic.
Scientists have developed innovative stick-on GPS tags that offer a less invasive way to track polar bears, providing crucial data about their behavior and adaptation to climate change. This breakthrough addresses the limitations of traditional satellite collars, which are only suitable for adult females. The new tags will help researchers better understand how polar bears are coping with disappearing sea ice and potentially prevent human-bear encounters.
