Save the Arctic!

In recent years, “global warming” has become a buzz phrase. Everybody knows that the climate is not longer the same as the one we had many years ago. I have heard thousands of anecdotes from adults proving that the climate has been really changing. Talking about this topic with my mum, she told me: “when I was a child, winter was winter and you could feel the icy wind penetrating your clothes; nowadays we have winter days of 25° something which would be abnormal some years ago”. But I think, people are not aware of this problematic till they see pictures like this:

By looking at this picture, I´m sure no one can escape from feeling down. This picture shows an emaciated polar bear walking on a receding ice. The photograph was taken in the Arctic where changes are more visible than anywhere else.  But it is not a problem which emerged last year, it is the result of hundreds and hundreds of years of human activity, contamination, pollution, among some other reasons, which generated global warming in our planet. We may say our planet is getting hotter and hotter and maybe we do not directly feel its effect, but animals do and they are by far the most affected species in the world, especially those who live in remote areas and rely on nature to survive. Now we can feel regret, of course but there is always something else to do to help our planet. Although for years people haven´t taken it seriously, we still have time to take action and help the vulnerable animals which cannot act for themselves. Many nongovernmental organizations, for example, have been actively involved in campaigns to help animals, our welfare and the planet. The most famous one is Greenpeace, but of course there are many other organizations. 

Considering the problem in the Arctic, we cannot avoid what has happened with Shell. According to the Anglo-Dutch company, “the Arctic holds around 30% of the world’s undiscovered natural gas, as well as 13% of its oil and 22% of its natural gas liquids also yet to be found. This amounts to around 400 billion barrels of oil equivalent, 10 times the total oil and gas produced in the North Sea to date.” It may sound interesting if we do not take into account the environmental problems it may cause. The Arctic is considered to be the world´s air conditioner but, due to global climate change, the volume of sea ice has been disappearing, causing oil companies to take advantage of it. What is even worst, all the arctic species (apart from the polar bear) strongly depend on sea ice to survive. Therefore, we should take into account what would happen if the ice was vanishing with terrifying speed. It is not necessary to make any scientific research on this, we simply need common sense: Without sea ice to hunt, rest, and breed, the very survival of polar bears and other wildlife is under threat. Mother polar bears, weak and starving, have trouble reproducing. Their cubs must fight the odds to survive into adulthood. Will they disappear? Probably they will if we ignore the problem.

Greenpeace has carried out a campaign against Arctic oil drilling operations for years. Luckily, the “Save the Arctic” movement has successful results. During this period of time, campaigners have endeavored to prevent Shell´s vessels to drill the enormous masses of ice. Annie Leonard, the Executive Director of Greenpeace US, said, "Every second we stop Shell counts.” What is more, in Greenpeace´s webpage, people have the chance to sign the petition to stop the drilling. The attitude members of Greenpeace have, fills me with hope because though it was difficult, they kept on fighting for the planet, the polar bears and for us. And which was the result? Shell abandons Arctic drilling.

Apparently, the amount of oil in the Arctic was not worth taking since the costs the planet has to pay would be even higher. In Greenpeace webpage I find this phrase which makes us realize that everything is possible if we are really committed with our ideals and desires: “Together, you turned what the oil industry hoped would be a small business story into front page headlines. Together, we demonstrated that people have the power to fight companies and governments who consistently value corporate profits over the health of our planet.”

I think it is time to take the bull by its horns and contribute with our everyday action. Thank you Greenpeace! Thank you Shell! We hope you never come back!