We have all seen pictures of polar bears floating around social media that show how polar bears are dying due to habitat changes and effects in their environment. We are all aware that polar bears are on the list of becoming extinct, but we are not doing anything to help them. Global warming is just one factor that is affecting the homes of these polar bears, as we have all seen changes in the Arctic and have seen that because of these harsh changes in the environment, the ice is slowly melting away thus leaving these poor bears in no place to survive. But that is only one problem. A second major problem that is causing polar bears to be in the endangered species list, is the continuation of oil companies settling in the Arctic to drill for oil. What these companies do not realize is that their actions force polar bears into a crisis that will leave them without homes forever. This is an obvious problem that needs to be changed. The lives of these polar bears are depending on us to save them. 

According to Ken Silverstein, a journalist for Forbes magazine, deep inside within the 2017 Tax bill lies a provision allowing Oil Companies to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, ANWR for short, is home to a vast array of animals. Most importantly it is home to the beautiful Polar Bear which is currently listed under the Endangered Species Act as vulnerable. The continuation of these oil companies entering the Arctic puts the habits of Polar bears at a higher risk. According to Timothy R Garms of the Defenders of Wildlife Organization, we have already seen a decrease in the population of Polar Bears of 50% from 2001-2018 due to climate change and interference of these oil production companies. We have already seen that the habitats of polar bears being affected by climate change. If oil companies continue drilling in the Arctic, the status of these poor bears will be non-existent.

To prevent the extinction of the polar bears, there needs to be a piece of legislation made to prevent the oil companies from touching the virgin lands of the ANWR. More importantly, there needs to be a law that makes it illegal to destroy the habitat of these endangered animals by allowing oil companies to set in the arctic and drill for oil. Instead of allowing the oil companies to destroy the habitat of the polar bears we should strive to better their already deteriorating homes being affected by climate change. If we were to create a law against the oil companies moving into the ANWR we could potentially save the Polar bears from extinction. 

Ever since I was a kid I have always been extremely fascinated with polar bears and their ability to live in these extremely cold temperatures. I have been fortunate enough to be able to just see these amazing creatures through pictures. I want our future generations and more importantly my kids to have this privilege to someday be left in awe at the sight of a polar bear. Polar bears are essential to our human life as they play a huge role in our food chain. Without polar bears, we could all be in danger of destruction. Polar bears are Apex predators and are also known as KeyStone Species which allow biological populations to maintain balance. Instead of focusing on the capital that is up for grabs now thanks to President Trump's Administration, we should use our country’s current wealth to help these animals thrive in their own homes. The lives of the polar bears are in our hands. It is up to us to try and help them survive. Change starts with us. All together, we can save our furry, white, arctic friends!