Synopsis
In the Arctic, the summer ice is melting, making it hard for polar bears to survive. Why is the world getting warmer? The heat of the sun is trapped by the "greenhouse" gases that surround Earth—carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor.
Children's Literature
Why are polar bears in trouble? Why is the Arctic Ocean becoming warmer? The Arctic Ocean is very cold and covered with floating ice, but it is just the right temperature for polar bears who live on the ice and hunt seals. Every year, the Arctic temperature slowly rises, and more and more ice melts. It is harder for Polar bears to survive and thrive with ice floes few and far in between. In order to be a healthy planet, the earth must maintain equilibrium; the average temperature must stay around 59 degrees Fahrenheit, and the main greenhouse gases must stay at a healthy level. At this point in time, there are too many greenhouse gases in the air, and the air is becoming too warm. Most of the carbon dioxide comes from factories and machines that burn fossil fuels like coal and oil. People are using more and more electricity, causing carbon dioxide to go into the air. Every day millions of people use oil when they drive cars, fly planes, and sail in ships. So how important is Arctic ice, and why does it matter that we work to save it? Arctic ice helps regulate weather all over the world. In this fun book, children can see the link between ice floes, the greenhouse effect, and a myriad of problems that could have long-lasting consequences. The author provides examples of what parents and children can do on a regular basis to conserve energy (and save the Arctic ice) so that Polar bears will be around for many years to come. Reviewer: Suzanna E. Henshon, Ph.D.