Rising Temperatures and Climate Change: A Hot Topic in North America

This episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast delves into the alarming effects of the current heat wave in North America, discussing record-breaking temperatures and the escalating impacts of climate change. Topics include the risk of polar bear extinction due to low sea ice levels in Hudson Bay and the potential disappearance of coastal cities in the U.S. within the next century. Host Andrew Lewin encourages listeners to consider their role in protecting the ocean amidst these environmental challenges.

Link to articles:
1) https://www.ecowatch.com/polar-bears-sea-ice-hudson-bay-climate-change.html
2) https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/rising-sea-levels-oregon-noaa-report/
3) https://coast.noaa.gov/slr/#/layer/slr/5/-8128728.50248323/5178989.535867712/7/satellite/none/0.8/2050/interHigh/midAccretion

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Impact of Climate Change on Polar Bears in Hudson Bay

The podcast episode discusses the devastating impact of climate change on polar bears in Hudson Bay. The record low sea ice in Hudson Bay is a direct result of the warming planet, with temperatures rising over one degree Celsius in the last 30 years. This warming trend has led to a significant reduction in the sea ice cover, affecting the polar bears' ability to hunt for seals and accumulate the necessary body weight for successful reproduction.

Polar bears, classified as marine mammals, rely on sea ice as a platform for hunting and resting during their long swims. The extended ice-free period in Hudson Bay poses challenges for polar bears in finding food and maintaining their health. The loss of sea ice forces polar bears to swim longer distances, leading to increased exhaustion and reduced chances of successful hunting.

The consequences of diminishing sea ice are dire for polar bears. The lack of sea ice means polar bears have fewer opportunities to hunt seals, their primary food source. This scarcity of food leads to polar bears traveling more, resulting in thinner and less healthy individuals. Additionally, the absence of sea ice puts polar bears at risk of drowning as they need the ice to rest and hunt effectively.

The situation in Hudson Bay serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change. The warming planet not only threatens the survival of polar bears but also disrupts the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. It is crucial for governments and individuals to take immediate action to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect vulnerable species like polar bears from the brink of extinction.

Coastal Cities in the U.S. Facing the Threat of Sea Level Rise

Coastal cities in the U.S. are currently under a significant threat from sea level rise, a direct consequence of climate change. As highlighted in the podcast episode, the NOAA has shared an interactive map illustrating how each country would look after sea level rise of up to 10 feet. This rise in sea levels poses a severe risk to coastal communities and infrastructure.

With approximately 60% of the global population residing along coastlines, the impact of sea level rise is widespread and concerning. In the U.S., coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to the effects of rising sea levels. The episode highlighted the example of Miami, a popular city known for its vibrant culture and tourism. The interactive map demonstrated how even a modest rise in sea levels could result in significant portions of Miami being submerged underwater.

The consequences of sea level rise extend beyond mere flooding. High water levels put coastal communities at risk of severe flooding, which can lead to the destruction of homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. This not only makes certain areas unlivable but also endangers the lives of citizens residing in these regions.

Moreover, sea level rise can result in increased possibilities of extreme weather events, land loss, coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, and freshwater contamination. These environmental changes can have far-reaching implications for the economy, public health, and overall well-being of coastal communities.

As the episode emphasized, the issue of sea level rise requires urgent attention and action. The upcoming federal elections in the U.S. and Canada present a crucial opportunity to elect leaders who prioritize climate change mitigation and have robust climate action plans. It is essential for policymakers to implement effective strategies to address sea level rise and protect coastal cities from the escalating impacts of climate change.

In conclusion, the threat of sea level rise to coastal cities in the U.S. is a pressing issue that demands immediate action. By raising awareness, implementing sustainable policies, and prioritizing climate resilience, we can work towards safeguarding coastal communities and infrastructure from the adverse effects of rising sea levels.

The upcoming elections in North America, specifically in the United States and Canada, will play a crucial role in determining the future actions taken to combat climate change. As highlighted in the podcast episode, the decisions made by the elected officials in these countries will have a significant impact on the trajectory of climate change mitigation efforts.

In the United States, the federal election scheduled for 2024 will be a pivotal moment in determining the country's stance on climate change. The podcast emphasizes the importance of electing officials who prioritize climate action and have concrete policies in place to address the pressing issue of climate change. The contrast between political parties in their approaches to climate change is stark, with one party actively working towards climate action while the other party lacks a comprehensive climate action plan.

Similarly, in Canada, the upcoming federal election in October 2025 will also be a critical juncture for determining the country's direction on climate change. The podcast underscores the necessity of evaluating the climate action plans put forth by different political parties and choosing to support those that prioritize environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

The podcast episode emphasizes the urgency of electing officials who are committed to implementing effective climate change policies. It stresses the need for voters to consider the climate action plans of political parties and make informed decisions based on which party offers the most robust and actionable strategies to combat climate change. The outcome of these elections will shape the future trajectory of climate change mitigation efforts in North America and have far-reaching implications for the environment and society as a whole.