How is human-driven Arctic ice loss altering habitat and prey access for polar bears, and how does this change intensify their ecological, physiological, and behavioral vulnerability?

The findings of this project indicate that continued loss of sea ice and changes in glacial dynamics are significantly reducing habitat availability for polar bears, particularly by limiting access to stable hunting platforms. Evidence from Greenland, gathered by interviewing Dr. Twila Moon ( a glaciologist with over two decades of experience), shows that while glacial ice features and fjord ice can temporarily supplement sea ice in certain regions, these alternatives are geographically restricted and cannot replace sea ice across most of the Arctic. As a result, polar bears are increasingly subjected to prolonged fasting periods, leading to muscle loss, depleted energy reserves, and reduced reproductive success. The disruption of sea ice and freshwater-driven nutrient systems also alters prey distribution, destabilising Arctic food webs and further increasing physiological stress on polar bear populations. Collectively, these findings suggest that without meaningful mitigation of climate change, polar bears