The other week I was watching a program about warming Arctic waters and was deeply saddened by the changes happening there.  Arctic summers are increasingly becoming ice-free because of our dependence on fossil fuels and mounting carbon emissions.  The situation has far-reaching effects for wildlife.  In the past you would find huge blocks of floating ice and snow-covered land masses.  Now the waters are empty of ice, and polar bears are left to swim very long distances to rest or find prey.  Scientists are also seeing more and more orca whales in these northern waters.  Previously, orcas would not venture into the area because their fins could not penetrate the ice.  Now, they are making thousand mile journeys to feed on other animals which breed their young in once “safe” territory.

As orcas move into the Arctic, they change and threaten an entire ecosystem.  I watched them devastate an entire colony of narwhal.  Narwhal are beautiful animals and are called the unicorns of the sea.  They almost look like dolphins but are larger and have a long tusks that look like swords.  Normally, narwhal find rest and safety in the waters of the Arctic.  With melting ice the narwhal are left defenseless against the mighty orcas.  The orcas, with their sharp intelligence and keen hunting instinct, quickly corner the narwhal and eat them for lunch.

It is so easy for us to forget the domino effect that climate change has on everything in our world.  It alters habitats and devastates species.  Our actions, or lack of action, have far-reaching consequences.  Our choices, in every sphere of our lives, greatly affect other people and animals.  We must reduce our carbon footprints and positively impact our planet.