National geographic, finland, polar bears

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In summary, a video clip about the effects of global warming on Finland has caused some amusement due to a mistaken claim that there are polar bears in the country. However, upon closer examination, it seems that the mistake was a result of misinterpretation and confusing video material. Apologies have been made for the reaction from Finland.
  • #1
jostpuur
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http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/12/071228-finwarming-video-ap.html

Unfortunately there's no point in posting links to Finnish web sites, but I can assure you that this has drawn some attention and amusement. There is no polar bears in Finland (and in no where else in the Scandinavia either)! That is a big mistake! :rofl:

Some Finn says something about polar bears there. It must have been taken out of context (oh well, not completely out of context, but the original question at least has been forgotten, since it obviously was not about Finland, but about the global warming in more general), after which some other people have drawn their own conclusions and chosen the video clips.
 
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  • #2
jostpuur said:
That is a big mistake!

hmhmhmhmhmh... or then it is a small mistake :confused:

Everybody is laughing on the irc-channels, talking about the claims about Finnish polar bears, and similarly some web pages have reported this, and after this the video clip itself appears to be talking about the Finnish polar bears too. But now when I look it more carefully, nowhere does it clearly say that there would be polar bears in Finland...

From the nationalgeographic.com:
Shorter winters and shrinking ice caps are threatening the Scandinavian country's birds and mammals, including polar bears.

This sentence does contain the mistake at least.

Perhaps the total effect was just a sum of a small mistake and confusingly chosen video material? Apologies, anyway, for Finland's reaction :redface:
 
  • #3
But it's true that polar bears are not found in Finland or any other Scandinavian country. They are only found in the Arctic regions, mainly in Canada, Alaska, Russia, and Greenland. This is important to note because the decline of polar bear populations due to climate change is a major concern in these areas. The melting of sea ice, which is crucial for polar bears to hunt and survive, is directly linked to global warming. Finland's climate and geographical location are not suitable for polar bears to live, but it is still affected by the consequences of climate change. As scientists, it is our responsibility to continue studying and monitoring the effects of global warming on polar bears and take action to reduce our carbon footprint and mitigate its impact on these magnificent creatures.
 

1. What is National Geographic?

National Geographic is a non-profit organization founded in 1888 that aims to promote and educate about environmental conservation, geography, and natural history through various media, including a magazine, TV channel, and website.

2. Are there polar bears in Finland?

Yes, there are polar bears in Finland, but they are not native to the country. They can sometimes be found in the northernmost regions of Finland, but they are more commonly found in Arctic regions such as Canada, Alaska, and Russia.

3. How are polar bears affected by climate change?

Climate change has a significant impact on polar bears, as they rely on sea ice for hunting and breeding. With the decline of sea ice due to rising temperatures, polar bears are forced to swim longer distances and have less time to hunt, which can lead to starvation and a decline in their population.

4. What is the conservation status of polar bears in Finland?

Polar bears are not considered endangered in Finland, as their population is relatively small and stable. However, they are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) due to the overall decline in their population globally.

5. How does National Geographic contribute to polar bear conservation in Finland?

National Geographic has contributed to polar bear conservation in Finland by funding research projects, promoting conservation efforts through their media platforms, and raising awareness about the threats facing polar bears due to climate change. They have also partnered with local organizations to implement sustainable practices and protect polar bear habitats in Finland.

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