The global warming melts the ice in the Arctic. Polar bears have to hunt for ice. If the earth is becoming warmer polar bears will not survive.

Warming up
The earth is getting warmer. The average temperature in 2006 and 2007 was higher than ever in the Netherlands. This is mainly caused by man. But some scholars think that in part comes from nature itself. Around the earth is a shell of oxygen and other gases. This is called the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is one of the gases that hold heat around the Earth. Emissions from cars and planes and by waste from factories and power plants is more and more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Heat can not go out and the earth is getting warmer. This is called also called the greenhouse effect, because it works like a greenhouse.

Impact
Scientists believe that global temperatures in 2050 will be three degrees higher than now. This much is enough ice on the Arctic and Antarctic to melt. This will put more water in the seas. Sea levels are rising and more flooding. Some low areas may disappear. In some places, the more rain and storms. In other places will just always be drier. Some animals will not survive. It is too hot or too cold for them or they will no longer find food. Diseases will spread more easily.

What can we do?
To ensure that the earth can continue should anything happen. Governments try to make other arrangements to address the greenhouse effect. But this is very difficult. Some countries, the industry and the economy more important than milieu.Toch include new ways to gain real power needed by oil and gas because there is much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. With the help of sun, wind and water we can produce energy. You yourself do something for the environment. For example, try not to use too much electricity and use old stuff again.