[CC] Polar Bears Can't Wait -- Take Action Now (fwd)

[Alan Sondheim]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:11:22 -0500 (EST)
From: Center for Biological Diversity <bioactivist at biologicaldiversity.org>
To: sondheim at panix.com
Subject: Polar Bears Can't Wait -- Take Action Now

Dear Alan,

As world leaders gather in Copenhagen to negotiate an international climate agreement, time is running out for polar bears. Forced to swim increasingly long distances between disappearing patches of sea ice in search of food, they are drowning and starving -- some even resorting to cannibalism.

The Arctic environment Ursus maritimus needs to survive is melting. Two-thirds of all polar bears -- including all bears in Alaska -- will be extinct by 2050 if current trends continue. The rest of the species will be gone by the end of the century.

While we need strong, immediate action in Copenhagen, we also can help save these great white bears by protecting their habitat.

In response to extensive political and legal pressure from the Center for Biological Diversity, the Obama administration has finally proposed designating more than 200,000 square miles of Arctic coastline and sea ice as critical habitat for the polar bear. But despite the proposal, earlier this month the Department of the Interior gave the go-ahead for Shell Oil to begin drilling in the Chukchi Sea, a move that opens the door for offshore oil and gas production in the Arctic.

The administration is seeking comments on its proposed critical habitat now. Please tell the Obama administration that the proposed critical habitat is essential to the survival of polar bears and that it must be protected.

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Click here to find out more and take action:

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2167/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1783

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Sample letter:

Subject: Protect Polar Bear Habitat

I am writing to thank you for proposing to protect more than 200,000 square miles of Arctic coastline and sea ice as polar bear critical habitat. The polar bear is quickly losing the sea ice it depends on due to global warming. At the same time, the species faces increased threats from industrial oil and gas development in the Arctic. Please permanently protect polar bear critical habitat and prohibit oil and gas drilling projects there to give the iconic polar bear a fighting chance of survival.

Thank you.

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Donate now to support our work:
https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2167/t/5929/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=3389

Please take action by December 28, 2009.

This message was sent to sondheim at panix.com.

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