ENVIRONMENT

U.S. and Russia Team Up in Bid to Aid Polar Bears
This article outlines a key talking point at the conference surrounding the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The U.S. and Russia, home to thousands of polar bears, both support greater protection for the endangered species.

Discussion idea:

• Look at the map of polar bear territory. Other Arctic nations with polar bear populations, such as Canada, do not support expanded protection for the animals. Canada maintains that hunting polar bears is important to the life of the Inuit, indigenous people to the Canadian Arctic. Have students research Inuit lifestyle and polar bear populations, and discuss the importance of each. Would your class support expanding protection of the polar bear, as the U.S. and Russia do? If not, how would they modify the treaty?

Note: We’re experimenting with a new feature here on the NG Education Blog. “Current Event Connection” posts will connect educators with news stories and relevant discussion ideas featuring content from the NG Education website.