The claim that the Polar Bear population has grown by 400% has been pretty much been shown as not true.
Polar Bear population has risen in some areas, and fallen in others, but overall the population numbers are relatively static.
The Polar Ice is important for Seals and Polar Bears.
Seals give birth on the winter ice, and the bears need the ice to hunt the seals.
Without substantial ice flow, the bears cannot get to their main food source.
Both species need ice to thrive.
No doubt they will adapt over time, if the amount of ice reduces dramatically, but in the short term it will be a major problem.
Emperor Penguins have also been in trouble with ice melting prematurely, losing many young from drowning before the chicks completed their molt.
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