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On Thin Ice: The Changing World of the Polar Bear
Polar bears—fierce and majestic—have captivated us for centuries. Feared by explorers, revered by the Inuit, and beloved by zoo goers everywhere, polar bears are a symbol for the harsh beauty and muscular grace of the Arctic. Today, as global warming threatens the ice caps’ integrity, the polar bear has also come to symbolize the peril that faces all life on earth as a result of harmful human practices. Here, the acclaimed science writer Richard Ellis offers an impassioned and moving statement on behalf of polar bears—and all they stand for.
Ellis gives a vivid and brilliantly articulated picture of earth’s largest land predators—including their hunting, mating, and hibernation habits. Polar bears are exceptionally well suited for hunting—especially when it comes to ringed seals, their favorite prey, which they can smell from more than a mile away. But as the ice melts in the Arctic, the ability of polar bears to find food diminishes in spite of their incredible physical capacities. Some bears will vainly take to the water in search of ice on which to hunt, and many of them swim until they drown. In the past twenty years alone, the world population of polar bears has shrunk by half. Today they number just 22,000.
Still , On Thin Ice is an ode, not an Ellis reminds us that the extinction of the polar bear—and the disappearance of our ice caps—is not inevitable. While the killing of polar bears remains a matter of ritual solemnity among the Inuit, U.S. government officials continue to balk at placing the polar bear on the endangered species list because doing so would place the bears’ territory off-limits for oil drilling. As the polar bears’ habitat disappears beneath them, their survival rests entirely on our willingness to take such critical steps.
Urgent and stirring, On Thin Ice is both a celebration and a rallying cry on behalf of one of earth’s greatest natural treasures.
Ellis gives a vivid and brilliantly articulated picture of earth’s largest land predators—including their hunting, mating, and hibernation habits. Polar bears are exceptionally well suited for hunting—especially when it comes to ringed seals, their favorite prey, which they can smell from more than a mile away. But as the ice melts in the Arctic, the ability of polar bears to find food diminishes in spite of their incredible physical capacities. Some bears will vainly take to the water in search of ice on which to hunt, and many of them swim until they drown. In the past twenty years alone, the world population of polar bears has shrunk by half. Today they number just 22,000.
Still , On Thin Ice is an ode, not an Ellis reminds us that the extinction of the polar bear—and the disappearance of our ice caps—is not inevitable. While the killing of polar bears remains a matter of ritual solemnity among the Inuit, U.S. government officials continue to balk at placing the polar bear on the endangered species list because doing so would place the bears’ territory off-limits for oil drilling. As the polar bears’ habitat disappears beneath them, their survival rests entirely on our willingness to take such critical steps.
Urgent and stirring, On Thin Ice is both a celebration and a rallying cry on behalf of one of earth’s greatest natural treasures.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
6 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Richard Ellis
29 books56 followersRichard Ellis is a celebrated authority on marine biology and America’s foremost marine life artist whose work has been exhibited worldwide. His nine books include The Search for the Giant Squid (a Publishers Weekly 1998 Best Book of the Year), Great White Shark, Encyclopedia of the Sea, Men and Whales, Monsters of the Sea, Deep Atlantic The Book of Whales, and Imagining Atlantis.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 3, 2011
The title is misleading. This is really Everything I Ever Learned about the Polar Bear. The text is repetitive and poorly organized with flat prose and bland design. In the first chapter, "Europeans 'Discover' the Polar Bear...", Ellis writes about explorers killing any and all bears they ran across, except for cubs which could be captured and sold. In "Hunting the Hunter", he repeats a lot of the same information before writing about modern-day hunting, a subject he already touched on in the intervening three chapters. The circuitous path of his story is exhausting and annoying.
He relies heavily on anecdotes and quotes from Artic explorers. A reader greatly interested in the bears would be better off by going straight to the primary sources. The casual reader is not well-served with this approach and will probably be bored long before Ellis finally gets to the bulk of the information about global warming.
Ellis has an annoying habit of refusing to come out and state a thesis. As an example, in the chapter on zoos and circuses, he dances all around the idea that large carnivores used to roaming thousands of miles are harmed by being shut into small habitats with questionable conditions and a radically different diet, but never comes out and really takes a stand on the issue.
The book is comprehensive and has nice photos, including a lovely color insert.
He relies heavily on anecdotes and quotes from Artic explorers. A reader greatly interested in the bears would be better off by going straight to the primary sources. The casual reader is not well-served with this approach and will probably be bored long before Ellis finally gets to the bulk of the information about global warming.
Ellis has an annoying habit of refusing to come out and state a thesis. As an example, in the chapter on zoos and circuses, he dances all around the idea that large carnivores used to roaming thousands of miles are harmed by being shut into small habitats with questionable conditions and a radically different diet, but never comes out and really takes a stand on the issue.
The book is comprehensive and has nice photos, including a lovely color insert.
January 23, 2017
3.5 stars
This book is all about polar bears, from the time Europeans first came across them up to their current potential peril due to global warming/climate change.
The history is unfortunate, as humans mostly tended, for a long time, to simply shoot them on site, assuming they were a threat (yes, they can be dangerous, but apparently, they are also very curious, and much of their approaching humans seems more to have been from curiosity than aggression). There was information on their behaviour, which I found particularly interesting. There were chapters on zoos and circuses, and on hunting. The last chapters focused on global warming and how it will affect polar bears and other wildlife in the Arctic; I’ve read enough about this that I’m not surprised by any of it, but it doesn’t make it any less frustrating (and sad). There were also plenty of photos, both mixed in with the text and in a separate colour section.
This book is all about polar bears, from the time Europeans first came across them up to their current potential peril due to global warming/climate change.
The history is unfortunate, as humans mostly tended, for a long time, to simply shoot them on site, assuming they were a threat (yes, they can be dangerous, but apparently, they are also very curious, and much of their approaching humans seems more to have been from curiosity than aggression). There was information on their behaviour, which I found particularly interesting. There were chapters on zoos and circuses, and on hunting. The last chapters focused on global warming and how it will affect polar bears and other wildlife in the Arctic; I’ve read enough about this that I’m not surprised by any of it, but it doesn’t make it any less frustrating (and sad). There were also plenty of photos, both mixed in with the text and in a separate colour section.
February 3, 2010
A must for polar bear fans. This book covers the history of the bears' interactions with humans from early explorers up to the current day oil tycoons. Honestly, I expected a bit more global warming/call to action, so I really appreciated Ellis' research and dedication to keeping the polar bear the star. A compelling and comprehensive portrait of what makes the polar bear unique, compelling creature and what it seemingly impending disappearance says about us. P.S. - If you love polar bears, this book will make you sad/angry.
January 17, 2019
”On Thin Ice, The Changing World of the Polar Bear” by Richard Ellis, published by Alfred A. Knopf.
Category – Nature – Global Warming/Polar Bear - Publication Date – November 17, 2009.
I know this came out in 2009 but it may even be more important in 2019. Richard Ellis gives the reader tremendous insight into Global Warming and how it is and will affect the Polar Bear. You may well ask, “Why the Polar Bear”? The Polar Bear is used for several reasons; the first is the unique life they live. They are, for the most part, solitary creatures that are living in one of the most inhospitable places in the world. They are also seen as a beautiful cuddly bear; take for example the Coca-Cola ads and their stuffed animals. They are also huge, to say the least, some standing over 6 feet tall.
The book goes into great detail about the first and subsequent man/Polar Bear experiences, while at the same time explaining Global Warming and its affect on the ice fields of the Arctic. He goes on to explain what is happening now and what the forecast is for the future. These are not only his predictions but those of many scientists who have been studying this problem over the years.
I have to admit this book is not an easy read and will be of major interest in those who are concerned about Global Warming and the plight not only of the Polar Bear but of other Arctic creatures as well.
The blame for all of this seems to lie in the hands of man who is polluting the world shamelessly.
Category – Nature – Global Warming/Polar Bear - Publication Date – November 17, 2009.
I know this came out in 2009 but it may even be more important in 2019. Richard Ellis gives the reader tremendous insight into Global Warming and how it is and will affect the Polar Bear. You may well ask, “Why the Polar Bear”? The Polar Bear is used for several reasons; the first is the unique life they live. They are, for the most part, solitary creatures that are living in one of the most inhospitable places in the world. They are also seen as a beautiful cuddly bear; take for example the Coca-Cola ads and their stuffed animals. They are also huge, to say the least, some standing over 6 feet tall.
The book goes into great detail about the first and subsequent man/Polar Bear experiences, while at the same time explaining Global Warming and its affect on the ice fields of the Arctic. He goes on to explain what is happening now and what the forecast is for the future. These are not only his predictions but those of many scientists who have been studying this problem over the years.
I have to admit this book is not an easy read and will be of major interest in those who are concerned about Global Warming and the plight not only of the Polar Bear but of other Arctic creatures as well.
The blame for all of this seems to lie in the hands of man who is polluting the world shamelessly.
June 2, 2011
This book is a comprehensive and enjoyable history of polar bear and man that covers everything from the bears' cultural impact to the science of global warming. My only criticism of Richard Ellis would be one that I, unfortunately, have on occasion with environmentalists: that he can be dismissive. For instance, this passage about a polar explorer who shot a bear after it twice raided his camp:
"Uemura generously repaid the bear's sparing his life (the first time) by shooting it. That the bear didn't even bother him in his sleeping bag didn't change his mind about the ferocity of the polar bear; he knew that bears were man-eaters, and the way to ensure a successful assault on the North Pole was to eliminate anything that might stand in his way. As in many comparable situations, the curious bear was seen as an aggressive bear, and Uemura didn't want to be the one to satisfy the bear's curiosity about what human meat might taste like."
That is only a minor quibble I have, however. Here's what I would say Ellis' basic thesis is:
"So we need polar bears, because they are more than big white animals that live in an alien world, or little fuzzballs that are shamelessly used to sell Coke. They are the envoys from the real world, sent to remind us of our obligations as stewards of this planet and its fragile ecosystems. They stand for the elemental beauty of nature, for wildness, for the preservation of the earth's endangered habitats --for everything that human beings need to protect in order to survive. As Thoreau said, 'In wilderness is the preservation of the world.'"
"Uemura generously repaid the bear's sparing his life (the first time) by shooting it. That the bear didn't even bother him in his sleeping bag didn't change his mind about the ferocity of the polar bear; he knew that bears were man-eaters, and the way to ensure a successful assault on the North Pole was to eliminate anything that might stand in his way. As in many comparable situations, the curious bear was seen as an aggressive bear, and Uemura didn't want to be the one to satisfy the bear's curiosity about what human meat might taste like."
That is only a minor quibble I have, however. Here's what I would say Ellis' basic thesis is:
"So we need polar bears, because they are more than big white animals that live in an alien world, or little fuzzballs that are shamelessly used to sell Coke. They are the envoys from the real world, sent to remind us of our obligations as stewards of this planet and its fragile ecosystems. They stand for the elemental beauty of nature, for wildness, for the preservation of the earth's endangered habitats --for everything that human beings need to protect in order to survive. As Thoreau said, 'In wilderness is the preservation of the world.'"
February 17, 2010
This well-researched book focuses on the polar bear primarily as an icon of global warming. Ellis, when he relates historical encounters with these magnificent predators of the North, easily commands our attention. It is when he wanders into the realm of polar bears in zoos, circus acts and as hunters’ trophies that he begins to lose my interest. The book’s title suggests that the polar bear as a species is imperiled; we learn from Ellis, as expected, that the biggest culprit is not so much from over hunting but from the degradation of the climate in the Arctic region. Unfortunately Ellis felt compelled to chronicle nearly every news release pertaining to polar bears and the impending doom of global warming from the seventies to the present. This mind numbing experience cast a shadow over an otherwise entertaining and informative book. The degree to which anthropogenic warming of the earth is responsible for the danger that faces polar bears versus natural cyclical climate change is not discussed. Ellis apparently has his agenda which is to pile on with other environmentalists who insist that greenhouse gas produced from man-made sources is the reason for the melting of the polar ice. Maybe he’s right, but then again maybe he’s not. Without a rational review of both sides of the issue from a scientific perspective, how can we decide?
So what is the value of Ellis’s book? I would venture to say it succeeds as an exposé of the history and habits of polar bears; as science it fails to be even-handed.
So what is the value of Ellis’s book? I would venture to say it succeeds as an exposé of the history and habits of polar bears; as science it fails to be even-handed.
January 19, 2014
Oftentimes, the debate about reducing carbon emissions is turned into a confrontation between "economic growth" supporters and polar bears sympathisers; the vivid image of the lonely polar bear on the ice floe is known to everyone and to global warming it has the same relation as the panda to conservation. In this rich and insightful book, marine artist and scientific writer Richard Ellis presents the biological, cultural and political history of the polar bear. Ultimately, saving the polar bear is no matter for greens alone but it stands for our own connection to the natural world and the impact of our destructive ways.
March 1, 2010
Richard Ellis turns his focus to polar bears and gives them the full treatment: history, popular perception, folklore, mythology. The shifts between these areas are a bit rough, but his affection for the creatures is obvious, as is his impatience with the governmental systems that threaten their existence. His discussion of global warming was pretty much telegraphed by this impatience, and while his points are valid they aren't all that original. An ambitious effort that doesn't always succeed in the execution, but gets enough credit for trying.
August 2, 2011
A good overview of the polar bear as it relates to current climate changes! The book goes into the history of human exploration in the Arctic, the discovery of polar bears, how native cultures relates to the bears, and how all the countries in which it lives protect (or don't protect) it. That is all tied together with information on global climate change and how the polar bear's survival is directly affected. An interesting look, definitely, at what a global phenomenon means for one very charismatic species!
February 2, 2013
353 pgs
NF - Science
A look at the polar bear throughout history from the Inuit, the early artic explorers and today. The polar bear always evoked deep emotions. The bear is both feared and revered and no matter what emotion the bear brings to you, you are certainly impressed by their emense size and curriosity. They live in a world of their own and their world is changing. Ellis takes us into the heart of the matter, physically, emotionally, economily and policily. A must read in todays changing world.
NF - Science
A look at the polar bear throughout history from the Inuit, the early artic explorers and today. The polar bear always evoked deep emotions. The bear is both feared and revered and no matter what emotion the bear brings to you, you are certainly impressed by their emense size and curriosity. They live in a world of their own and their world is changing. Ellis takes us into the heart of the matter, physically, emotionally, economily and policily. A must read in todays changing world.
February 8, 2015
Good book, and I learned quite a few new things about polar bears. My on;y fault with it was that certain parts of the book seemed poorly organized and constituted a miscellany of factoids. The book also contained a lot more historical material than I expected for a book that, based on the cover, was focused on the plight of the polar bear. Still, a good read and recommended to anyone who wants to understand polar bears better.
December 9, 2009
As much information as you ever wanted to know about the polar bear and it's vanishing habitat. Even though we've all been overwhelmed by global warming issues, it behooves us to pay attention and to know what's going on. Ellis paints a very thorough picture for us about our Arctic "canaries in the coalmine."
September 24, 2013
Comprehensive! Everything you could ever want to know about polar bears: their "discovery", their habitat, their diet, their history in zoos and circuses, current threats to their environment (heartbreaking), and their status under various national and international laws. A must for polar bear fans.
February 11, 2010
If ever a book was in need of tightening, this one was. Nevertheless, a fascinating look at the polar bear and its environment. One question still remains to be answered: how in the world did circuses manage to train polar bears??
Want to read
May 26, 2010Good book, but I could only read a little at a time because it's so depressing ... finally exceeded the number of times I could renew it so I'll have to check it out again sometime.
February 24, 2010
Very interesting. I love books like this and can't wait to read the next one about tuna..I'm so weird! :)
Want to read
October 26, 2012As heard on the Science Times podcast.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews