Complaint
A reader challenged a statement in this article which claimed that the global population of polar bears was in decline. Β The ECU considered whether it met the standards of due accuracy set out in the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Editorial Guidelines. Β Β Β
Outcome
The article reported on the death of a worker who was attacked by two polar bears in Canada’s northern Nunavut territory. It said such attacks are rare and continued as follows:
There are about 17,000 polar bears living in the country - making up around two-thirds of the global population of the species, according to the Canadian government.Β The species is in decline, and scientists attribute it to the loss of sea ice caused by global warming - leading to shrinking of their hunting and breeding grounds.
Research carried out by the ECU confirmed scientists agree climate change will cause a reduction in sea ice, which is likely to have a long-term detrimental effect on polar bears and overall population numbers. Β There are also considerable challenges in obtaining reliable data. Β However evidence from the Canadian Wildlife Service and the Polar Bear specialist group of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature appears to suggest numbers are stable overall at present and not in decline as stated.
Upheld
Further action
The finding was reported to the Board of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ News and discussed with the editorial team concerned.