We've all seen the pictures of polar bears clinging to tiny ice chunks in the Arctic Ocean.  Most people, scientists and laypersons alike, can connect the dots between melting ice caps and global warming.  The U.S. Department of Interior finally made the connection when it classified the polar bear as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.   It's the first time any species has been explicitly protected as a result of climate change habitat destruction.

Of course, people on both sides of the global warming debate have found problems with the polar bear news.  Skeptics argue that the ruling will be used to restrict carbon dioxide emissions (would that be so bad?) while environmentalists claim it doesn't go far enough.  The good news is that you can reduce your carbon footprint on your own - no need to wait for the government figure things out. 

Reducing your energy consumption is the first step.  Then, calculate your remaining impact and purchase carbon offsets to neutralize the rest.   Your carbon offset dollars help reduce the total amount of CO2 being emitted, and the polar bears will thank you.