Why Polar bears are not a symbol of Climate change anymore?

Polar bears struggling on melting ice were the heartbreaking face of climate change decades ago, causing widespread worry.

However, a popular National Geographic image of a distressed polar bear in 2017 marked a watershed moment. The usefulness of such pictures was questioned by some, who saw them as distant and unrelatable. Despite scientific agreement that unprecedented ice cap melting is occurring, the focus on polar bears was deemed too restricted.

Since 1979, sea ice has shrunk by 13% every decade, affecting polar bear behaviour and survival rates. However, scientists warn against oversimplifying the awful polar bear photographs, emphasising the significance of understanding context. The iconic 2017 photograph drew criticism, with National Geographic admitting it had "gone too far" in directly tying the polar bear's situation to climate change.

Polar bears, formerly associated with climate change, are losing their significance as climate icons. They run the risk of misrepresenting an entire species and alienating people from the imminent threat of climate devastation. Non-profits like as Oxfam and Christian Aid have adjusted their campaigns to advocate for "people, not polar bears." Media sites, including The Guardian, have committed to stop using polar bear imagery as the default in climate change coverage.

Climate Visuals, an evidence-based climate photography resource, represents a bigger trend. Their image library concentrates on human interactions with climate change rather than polar bears, in keeping with the idea that relevant visuals involving real people are more captivating. 

As media outlets look for new images, there is a rising emphasis on presenting new stories and providing solutions-based photography to combat image weariness and encourage action. This style is part of a larger trend in "conservation photography," which depicts environmental problems alongside natural beauty.