UMaine Climate Reanalyzer data highlighted in Conversation article about polar bears eating garbage

In an article about polar bears eating garbage, the Conversation used data from the University of Maine Climate Change Institute’s Climate Reanalyzer to illustrate the extent of Arctic sea ice retreat between 1980 and 2020. Polar bears entering human settlements to feed on garbage is a direct result of reduced sea ice and the loss of hunting opportunities that come with it. The Climate Reanalyzer was developed by Sean Birkel, Maine state climatologist and faculty member with the Climate Change Institute and University of Maine Cooperative extension. The Alaska Beacon, Salon, Ask By Geeks and News from the States shared the Conversation’s report.