Thor the lost walrus thrilled British audiences but failed to win over climate sceptics.

 

Even while denialists assert that everything is OK in the Arctic, the large mammal's wanderings were probably definitely caused by warming seas.

Sun jan 08 2023 7.30 GMT

The arrival of Thor the Walrus in British seas last week was hopeful in terms of migratory arrivals. As the enormous creature strolled across England's east coast after arriving in Hampshire in December, thousands of people gathered to welcome him.

Later stops included Scarborough, where the local government postponed New Year's Eve festivities in order to not scare Thor, to which the latter graciously reacted by masturbating. Before returning to his home in the Arctic, he next travelled to Blyth in Northumberland.

It's uncommon for walruses to visit Britain, therefore it's nice to see the welcoming response from the populace to his presence. Wildlife has never been more in danger, therefore it is encouraging that so many people came to see Thor.

Most scientists agree that the climate change brought on by increased fossil fuel emissions, which is warming the earth and depleting the sea ice cover that walruses need on for rest, hunting, and food digestion, is what led to his arrival. It's unusual to see walruses down here, so according to Molly Gray of British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDLMR), "we assume it's due of climate change."

Others don't agree with this view, though. In fact, climate change sceptic Matt Ridley outright denied it in the Times. He asserted that everything was great in the Arctic. Sea ice levels are not much impacted, and walrus and polar bear populations, far from being threatened, are increasing. He questioned, "Why don't you convey the positive news about the environment."

Naturally, Ridley's claim is vigorously contested. Yes, walrus populations have been progressively increasing since 1952, when Norway outlawed walrus hunting. According to Bob Ward, policy director at the Grantham Research Institute on Environment Change, this does not imply that they are prospering in a rising climate. In reality, the walrus was placed in the vulnerable category of endangered species on the IUCN Red List in 2016.

Data demonstrate a 700,000 sq kilometre drop in the Arctic sea ice during a 20-year period, contradicting Ridley's claims that the decline has not been significant.

Thor's trip to Britain amply demonstrates how the climate battles have changed. Deniers can no longer make the absurd assertion that global warming is not occurring. Obviously, it is. Instead, they contend that while there may be some warming, its effects are minimal. The planet is doing well, just like the walrus.

Simply put, this assertion is untrue. According to David Attenborough, the earth is changing and all of its people are in danger. "Walruses' lifestyles are altering, much as polar bears' and seals'. All people are suffering as a result of living on the front lines of climate change.