If we're already "sustainably" killing hundreds and hundreds of polar bears per year, do we all really need to radically change our lifestyles to save them from carbon dioxide?

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Announces Final Designation of Polar Bear Critical Habitat

“This critical habitat designation enables us to work with federal partners to ensure their actions within its boundaries do not harm polar bear populations,” said Tom Strickland, Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. “Nevertheless, the greatest threat to the polar bear is the melting of its sea ice habitat caused by human-induced climate change. We will continue to work toward comprehensive strategies for the long-term survival of this iconic species.”
...They are most abundant near the shore in shallow-water areas, and in other places where currents and ocean upwelling increases marine productivity and maintains some open water during the ice-covered season.

The bear facts about the polar bear hunt - thestar.com

"We harvest more polar bears in Nunavut than the rest of the world combined," said Drikus Gissing, Nunavut's head of wildlife management. "Our annual harvest is between 450 and 500 bears a year.

"For us to justify a level like that, we need to put a lot of emphasis on research. And we believe the harvest is sustainable. We believe we have a very good management system to support it."

Alaska governor to fight polar bear habitat designation

Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell said in a statement Thursday that the state is considering its options, including a legal challenge, to oppose the classification. "This additional layer of regulatory burden will not only slow job creation and economic growth here and for our nation, but will also slow oil and gas exploration efforts," Parnell said in in the press release.

Edward Itta, mayor of the North Slope Borough, also expressed concern with the designation, saying he worries it could impact subsistence hunting, projects in some northern villages, and "routine North Slope oil and gas development. "What's most aggravating in all of this is that it won't save any sea ice, so it's not a real solution to the problem," Itta said in a statement.

[Note that the article above uses the bogus polar bear "photo" discussed here] | Watts Up With That?