The Melting world of polar bears During the scientific research expedition organized by Turkey to the North Pole, the scientists, who carried out their routine studies at the 11th sampling point at 80.1 latitude, had to interrupt their work in the first hour of the sampling, when the polar bear approached the ship. Although the reason for their approach to the ship is not known exactly, it is known that polar bears, one of the creatures most affected by climate change, have approached people in recent years due to the increase in temperature, the melting of sea ice and their inability to find food. Recent research indicates that unless carbon emissions are reduced, polar bear populations in many areas may become extinct by the end of this century. Polar bears, the world's largest land predators, have been designated as "vulnerable" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List due to declining populations.