Polar bears - beloved and betrayed by Morten Jørgensen

Based on Morten Jørgensen's previous book Polar Bears on the Edge and Ole J. Liodden's Polar Bears & Humans, this is a condensed and richly illustrated account of the management and conservation status of the species. Jørgensen has previously documented in detail the failures of management and the lack of conservation. This book tells that story in a popular format while bringing the account up to date. Those who want to dive into the documentation can find references to the previous books in the epilogue of this one. Across eight brief chapters, each consisting of eight condensed revelations, the state of the polar bear today – at the mercy of twenty-first-century humans – is laid bare. Along the way, almost 100 stunning photographs reveal the essence, the individuality, and the beauty of this animal. Most of these were taken by Morten Jørgensen, with supplementary photography by Kyriakos Kaziras.

This is a labour of love. Love for the polar bear – and for all other species threatened in their existence by habitat destruction and over-exploitation. The polar bear is a species that could disappear – but it could also be saved. Politicians, scientists and conservationists know enough to save it. But they are not acting on their knowledge. Only through public pressure is there a chance that policies can be changed in time.