Nearly 200 countries went to the United Nations meeting in South Africa to agree a plan to tackle climate change. But, while the UN says the deal they struck would “save the planet”, scientists fear it won’t stop global warming.

The world’s biggest polluters, the USA, China and India have, for the first time, agreed to cut their emissions. However, they don’t have to do this until 2020. By then it will be too late to prevent the Arctic from melting, say experts.

Polar bears need Arctic ice to hunt on. Already they have been forced to swim longer distances for food. If the ice melts entirely, they will not be able to hunt at all. Also, polar bears hide their cubs in ‘snow dens’ to protect them. As the ice melts, the dens collapse, exposing them to predators and dangerous weather.

Many children are worried about climate change and went to the summit to have their voices heard. More than 2,000 of them created a giant ‘human lion’, urging world leaders to be courageous and to create a safe future for everyone.

But, instead of showing courage, wildlife charity WWF says governments have “missed a vital chance to protect our planet”.

The charity says that, unless governments try harder and commit to bigger emissions cuts sooner, the only polar bears likely to survive are those in captivity in places like zoos.

Will the climate change deal be enough to save polar bears?

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