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Barrow, Alaska, the northernmost U.S. city, is blanketed in snow in late March, while spring arrives in many regions in the United States. Barrow is ground zero for global warming, where the effects of rising temperatures, melting sea ice, and increasing ocean acidity are felt and seen most accutely. Seen in the distance is the Arctic Ocean. According to many scientists, shrinking coastal sea ice--as seen in this photo--will spell disaster for the polar bear. Currently, the U.S Department of the Interior is locked in a battle with environmental groups over whether to list the charismatic carnivore as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

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