Age: 16
Sponsor: Manitoba Conservation
School: Grant Park High School
City: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Biography:

My name is Michael Teichman. I am a 16-year-old student at Grant Park High School in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I have been in a mentorship program at the Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology for two years and hopefully will pursue a career in science in university. Aside from science, I like playing soccer as well as the trumpet and piano.

Polar bears have always been a symbol and icon of the Arctic. They are proud, majestic and strong monarchs of the great vast northern tundra. However in recent years, as the ice caps slowly melt and recede into the ocean, these animals (along with their habitat), which we have taken for granted as being a part of our landscape forever, are now threatened. The population of polar bears is already in decline and it is up to us to do everything we can to prevent their demise. Without our efforts, the polar bear will fade into history along with those species that have been wiped out by growing human carelessness. Conservation is a long-term focus, rather than a short-term requirement. Ethically and morally, it is our obligation to help and protect endangered species and their habitats across the world.

In the coming years, the world will not look different from what I have specifically done and influenced. It will look different because of what we all do together to change it. One person is not able to change the course of the entire planet. But if we all work as one, we will be able to influence the world more effectively through our efforts of conservation and raising awareness. And it all starts in places just like this leadership camp where teenagers who care about our world are willing to make a commitment to take responsibility for contributing to the educating and teaching of polar bears and global warming.

Thank you to Manitoba Conservation and PBI for giving me this incredible opportunity to learn more about this important issue.