Supports writer's summary points in paragraph 22. Paragraph 24 Restates the personal experience of the inhabitants and links with paragraph 11 where the bear is also evidence of the changes. A range of examples is given in paragraphs 24 and 25. Writer now links Arctic with direct consequences for the reader. Short paragraph and short sentence makes it stand out and reinforces this.
Final phrase highlights ineffectual attempts to improve the situation.
Metaphor links with cars and Western world and problems of gas emissions. Warning implied that the fate of the dinosaurs, extinction, awaits mankind if we ignore the warnings of global warming. Single sentence for dramatic effect. Direct link to title. Summarises message of the article.