:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/adn/2FK5Q3TVCNAQZCKGGVTEP6QZSY.jpg "Book review: An experienced Arctic adventurer returns to a changed landscape")
Witnessing the Arctic’s Thaw: A journey Through time and Change
Jon Waterman’s ”Into the Thaw” is more than just a captivating account of forays into the Arctic. It’s a profound exploration of how this unique surroundings is responding to the climate crisis. Weaving together personal experiences from nearly four decades, Waterman illuminates both the breathtaking beauty and the unsettling changes unfolding in one of Earth’s most remote and challenging landscapes.Published by Patagonia Works in 2024, the 305-page book is a testament to Waterman’s unique vantage point as a former national park ranger, climber, wilderness guide, photographer, filmmaker, and author of sixteen previous books. His intimate knowledge of the Arctic, coupled with his dedication to scientific accuracy, makes for an immersive and illuminating read.
Waterman observes the visible signs of the Arctic’s transformation: the northward creep of the treeline and shrubs, the erosion of coastlines and flooding of coastal communities due to shrinking sea ice, the thawing permafrost causing lakes to drain and mountainsides to crumble, and the unprecedented wildfires fueled by lightning storms sweeping across the drying tundra. All of these changes impact the delicate balance of nature, disrupting the migration patterns of birds, mammals, and fish.
“Into the Thaw” takes readers on a chronological journey,from the Arctic’s formation 2.4 billion years ago to its present-day struggles. Waterman’s personal adventures, starting with his first trip down the Noatak River as a ranger in 1983, provide a poignant backdrop for understanding the region’s evolution.
A 500-Mile journey through a Changing Land
The book embarks on a gripping narrative centered around Waterman’s 2022 expedition: a 500-mile odyssey across the Brooks Range, down the Noatak River to the Chukchi Sea, and up the coast to Kivalina. This journey, undertaken 20 years after his initial exploration of the Noatak River, reveals the stark realities of the climate crisis firsthand.
Through vivid descriptions and compelling anecdotes from previous expeditions in 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2006, Waterman paints a portrait of the arctic’s dramatic transformation. “Into the Thaw” is a powerful reminder of the fragility of this unique ecosystem and the urgent need for action to protect it.
A Lifetime Exploring the Arctic: A Look at “The Final Journey”
For over four decades, author and adventurer Waterman has dedicated himself to exploring and understanding the vast and fragile world of the Arctic. His latest book, “The Final Journey,” chronicles not only a breathtaking 500-mile expedition through three national parks in 2022 but also reflects on a lifetime of experiences in this awe-inspiring region. Waterman’s fascination with the Arctic began in his youth, sparking a lifelong passion for exploration. His journeys have led him across glacial landscapes, along windswept coastlines, and through the heart of vibrant indigenous communities. In 1997, he embarked on his aspiring “roof of North america” expedition, paddling solo from Canada’s Mackenzie River Delta to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. He recounts the remarkable solitude and connection with nature he experienced during this arduous journey, “After a week alone,without sight of another human,I had talked to every animal I encountered,but fortunately,no one talked back … I bowed to the sunsets. And I became attuned to the arctic world around me in an instinctual way.” In later years, Waterman’s expeditions focused not only on exploration but also on documenting the effects of climate change. During a 2006 trip to the Arctic national Wildlife Refuge, he witnessed firsthand the alarming erosion of the coastline, a stark contrast to the frozen bluffs he had observed years before. ” The coastline was slumped in muddy quagmires,” he notes. A return trip in 2021 with his son revealed further changes; the once abundant caribou were gone, replaced by an unusually large mosquito population.“The Final Journey”: A Testament to a Changing Arctic
The focal point of “The Final Journey” is Waterman’s 2022 expedition through Alaska’s Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Kobuk Valley National Park, and Noatak National Preserve. This grueling 500-mile trek,undertaken on foot and by packraft,immersed him in the raw beauty and challenges of the Arctic landscape. The book offers a day-by-day account of his experiences, vividly capturing the harsh conditions he faced, including relentless wildfire smoke. Beyond the physical journey, “the Final Journey” delves into the rich natural and cultural history of the region. Readers will learn about fascinating Arctic wildlife, from the industrious Arctic bumblebee that shivers to warm itself while pollinating fireweed, to the unique pingos, mounds of earth formed by expanding ice lenses that provide crucial habitat for plants and animals. Waterman’s book serves as both a captivating adventure narrative and a poignant reflection on the profound impact of climate change on this delicate ecosystem. Through his experiences, he encourages readers to appreciate the beauty and vulnerability of the Arctic and to consider the responsibility we all share in protecting this extraordinary part of our planet.Into the Thaw: A Captivating Journey Through a Changing Arctic
Author’s latest work,”Into the Thaw,” is a captivating exploration of the Arctic landscape and the profound changes it faces due to climate change.Waterman’s firsthand account takes readers on an unforgettable journey alongside Inuit communities, documenting the dramatic transformations occurring in the region.
Through breathtaking photography and detailed maps, Waterman illuminates the fragility of this icy wilderness. He vividly describes the thawing permafrost, causing traditional landmarks— caribou crossings, nesting grounds, and mosquito relief areas— to crumble into craters. His writing reflects both the scientific understanding of climate change and the deep respect he holds for the Arctic’s intricate ecosystem.
“Into the Thaw” is more than just a chronicle of environmental decline. It is a festivity of human resilience and the enduring spirit of the Inuit people. Waterman shares their stories of adaptation and survival, highlighting the interconnectedness between culture and landscape.
Waterman’s writing style is both insightful and engaging. His honest, vulnerable, and often humorous voice invites readers to connect with the Arctic on a personal level. He seamlessly blends scientific facts with personal anecdotes, making complex issues accessible and thought-provoking.
“Into the Thaw” is a call to action,urging readers to appreciate the beauty and fragility of the natural world. By sharing his profound connection with the Arctic, Waterman inspires us to become stewards of our planet and safeguard its wonders for future generations.
