Requiem for America's Best Idea: National Parks in the Era of Climate Change

by Michael J Yochim, William R Lowry (Contributor)

In his enthusiastic explorations and fervent writing, Michael J. Yochim "was to Yellowstone what Muir was to Yosemite. . . . Other times, his writing is like that of Edward Abbey, full of passion for the natural world and anger at those who are abusing it," writes foreword contributor William R. Lowry. In 2013 Yochim was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). While fighting the disease, he wrote Requiem for America's Best Idea . The book establishes a unique parallel between Yochim's personal struggle with a terminal illness and the impact climate change is having on the national parks--the treasured wilderness that he loved and to which he dedicated his life.

Yochim explains how climate change is already impacting the vegetation, wildlife, and the natural conditions in Olympic, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yellowstone, and Yosemite National Parks. A poignant and thought-provoking work, Requiem for America's Best Idea investigates the interactions between people and nature and the world that can inspire and destroy them.

296 pages, Hardcover

Published March 15, 2022

Reviews

[Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by a three decade United States Forest Service veteran, this book is partly a study of the degradation of our national parks from climate change and overuse and part memoir about the author's personal battle with ALS. It is a very moving story.

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

And then I was transported back to ES101…. While this book is certainly worth reading, it takes a deep dive on climate change most people familiar with climate science will already be well attuned to. Yochim’s use of the parks as case studies for how climate change will irreparably distort what we know and love is valuable, but a heavy reliance on the principles of climate science makes this feel more like a textbook in some sections than an exploration of climate and terminal illness. The unique challenge and connection between climate disaster and living with ALS offers deep food for thought on whether we would care more about the climate if we viewed what is happening as a terminal illness of the world, and the very obvious call to action that follows naturally. However, if you’re looking to explore these questions this is not the book for you. Although this book is not what I hoped it would be it is nevertheless a good book worth reading, particularly as an introduction to climate science and the real-world impact of climate change.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A warning to wake up and pay attention to what we are doing before it is too late, especially since government is trying to do away with the NPS and other agencies that try to present truth instead of a party line.

I lived and worked near Yellowstone, have visited 49 of the 50 states, and have visited many national parks and historic sites. We have a duty to care for the earth, not pillage it. I want my grand and great-grandchildren to be able to marvel at the same wonders I have seen.