Arctic Thaw

Scientists no longer debate whether the global climate is changing. Earth's atmosphere is warming up, and temperatures are rising twice as fast in the Arctic as the global average. How will climbing temperatures affect the ancient culture of the Inupiat people of Alaska's North Slope? Their culture revolves around the tradition of hunting bowhead whales from a platform of ice on the water.

The hunt is the great cooperative endeavor that brings the community together to work, store food for lean times, tell stories, dance, and give new life to old traditions. Now the permafrost is thawing, and increasing dangers await whale hunters as the sea ice becomes fragile. Are these effects due to global warming, or is this a case of local weather foreshadowing a grim future for the Inupiat?

Peter Lourie accompanies climate scientists to the North Slope. He observes Inupiat life. He learns from experts about global climate change. And he comes away with an understanding we will all need in order to tackle the exciting challenge of global warming—the Inupiat way of sharing and consideration for others.

Awards

"[A] timely photo-essay. ..."
     —Kirkus Reviews

"A perfect book to help young people understand how the world is changing and why that matters, but in a way that won't overwhelm them."
     —Bill McKibben

"A somewhat sobering, yet upbeat examination of the probable effects of global warming on the culture of the Iñupiaq whale hunters of Alaska’s North Slope. ...Lively, straightforward text. ...Numerous full-color photos and helpful maps and diagrams enrich the package. ...This book should find space on library shelves along with [Lourie's} other titles. ...An up-to-the-minute window into a fast-changing world — with hopeful overtones."
     —School Library Journal

Show All Reviews

"[A] timely photo-essay. ..."
     —Kirkus Reviews

"A perfect book to help young people understand how the world is changing and why that matters, but in a way that won't overwhelm them."
     —Bill McKibben

"A somewhat sobering, yet upbeat examination of the probable effects of global warming on the culture of the Iñupiaq whale hunters of Alaska’s North Slope. ...Lively, straightforward text. ...Numerous full-color photos and helpful maps and diagrams enrich the package. ...This book should find space on library shelves along with [Lourie's} other titles. ...An up-to-the-minute window into a fast-changing world — with hopeful overtones."
     —School Library Journal

"Timely."
     —Aiken Standard, SC

"Experienced ecological writer Peter Lourie places the issue of global warming firmly on the ground (or permafrost, or ice) of Alaska's North Slope, with three visits to Barrow in September, February and April. He accompanies climate-change scientist Paul Shepson, who does not quarrel with the idea of global warming but is more interested in discussing how we confront the challenge. We watch scientists and the native Inupiat exchange information, share seasonal rituals and consider the future. The explanation of whaling makes clear that the native practices do not stress the bowhead whale population. Lourie's photographs are complemented by highly specific explanations of scientific and indigenous realities."
     —Chicago Tribune

"The juxtaposition of testimony from those who put their faith in scientific data and those who embody generations of experience is valuable, as are Lourie's occasional obsevations on groups who would actually benefit economically from a diminished ice cap."
     —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books