An Alaskan Odyssey: Unveiling the Arctic's Future with Ben Weissenbach and Mia Bennett
In a captivating conversation, Ben Weissenbach and fellow Gates Cambridge Scholar, Mia Bennett, delved into the Arctic's past, present, and future. Their discussion, held at the Bill Gates Sr. House, celebrated the release of Weissenbach's book, 'North to the Future', and Bennett's 'Unfrozen: The Fight for the Future of the Arctic'.
Weissenbach, a journalist, embarked on a journey to Arctic Alaska at 20, leaving his screen-bound life behind. His book chronicles his encounters with environmental scientists and the rapid changes in the region. Bennett, an associate professor of geography at the University of Washington and founder of Cryopolitics, explores the Arctic's evolving state, from Indigenous governance to subsea technologies.
Weissenbach's book provides a unique perspective on the Arctic, emphasizing the importance of studying its changes as a glimpse into Earth's future. The Arctic is warming three times faster than the rest of the world, potentially exacerbating global warming. He highlights the limitations of models in predicting real-world impacts.
The Call of the Wild
Weissenbach's motivation stemmed from a desire for a natural, screen-free life, inspired by authors like Jack London and John McPhee. He embarked on short wilderness trips, learning from mentors to connect with nature. His journey to Alaska was initially planned as a reporting project, aiming to learn from Alaskans and understand the North's rapid changes and their global impact.
Meeting Experts
In Alaska, Weissenbach connected with climate experts like Roman Dial, an ecologist who walked and rafted 1,000 miles across Alaska's Brooks Range, studying the northward expansion of trees. This experience challenged his preconceptions about Arctic forests, despite their significance as the world's largest terrestrial biome.
Another expert, Kenji Yoshikawa, a reindeer-herding permafrost expert from Japan, shared his observations, questioning scientific models. Yoshikawa's firsthand knowledge led him to spend 11 days in -40-degree temperatures, showcasing the internet's role in sharing and preserving traditional knowledge.
Weissenbach also met Matt Nolan, a glaciologist who taught himself to fly, taking Ben to the largest American Arctic glaciers. Nolan's maps, created through landscape photography, accurately monitor glacial changes over time.
The Significance of Place
Weissenbach engaged with indigenous people, understanding the value of generations of intimate land knowledge. He witnessed the impact of permafrost thaw on valleys, describing it as apocalyptic, yet also experienced the region's wild beauty and a sense of continuity. This contrast between the harsh landscape and the resilience of nature was a recurring theme.
Looking Ahead
In addition to his book's publication, Weissenbach discussed his next project, focusing on technology's role in reconnecting people with nature. He aims to counteract technology's attentional vacuum, drawing us away from the natural world.
North to the Future: An Offline Adventure in Alaska's Changing Wilderness is published by Grand Central Publishing.
Unfrozen: The Fight for the Future of the Arctic by Mia Bennett and Klaus Dodds is published by Yale University Press.
