Out of 17 books and five films, Jon Waterman considers his upcoming book release his most important work to date.

Waterman was introduced to the Alaskan Arctic as a park ranger in 1983. When he returned for a trip down memory lane with his son in 2021, he found it vastly changed.

What was formerly a tundra scape with ankle-high plant growth was home to brush and trees. The Noatak River in Gates of the Arctic National Park had flooded, its strong current had washed away campsites and challenged the Watermans’ journey in an inflatable raft. The father and son duo spotted one caribou after traversing 100 miles of river, whereas, in 2021, the elder Waterman had seen thousands.

Published by Patagonia, “Into the Thaw: Witnessing Wonder Amid the Arctic Climate Crisis,” documents the impact of climate change on the Arctic’s landscape, wildlife and people. It also offers a message of hope.

“This issue of climate change, which is really a climate crisis, is the most dire thing that I’ve ever covered. It’s not just an issue of the day, it’s an issue generations are inheriting,” Waterman said.

What often receives the most attention concerning climate change in the Arctic is diminishing sea ice and ice pack. But there’s something even more pressing, Waterman said.

A more catastrophic reality is the loss of permafrost, defined as ground frozen for a minimum of two years. The Arctic is underlaid with permafrost which extends as deep as nearly a mile below the surface.

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Witnessing wonder

The book’s subtitle includes the words “witnessing wonder,” reflecting Waterman’s desire to share the Arctic’s magnificence with those who have yet to experience it.

Landscapes, wildlife and the Inuit come to life in the book’s color photography. Although written as a narrative, the book is replete with 77 photographs, with work by professional kayaker and photographer Chris Korbulic.

Aside from the Arctic’s natural beauty, Waterman hopes the book imparts readers with an appreciation for the Inuit.

“They have given us these amazing things. They’ve invented igloos, crampons, goggles and trampolines — all matter of things that have been assimilated into our culture and they still have retained this amazing ancient culture of their own that is arguably the oldest culture in North America,” he said.

Bend book event

On Nov. 14, Waterman hosts a book launch event at Roundabout Books with professional climber and climate activist Graham Zimmerman, of Bend. Tickets are available for $5 or the purchase of “Into the Thaw” at roundaboutbookshop.com.

If You Go

What: Author event at Roundabout Books with Jon Waterman and Graham Zimmerman

When: 6:30 p.m. Nov. 14

Where: Roundabout Books & Cafe, 900 NW Mount Washington Drive #110, Bend

Cost: $5 or purchase of the book. Registration required.

Contact: roundaboutbookshop.com