In Search of the Canary Tree: The Story of a Scientist, a Cypress, and a Changing World

Lauren E. Oakes, a young scientist at Stanford University, studied the cause of the death of yellow cedar trees in Alaska's Alexander Archipelago for nearly three decades. She discovered that climate change was the culprit and that the people of Alaska were adapting to the tree's disappearance. Oakes' book "In Search of the Canary Tree" is the story of six years she spent in the Alaskan wilds, studying thousands of trees and saplings. She found that forgotten forests were flourishing again after years of destruction and decomposition and that the people of Alaska were determined to develop new relationships with the emerging environment. Oakes shows that we can respond to climate change with either fear or denial, but we can also find in it a new world that doesn't necessarily have to be for the worst.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 288 pages
\n Publication date: 17 January 2019
\n Publisher: Basic Books
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In the Alexander Archipelago of Alaska, where majestic yellow cedar trees meet the ocean, a haunting sight unfolds: the white skeletons of these once-thriving trees stand amidst a verdant landscape of old-growth forests. For nearly three decades, researchers have dedicated themselves to unraveling the mystery behind the demise of these iconic species, and their diligent efforts have revealed a startling truth: climate change is the culprit. Among the dedicated scientists is Lauren E. Oakes, a young researcher at Stanford University. As she embarks on a mission to document the extinction of the yellow cedar, Oakes unexpectedly finds herself immersed in an even more captivating story: the resilience of the people of Alaska and the remarkable adaptability of the tree itself.

In her book, "In Search of the Canary Tree," Oakes shares the remarkable journey she and her team undertook in the Alaskan wilds, studying thousands of trees and saplings across the southeast Alaskan archipelago. Far from succumbing to despair, she discovers the remarkable resilience of forgotten forests, flourishing once again after years of destruction and decomposition. Through profound encounters with loggers, naturalists, Native weavers, and enthusiasts of the yellow cedar, Oakes uncovers how the people of Alaska are forging new relationships with the evolving environment.

Oakes' perspective is a refreshing departure from the prevailing narrative of climate change as an unmitigated disaster. Instead, she finds glimpses of hope even in the disorienting death of a species. Through her meticulous research and heartfelt storytelling, Oakes demonstrates that we can respond to climate change with fear or denial, but we also have the capacity to embrace it as an opportunity for transformation.

"In Search of the Canary Tree" is a testament to the power of human and natural resilience. It showcases how individuals and communities can adapt to changing circumstances and find ways to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Oakes' book offers a roadmap for preserving ourselves and our planet, reminding us that we have the ability to create a future that is both sustainable and resilient.

As we navigate the challenges posed by climate change, Oakes' book serves as a beacon of hope. It reminds us that we are not alone in this journey and that there are countless examples of human and natural ingenuity that can guide us toward a brighter future. By embracing resilience, adaptability, and a sense of interconnectedness, we can work together to create a world that is both sustainable and thriving for generations to come.

In conclusion, "In Search of the Canary Tree" is a captivating and inspiring book that offers a fresh perspective on climate change. Through Oakes' meticulous research and heartfelt storytelling, she demonstrates the remarkable resilience of forgotten forests and the adaptability of the yellow cedar. By embracing resilience, adaptability, and a sense of interconnectedness, we can work together to create a world that is both sustainable and thriving for generations to come.

\n Weight: 494g\n
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 27 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781541697126\n \n