Last summer, my family and I embarked on a trip to Yosemite National Park. I had only visited briefly as a child, and it left a lasting impression back then. However, this time around, the experience was beyond words. The sheer majesty of the mountains and the towering sequoias, some so large that a car could fit inside, is an experience that transcends description; it’s something you must witness and feel yourself. I was excited to share this awe-inspiring journey with my kids.
One of the remarkable aspects of the United States is that such breathtaking natural beauty is found everywhere—from the rugged shores of Maine to the serene landscapes of Oregon, from the sun-soaked beaches of California to the lush forests of North Carolina, and everywhere in between. This is precisely why “America the Beautiful” resonates with so many; it’s a truthful reflection.
Much of this stunning beauty is preserved and protected by the National Park Service (NPS), which is entrusted by both the federal government and the public to safeguard more than 417 areas and 84 million acres of national park land across the nation. The NPS not only protects and maintains these lands but also ensures they are accessible and enjoyable for all Americans. Through initiatives like the Every Kid in a Park program, for example, the NPS provides free access to numerous parks, lands, and waters for every fourth grader and their family for an entire year. Moreover, the NPS is actively seeking innovative methods to conserve the land, preserve its cultural resources, and address the challenges posed by climate change. Just recently, on January 6, the NPS unveiled its Cultural Resources Climate Change Strategy, a groundbreaking framework for anticipating and responding to climate-related impacts on cultural resources.
The NPS takes its role as the steward of our national parks and lands seriously—grounded in science, facts, and public engagement. However, the new administration seems to hold a different perspective. On a Tuesday, the President signed an executive order reviving the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines—projects that could lead to significant environmental degradation, threatening ecosystems and the water supply of local tribes while desecrating sacred burial sites.
In a further blow to environmental protection, the administration imposed a gag order on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), freezing grants to states and local communities and silencing staff communications. As if that weren’t enough, they also restricted the National Park Service from posting on social media after the agency shared tweets highlighting the low turnout at the inauguration.
Fortunately, the Badlands National Park Service stood firm in its commitment to the environment, boldly tweeting factual climate change data, only to have those tweets removed shortly after. It sounds like the plot of a dystopian novel, doesn’t it? But this is our current reality.
While it’s common for new administrations to assert influence over federal agencies’ public relations, the sweeping and unusual nature of the current administration’s actions raises concerns. Compounded by a penchant for “alternative facts” and a dismissal of established scientific data, we find ourselves facing challenging times for those who value evidence and environmental stewardship.
These are indeed desperate times, calling for courage, activism, and a touch of rebellion. Thankfully, individuals are stepping up to defend our planet. After the Badlands tweets disappeared, the Golden Gate National Park Service shared factual information about climate change as well. Impressive. A political action committee has emerged to support scientists running for office—another bold move. Unidentified employees from the National Park Service launched an unofficial Twitter account, @AltNatParkSer, to share vital information, including the now-deleted climate change tweets. And even before the new administration took the helm, scientists participated in a “guerrilla archiving” event, safeguarding irreplaceable public data on climate change. Total badasses.
While people can have differing opinions on economic and policy issues, facts remain indisputable. Science is real, and climate change impacts us all. It’s high time we all embrace our inner badass because Mother Nature doesn’t discriminate based on political affiliation.
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In summary, as we navigate these tumultuous times, it’s essential to recognize the power of individual action and the importance of protecting our planet. Let’s all channel our inner badasses and stand up for the beauty that is America.