Summary of "Will I Ever Get to Yosemite?" Episode of How Is This Better?

Released on May 30, 2025 by Courier

Introduction

In the episode titled "Will I Ever Get to Yosemite?" hosted by Akilah Hughes, the discussion centers around the alarming threats facing the United States' national parks. Akilah delves into the political maneuvers aimed at privatizing these treasured public lands, the ensuing impact on conservation efforts, and the broader implications of climate change. Through insightful interviews and expert opinions, the episode paints a comprehensive picture of the current state and future of America's natural heritage.

The Threat to National Parks

Kristen Bringle opens the conversation by expressing disillusionment with the current administration's approach to national parks. At [00:30], she reflects:

“Maybe it's on me. You know, I should have known better. I should have assumed that the thing I paid for my whole working life, that my family, and likely yours, has funded for generations. Beautiful places that don't bully you into spending endless money to experience glorious, unfettered nature. National parks."

She laments the administration's moves to privatize these lands, questioning the rationale behind such actions:

“Our current administration seems content to simply take away this greater good, or at least greatly diminish it, by opening it up for logging and drilling... But I have to ask, how is this better?” ([00:30])

Akilah Hughes sets the stage by emphasizing the importance of scrutinizing changes to national parks, promising an in-depth exploration of the motivations and consequences behind privatization efforts.

Impact on AmeriCorps and Future Park Stewards

The episode highlights the detrimental effects these policies have on AmeriCorps and the pipeline of future park stewards. Kristen Bringle provides historical context, explaining how the Antiquities Act of 1906 has long protected public lands. She contrasts this with current threats posed by the Trump administration's policies.

Steve Bisinger, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at the National Parks Conservation Association, shares his frustrations:

"Most of my job is communicating with the administration and Congress to get them to do the right thing. Fund parks. Protect them. Make more of them." ([05:16])

The "Valentine's Day Massacre" is cited as a pivotal moment when the administration attempted to dismantle the National Park Service by abruptly laying off employees ([06:10]). This move not only jeopardizes current conservation efforts but also undermines the training and development of future park rangers.

Adam Auerbach, an environmental policy student and former park ranger, conveys the personal impact of these policies:

“It's really devastating... So much of my identity and my personhood has been in public lands management. And I found that through AmeriCorps.” ([08:31])

He underscores the loss of opportunities for young individuals who rely on AmeriCorps for professional development and a sense of purpose.

Climate Change and Its Effects on National Parks

Climate change emerges as a central theme, with expert Steve Bisinger discussing its tangible impacts on various national parks:

“In some national parks, the climate has changed such that the plants and animals there are no longer able to survive... for example, in the Mojave Desert, Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park... we found a large decline in the bird species that are living there.” ([14:58])

Bisinger explains how warming and drying trends are pushing species to higher altitudes, leading to ecosystem imbalances. The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, exacerbated by climate change, pose severe threats to these natural landscapes:

“Intensities of fires as a result of climate change... it's only going to get worse unless we work a lot harder to try and reverse these processes.” ([16:56])

Kristen Bringle ties these environmental challenges back to policy, criticizing the administration's denial of climate science and its push for fossil fuel exploitation:

“Add to that the complete climate denial and the commitment to catastrophic carbon emissions, and it's not looking good for the parks.” ([13:17])

Economic Implications

The episode also delves into the economic aspects of maintaining versus privatizing public lands. Adam Auerbach provides compelling statistics:

“3.1% of employment in this country is dependent on our outdoor recreation economy, and that's 2.3% of our GDP annually. And you know what? That's bigger than is the entire net sum of oil and gas and mining combined.” ([11:22])

He argues that public lands not only offer ecological and recreational benefits but also significantly contribute to the economy, outweighing the profits from extractive industries.

Public Response and Call to Action

Throughout the episode, there's a strong emphasis on the need for public awareness and activism. Kristen Bringle and Adam Auerbach stress the importance of preserving the entire network of public lands, not just the iconic national parks. They call on listeners to recognize the interconnectedness of these lands and the critical role they play in environmental stewardship and economic stability.

Adam Auerbach warns of the potential slippery slope starting with agencies like the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service, eventually threatening national parks:

“If we're not doing research, if we're not supporting wildlife, all of the research that goes into effective governance of parks... we're not facing like really irreparable harm to our parks for generations to come.” ([20:33])

Conclusion

Akilah Hughes wraps up the episode by sharing her personal frustration and resolve to visit Yosemite despite the obstacles posed by ongoing policies and climate change. She poignantly states:

“No, this wasn't even a Coachella weekend so I probably needed to make a more thought out plan for me and my dog... But surely drilling for oil and the inevitable disasters and oil spills that will follow isn't some better solution.” ([20:31])

The episode closes with a heartfelt plea to listeners to value and protect America's national parks, emphasizing their irreplaceable beauty and significance for future generations.

Key Takeaways

• Privatization Threats: The Trump administration's efforts to privatize national parks jeopardize conservation and public access.
• Impact on Youth and Future Stewards: Policies affecting AmeriCorps disrupt the training and development of future park rangers and conservationists.
• Climate Change: Significant environmental changes are already affecting biodiversity and the integrity of national parks.
• Economic Value: Public lands contribute substantially to the economy, surpassing the profits from extractive industries.
• Public Responsibility: Collective awareness and activism are crucial in preserving national parks and combating climate change.

Notable Quotes

• Kristen Bringle ([00:30]): “But I have to ask, how is this better?”
• Steve Bisinger ([05:16]): “Most of my job is communicating with the administration and Congress to get them to do the right thing. Fund parks. Protect them. Make more of them.”
• Adam Auerbach ([08:31]): “So much of my identity and my personhood has been in public lands management. And I found that through AmeriCorps.”
• Steve Bisinger ([14:58]): “In some national parks, the climate has changed such that the plants and animals there are no longer able to survive.”
• Adam Auerbach ([11:22]): “3.1% of employment in this country is dependent on our outdoor recreation economy, and that's 2.3% of our GDP annually.”

This episode of How Is This Better? serves as a crucial wake-up call, urging listeners to recognize the value of national parks and the urgent need to protect them from privatization and environmental degradation.