Bayou Farewell: The Rich Life and Tragic Death of Louisiana’s Cajun Coast (2003) by Mike Tidwell is an ecological history of the Louisiana bayou, examining the impact of human activity during the Anthropocene. Tidwell explores the devastating environmental degradation of the Louisiana Mississippi Delta, home to Cajun communities who rely on fishing for their livelihood. The book highlights the loss of land due to oil and gas industries and government interventions, such as levee construction. Tidwell documents his personal experiences in the bayou, meeting local people and learning about the region’s rich culture. He argues that the environmental crisis, though severe, is solvable with concerted efforts, particularly advocating for a restoration project involving the diversion of Mississippi River water. The book underscores the urgent need for public awareness and action on environmental decay.
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