“Human activities are estimated to have caused approximately 1.0°C of global warming above pre-industrial levels, with a likely range of 0.8°C to 1.2°C. Global warming is likely to reach 1.5°C between 2030 and 2052 if it continues to increase at the current rate.” Special Report: Global Warming of 1.5 ºC (UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2018)
Summer heatwaves and polar vortexes. Sea ice rapidly diminishing and/or melting completely. Hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones becoming more powerful. Wildfires burning longer and hotter. “100-year floods” occurring within significantly smaller timeframes. All are issues of climate change exacerbated by a rapidly warming planet.
Companies developing climate action plans to manage research and development, innovation, supply chain practices, and more. Governments passing climate-friendly legislation. Individuals making lifestyle changes, raising public awareness, and voting for candidates who work toward changes. All are efforts toward finding solutions.
We’ve put together a group of books that discuss climate change and its impact on world issues such as migration, economies, public health, human rights, ecosystems, building design, and more. Some examine how corporate practices can contribute positively to managing emissions. Others examine how different sectors – nonprofits, businesses, private citizens – can work separately or together towards solutions.
This display is timely in more ways than one — its beginning runs concurrently with Climate Week, September 23-27, and a slate of activities sponsored by the Bentley Office of Sustainability. Though Climate Week ends this Friday, the book display will be available for perusal in the Library lobby until November 3. You may also browse a list of all books and DVDs on the physical display, and a list of electronic OverDrive titles.
“Now we all have a choice. We can create transformational action that will safeguard the future living conditions for humankind, or we can continue with our business as usual and fail. That is up to you and me.” (Greta Thunberg, World Economic Forum, 2019)
