Sunday, September 18, 2011

EAARTH by Bill McKibben featured in 2 p.m. Sunday September 18, 2011, program of the Climate Change Book Series at Fayetteville Public Library: Read Louise Mann's comments, please

After reading it, I understand why novelist Barbara Kingsolver was so adamant that everyone pick up Bill McKibben’s book, Eaarth.
Yes, it is spelled with two “a”s. He’s making the point that we are not living on the same earth on to which we were born.
Some local noticeable changes include the ice storm of 2009, which cost Fayetteville 5.5 million dollars. The flood of 2011 cost us 1.2 million dollars. Another change, Fayetteville now has an Emergency Operations plan.
Last Sunday’s paper had an article about cattle being sold early because there wasn’t enough hay to continue feeding. The hay shortage is due to drought.  This year my family lost a cotton crop when the Mississippi River swallowed it with 8 feet of water.  We also lost another field to a straight wind. And who would’ve thought a hurricane would cause so much damage in Vermont?
Beginning Sunday, September  18 at 2:00 Fayetteville Public Library will be hosting a Climate Change Book Series. The books will vary in content from those with a science background to ones with a layperson’s perspective. McKibben’s book, the September read, is a good orientation for those new to the topic.
The November book is written by a mother discussing how to run a household on this new Eaarth. What happens to grocery prices when food crops are subject to frequent and severe flooding and drought? What happens when insurance payouts can’t keep up with claims?
The book discussion will be complemented by information regarding actions you can take now on everything from lifestyle to legislation. As with any crisis there is opportunity. The people who are smart enough to get educated about climate change and make appropriate plans for their families, their businesses, and their communities will be the winners on this new Eaarth.

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