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A Climate for Life: New climate book to become essential reading (Conservation International)
07/10/2008
Book shows how natural environments crucial to climate change solution
(October 7, 2008), Barcelona – A Climate for Life: Meeting the Global Challenge is one of the most visually arresting and comprehensive books on the topic of climate change ever published. Launched at the 2008 World Conservation Congress in Barcelona, the book is a timely blueprint for the portfolio of actions needed to stabilize the world’s climate. Its compelling foreword is co-authored by eminent Harvard biologist E.O. Wilson and famed actor Harrison Ford.
“This is the central message of A Climate for Life, the global environment cannot be stabilized and restored piece-by-piece and step-by-step. Its deterioration has to halt on all fronts, through intelligent and concerted action, with linkages to the parts given the same attention as to the parts themselves,” write Ford and Wilson.
The combined expertise of the contributing authors spans all areas of society related to climate change. The authors dissect every issue relating to climate change and present a clear plan of action. Speedy adoption of the recommendations that span policy, technology, and market innovations, could stimulate the global economy while providing for the well-being and security of humanity. It shows that alleviating climate change can grow economies rather than stifle them.
Some key points:
- Climate destabilization poses a catastrophic long-term threat to humanity
- Deforestation and degradation of tropical forests each year is responsible for 20 to 25 percent of total global greenhouse gas emissions (more than from the world's cars, trucks, planes, ships and railroads combined)
- Any effort to mitigate climate change must account for the emissions from tropical forest deforestation and make it a centerpiece of the solution
- This book offers a range of solutions for stabilizing the world's climate right now
“The science on climate change is clear and the threat is urgent. We must use this crisis as an opportunity to revolutionize economies, create jobs, and protect critical ecosystems that can stabilize our climate right now,” says Russell A. Mittermeier, lead author and president of Conservation International. “The emerging perception of climate change is fragmented at best and this book demonstrates plainly the strong linkages between our modern society, the natural world, and climate change. There is hope for the future but only if we act now.”
A Climate for Life is punctuated with more than 175 stunning photographs provided by the International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP), including images from world-class talents including noted wildlife photographer Frans Lanting, glacier photographer James Balog, and endangered species photographer Joel Sartore. The images are a powerful compliment to the science found within.
Headed by acclaimed photographer Cristina Mittermeier, the ILCP is a non-profit organization that uses the power of the world’s best photographs to help educate the world and to further conservation goals. ILCP was recently featured in National Geographic.
“The ILCP was created to give conservation photographers the power to place their images in the court of public opinion as irrefutable evidence of the threats facing our planet and the consequences to humans, economies and ecosystems,” says Cristina Mittermeier, director of the ILCP. “The CEMEX book program has become one of our most important platforms to demonstrate the power of images in making a real difference in the world.”
A Climate for Life is published in partnership with Conservation International, the International League of Conservation Photographers, and CEMEX. Begun in 1993 A Climate for Life is the 16th book in CEMEX’s Conservation Book Series, which aims to inspire and raise awareness for the conservation of nature. The books are developed in partnership with recognized global non-profits such as CI, BirdLife International, and the World Conservation Union (IUCN).
“At CEMEX, we have learned that it’s important not only to comply with environmental issues worldwide, but also to be pro-active in the conservation of nature and biodiversity,” said Armando Garcia, executive vice president for development at CEMEX. “Our series of Conservation Books published over the last 15 years plays a significant role in our conservation strategy. We believe that the more people understand about biodiversity and climate, the more they will be willing to take action.”
A Climate for Life could not have been possible without the generous support of The Wild Foundation, Humane Society International, and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).
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For more information, contact:
Lisa Bowen at +34-638078830 (Barcelona), 1-202-746-7452, l.bowen@conservation.org
Tom Cohen at +34-636834066 (Barcelona), 1-202-257-9954, tcohen@conservation.org
For Latin America: Maria C. Hoyos +34-636652626, (Barcelona) mchoyos@conservation.org
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Conservation International believes that the Earth's natural heritage must be maintained if future generations are to thrive spiritually, culturally, and economically. Our mission is to conserve the Earth's living heritage – our global biodiversity – and to demonstrate that human societies are able to live harmoniously with nature. For more information, visit www.conservation.org
ILCP’s mission is to further environmental and cultural conservation through ethical photography.
We believe that awe-inspiring photography is a powerful force for the environment, especially when paired with the collaboration of committed scientists, politicians, religious leaders and policy makers. We plan to replace environmental indifference with a new culture of stewardship and passion for our beautiful planet. For more information, visit www.ilcp.com
CEMEX is a growing global building materials company that provides high quality products and reliable service to customers and communities in more than 50 countries throughout the world. CEMEX has a rich history of improving the well-being of those it serves through its efforts to pursue innovative industry solutions and efficiency advancements and to promote a sustainable future. For more information, visit www.cemex.com
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