“Climate Change: What Everyone Needs to Know and Do”

“Climate Change: What Everyone Needs to Know and Do” June 17

Twelve of the warmest years on record have been since 1998. The year 2012 was the warmest year on record in the U.S., and June 2013 was one of the world’s warmest Junes on record. As our planet warms, extreme weather events are becoming more and more common – causing loss of life and costing taxpayers billions of dollars annually. We are certainly aware of the dire predictions of our changing climate. How could we not be? News about deadly heat waves, destructive storms, devastating drought, flash flooding, shrinking water tables, melting ice, and rising sea levels are widespread in our media and daily conversations.

Dave and Sue Oakes will present “Climate Change: what everyone needs to know and do” at the Camden Public Library on Tuesday, June 17 at 7:00 pm. Dave and Sue participated in a climate leaders training program in July 2013 led by former Vice President Al Gore. Some of the information they will present is from Al Gore’s personal slide show, including up-to-date data and trends. The talk will briefly introduce how and why our climate is changing and focus on what can be done about it.  The talk will look at both the “science” and the “social science” of climate change, and explore actions that each of us can take to mitigate the effects of climate change. Dave and Sue Oakes are co-founders of the Center for Ecological Living and Learning (CELL) in Hope, Maine.

The Department of Energy states that the damage to the electric grid alone from severe hurricanes, winter storms, heat waves and floods since 2003 has cost an average 33 billion dollars per year. When we include the social costs of carbon (e.g. decreases in agricultural productivity and human health, and property damage), future costs are staggering to consider.” And we know the culprit of it all,” says Oakes, “our addiction to burning fossil fuels. Knowing the source of the problem, however, does not necessarily lead to quick and systemic solutions.”

 “What is at the root of the problem? Why aren’t we doing more to solve it? Why should we? What can we do to make a difference? What role can one life play in making a difference? How do we work in community to bring about change?

If you are interested in exploring these questions in more detail,,” say Dave and Sue Oakes, “join us for a public talk and discussion on June 17.”