Don’t Let This Moment Pass You By  |  Rebekkah Smith Aldrich  |  Library Journal  |  July 10, 2017

In the wake of the president’s announcement that the United States will withdraw from the Paris Agreement, an unprecedented, decentralized groundswell of support to combat climate change in our country has emerged.

Leaders of 125 cities, 13 states, 902 businesses, and 183 colleges and universities have already declared their intent to continue to ensure that the United States remains a global leader in reducing carbon emissions by reaching toward the goal set for us within the Paris Agreement: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) 26–28 percent by 2025. Participating cities and states represent 120 million Americans and contribute $6.2 trillion to the U.S. economy. Firms and investors that have declared they are “still in” on the Paris Agreement account for a total revenue of $1.4 trillion and include over 20 Fortune 500 companies, including Apple, eBay, Gap Inc., Google, Intel, Microsoft, and Nike, in addition to hundreds of small concerns.

This is an important moment in history for libraries to pay attention and participate. Not only do we have the chance to shine as we set our own goals to reduce GHGs through our facilities current and future, this is an opportunity to help our municipal leaders understand the powerful role libraries can play to educate Americans about our options for better ways of heating, cooling, and constructing facilities. Our reach, the respect we receive in our communities, and the good examples many of us are already setting perfectly position us… Read the full article here