Gwynne Dyer's 'Climate Wars' chosen for Green Books launch CORNER BROOK The Western Star

From left, Susan Pottle, research assistant; Perla Hernandez, student; Tom Cochrane, former student; and Gail Martiri, research assistant, are seen with book jackets and bookmarks for copies of Gwynne Dyer’s “Climate Wars.” — Photo courtesy of Pamela Gill

Gwynne Dyer, political columnist and author of “Climate Wars”, will engage in debate with Newfoundlanders and Labradorians during the launch of the first-ever provincial environmental book club.

Grenfell College’s Environmental Policy Institute, which has initiated Green Books, has provided copies of “Climate Wars” to all 96 public libraries across the province. In Corner Brook, copies have also been placed in local coffee shops such as Brewed Awakening, Thistledown Café and Coleman’s Café.

The goal is for participants to read the book by Thursday and take part — either in person or via webcast — in the official Green Books launch Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Pepsi Centre, or via webcast at www.greenbooksnl.com.

The discussion will be followed with live music by Sherman Downey, the book signing, and art exhibits by Grenfell College visual arts faculty Pierre Le Blanc and David Morrish.

“Our focus at the (institute) is on policy relating to environmental protection and transitioning the province to ecological sustainability,” said Angela Carter, who heads up the institute at Grenfell College. “Climate change, with its political-economic implications, is well described by Dyer, which is why we chose this book. This is a serious problem requiring immediate action.” 

The institute encourages libraries across the province to host their own events such as organizing a gathering to discuss the book and watch the webcast.

“This is exactly the kind of event the Environmental Policy Institute was created to implement,” said Carter, who teaches political science and environmental studies at Grenfell College. “We need to debate and research critical environmental issues in Newfoundland and Labrador and build provincial capacity to respond to these issues.”

Green Books is supported by Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, the Centre of Environmental Excellence, Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries and The Western Star. For more information about the institute and Green Books, visit www.greenbooksnl.com or contact Susan Pottle at spottle@swgc.mun.ca.