(cross-posted from Celsias.com):

Future Scenarios -  David Holmgren

The co-originator of permaculture is back with his latest book discussing how communities can adapt to the twin challenges of climate change and peak oil.  He illustrates four main scenarios: brown tech, lifeboats, green tech, and earth stewards. 

Each takes into consideration the choices we make (or don't make) today and their implications for the future. What is especially useful about this book is that Holmgren packs a smart synopsis of the issues along with well-informed projections for the future, does it in plain English, and tops out at 115 pages.  It is a handy, concise little reference.  We're hoping to have an interview with Mr. Holmgren available shortly here on Celsias, so stay tuned.

Climate Change: Picturing the Science - Gavin Schmidt and Joshua Wolfe

Handling the issue of climate change more in depth, this is a bit more robust resource.  Compiling essays by many leading scientists and climate experts, you get not only the science side in easy-to-understand terms, but also some stunning visuals that help further bring the science to life. 

From symptoms and diagnosis, to possible cures for the impending changes brought by a shift in our climate, this book ties the big picture together for anyone struggling to understand the complexity of climate change.  It is also hefty enough that one might also give a climate change denier a stiff whack upside the head if they continue with their silly arguments.  Either way, we love this book!

The Gort Cloud - Richard Seireeni

If you liked Blessed Unrest by Paul Hawken, you'll love this too.  It's sort of the commerce-y continuation of the community discussion.

Discussing how "green" has gone mainstream, branding guru Seireeni shows how some cutting edge, green-minded businesses (from the likes of Dr. Bronner's to Nau to Seventh Generation) have built a steady following, kept their integrity, and made a good living by harnessing the power of the green community. 

By illustrating the relationships of many green institutions, the book provides readers with a comprehensive look at the invisible network of NGO's trendspotters, advocacy groups, business alliances, social networks, and certifying organizations of the green community that can make or break brands.  If you are launching a new product or service, understanding this space is critical to your success.  While the book *is* business focused, many general readers might appreciate its definition of the larger community we are all involved with, as well as some intimate stories of companies and brands they already love.  We found it quite a clever read and very informative.

... and in other news...

Real Goods Solar Living Source Book - John Schaeffer

If you're into solar, wind power, or other forms of alternative energy, want to live off-grid, or learn the basics of the clean tech industry, this one is for you!  This is probably one of the most comprehensive guides out there-- and -- they're celebrating their 30^th Edition by having a limited time free offer: a digital copy of the 70 page section entitled "Renewable Energy 101- Solar, Wind, and Hydro Electric" available to the general public.  Visit http://www.freesolarebook.com   and sign up on the site.

This is an outstanding piece that was noticed by one of the crew at Nexus.  Make sure you watch the whole minute and forty seconds to get the full profound effect.  Very well done video.

 

Bill McKibben's first book The End of Nature was highly influential in putting climate change firmly at the top of the agenda for world leaders like Al Gore. More recently, McKibben founded 350.org. This rapidly growing global movement is working to raise awareness about, and action on, climate change issues.  During his New Zealand visit, McKibben will be spreading the word about what it means to genuinely deal with climate change. We need to go beyond being more efficient or carbon neutral, and we need to start absorbing more carbon than we release.

Monday 4^th May
Waitakere City: 9am – 11:30am, Central Auckland: 1pm – 3pm
for more info about the tour contact Aaron 027 351 9994
for more info see www.350.org.nz alsowww.350.organdwww.billmckibben.com 

350 parts per million (ppm) is the safe concentration of carbon doxide in the atmosphere for the planet. The current global concentration is 387ppm and increasing at 2ppm per year. Let’s turn it around!

First, from WBCSD recently came a report entitled "Water, Energy, and Climate Change: A Contribution from the Business Community".  According to Greenbiz.com:

The business community wants solid water, energy and climate change data and analysis tools from policy makers to help them manage risks and make smarter strategic decisions, according to a new report published Thursday.  They also advised policymakers to integrate water, energy and climate change policy in a holistic way that both acknowledges and weighs the synergies and trade-offs existing between the three interconnected issues.

The report encourages more research and information sharing among academics, governments, nonprofit organisations and the private sector to address the challenges that threaten the future of many industries.  It also presents 25 international best-practice case studies of effecient water and resource use. 

Accountants play a vital role in analysing business processes and informing decision making within a business.  Recently introduced by the Professional Accountants In Business was the IFAC Sustainability Framework.  This online toolkit enables accountants and management to make intelligent, sustainability-minded decisions, promote good leadership, improve business strategy, and enhance reporting on performance to all stakeholders.  The text based toolkit is easy to use, graphically well-designed, and quite informative, and we are glad to see accountants taking a step up on important issues and using their influence for the better.