September, 04 2008, 12:06pm EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Rich Hayes, Union of Concerned Scientists, 202-316-4757
Maureen Donnelly, Penguin Classics, 212-366-2272
Penguin Classics Joins the Union of Concerned Scientists in Call for a New Generation of Environmental Writers
Public Invisted to Submit Essays, Photos for Online Global Warming Book
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.
Penguin
Classics has partnered with the Union of Concerned Scientists to carry
the legacy of classic environmental writers Emerson and Thoreau into
the 21st century. The literary publisher and science group are inviting
aspiring writers and photographers to submit their personal stories and
images about global warming for a new online book, Thoreau's Legacy: American Stories about Global Warming, to be published by the Union of Concerned Scientists in 2009.
"From
Henry David Thoreau to Rachel Carson, writers have played a profound
role in drawing attention to our natural environment and inspiring
people to protect it," said Elda Rotor, executive editor of Penguin
Classics, publisher of some of the greatest environmental works ever
written. "We believe the readers of our classic literature are
concerned about global warming and will be interested in sharing their
voices, photos and inspiration for this project."
To
participate, contributors must write a 200- to 500-word first-person
account of global warming that relates to their life or the world
around them: a special place that they want to protect; people, animals
or activities they love that are threatened by a warmer climate; or the
steps they are taking to stem the tide of global warming. Or, they can
send a photo related to these topics. The best submissions will be
included in the online book and in a limited-edition hardcover version.
The submission period closes November 15, 2008.
"The
writings of a new generation can inspire Americans to take on the
challenge of global warming and save our natural-and
national-heritage," said Kevin Knobloch, president of the Union of
Concerned Scientists. "What better way to get the word out about this
book project than through a global publisher of classic literature?"
Booksellers
across the country are displaying easels and free bookmarks publicizing
the project. The project will be supported by a major print and online
publicity campaign, as well as a 25-city radio satellite tour, and
national and trade advertising.
Contributors can submit their essays or photographs at www.ucsusa.org/americanstories.
The Union of Concerned Scientists is the leading science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world. UCS combines independent scientific research and citizen action to develop innovative, practical solutions and to secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices.
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