NASA scientist Peter Kalmus is visiting the Cowichan Valley in August to debut his new book on climate action, and to have a first-hand look at the progressive Green initiatives that have recently begun here.
While most climate scientists warn the public to reduce their fossil fuel usage, Kalmas, a climate scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, and his family are demonstrating how lifestyle changes can significantly reduce their carbon footprint.
Kalmus’ book, Being the Change: Live Well and Spark a Climate Revolution, is a unique story of his family’s transition to life on one-tenth of the fossil fuels used by the average North American family.
Despite working in NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, Kalmus has given up flying and has even converted his vehicle to use veggie oil.
“Peter is excited to visit the Cowichan Valley as it’s a hub for slow food, community sustainability and ecological living,” says Kalmus’ publisher, EJ Hurst of New Society Publishers, based out of Gabriola Island.
“Peter’s interest in carbon fees is bound to generate some interesting discussions surrounding B.C.’s carbon tax model.”
Kalmus will host a book signing event at Duncan’s Community Farm Store on Aug. 17, beginning at 7 p.m., and the public is invited to attend.
The event will be co-hosted by the Community Farm Store and Cowichan Energy Alternatives, a local non-profit organization that Hurst said helped New Society Publishers became carbon neutral via local community carbon-reducing projects located on Vancouver Island.
The Cowichan Energy Alternatives Society is the creator of the Community Carbon Marketplace, celebrated as a new approach for communities to lower their carbon footprint while kick-starting the local low-carbon economy at the same time.
Small to mid-sized businesses and community organizations in the area can, for the first time, generate revenue streams for every tonne of carbon reduced through eligible greenhouse gas reduction projects by participating in the innovative online CCM program.
“Small groups of dedicated people organizing to make a difference is just what Peter is working towards with his writing and lifestyle changes,” Hurst said.
“Cowichan Energy Alternatives is one of those groups as they focus on creative solutions to energy and emission reduction. They are a perfect organization to host Peter and his climate change action message.”
