Back in 1989, Bill McKibben wrote his first book, “The End of Nature.” In it, he addressed the issues associated with global warming and its effects on the planet and ourselves. Now, 18 years later, here we are with that issue hot on our tongues and Bill McKibben will be our Keynote Speaker on Friday August 10th at 7:00pm at this year's Annual NOFA Summer Conference. His latest book is coming out in March, entitled “Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future.” In it, he is asking us to examine our choices of “more” as better, and to take a deeper look at our local communities in supplying all of our choices for food production, fuel/energy, and even our own culture and entertainment.

Last year, Bill helped organize a march to Burlington, VT to bring awareness and address the issue of global warming. About 1,000 marched on that day. But, Bill noted that there has been no national movement on this subject. Now, Bill McKibben and several others are organizing a National Day of Climate Action on April 14, 2007 to show Congress and our President that we are serious about doing something about global warming. It affects us all – we can’t miss the signs. Their website is www.Stepitup2007.org and will let people know if an event is already being planned in their area or, if none exists, encouraging people across the country to host a rally or event in your community. Already, over 500 events are being planned. Our voices, joined together, will be a rallying cry for concrete steps to finally be taken around this issue. Please take a moment and stop and think what you can do to add to this effect of joined voices and action.

Bill McKibben is a bestselling author of over 10 books on the environment and other related topics, Scholar-in-Residence at Middlebury College in VT, and environmental activist. He has been Staff Writer for The New Yorker, and has written numerous articles appearing in such notable publications as the New York Review of Books, Harper’s, and The Atlantic. We are honored and pleased to have Bill McKibben speak and hope that you will join us at this year’s NOFA Summer Conference.

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