A Book Published... And The Author's Dilemma

Horray! LMI’s new book on climate change is finally, officially released!

Last night, we introduced some of our LMI colleagues to what we’ve done with the book, and each author was able to hold court and offer some insights into their work on this book. It was a nice internal rollout, and the discussions that took place reminded me of a key element to such a work—even after the writing is finished, the story continues.

Francis Reilly discusses his chapter on land use at the launch party for Climate Change: What You Can Do Now

Consider an author’s dilemma: there is great satisfaction that comes from finishing that last page, sending it off to the printer, and getting ready to share it with the world.

And then the very next day there’s the new stuff that pops up that you wish you could have included.

For example, just a few days ago, new details were revealed with regard to Apple, Inc.’s, newest data center in Prineville, Ore.—a choice location for tech giants (Facebook chose the same location for a data center last year). Apple’s new data center is confirmed as an intended green project—very worthy of discussion in our book’s “Information” chapter, which focuses on IT and communications.

The point, of course, is that when it comes to climate change, there’s plenty to talk about that a book couldn’t possible incorporate.

My fellow authors will be contributing regularly to this blog and use it as an opportunity to bring their expert analysis to the day’s events as they relate to the climate change issue.

The authors of this blog are experienced, they’re experts in their fields, and they’ve a passion for tackling the nation’s most vexing challenges. We’re all employees of LMI, and for 50 years this organization has used its not-for-profit mission to help the public sector with its management needs.

Our authors are

Rachael Jonassen, one of the world’s preeminent climate change scientists;

Dr. Michael Canes, noted economist and expert on energy markets and regulation;

John Yasalonis (public health)

Francis Reilly (land use)

Rich Skulte (infrastructure)

Julian Bentley (vehicles and fleets)

Taylor Wilkerson (supply chain)

Jeremey Alcorn (national security).

(The IT/communications chapter, in case you’re wondering, was a team effort, as Dr. Canes and I worked from a framework that a former LMIer, Greg Wilson, set forth for us. Greg’s role is greatly appreciated!)

You’ve already heard from John Selman, who introduced the book’s concept and goals, and Rachael Jonassen, who is our resident scientist. Soon you’ll get to hear from the rest.

As we move forward, we’ll continue to discuss the many issues related to the climate change that the book touches on—and offer new depth and new points of discussion for this complicated issue. This blog will also be a great way to keep track of when and where our experts are speaking at conferences and forums and what topics are driving their individual discussions at the moment.

So stay tuned! We’ve got a nice slate of things for you to think about and to discuss with us.