Project History

The Union of Concerned Scientists and Penguin Classics recently encouraged writers and photographers to submit their personal impressions of global warming in words or images for publication in a new online book, Thoreau's Legacy: American Stories about Global Warming.

Hundreds of bookstores across the country joined the effort by displaying easels and bookmarks about the project. View the easel and bookmark.

We received nearly 1,000 submissions from established and aspiring writers from across the country. They submitted 200- to 500-word personal accounts (and many photos) that focused on places they love and want to protect; on the animals, plants, people, and activities they fear are at risk from a changing climate; and on the steps they are taking in their own lives to stem global warming.

A team of reviewers from Penguin Classics and the Union of Concerned Scientists selected 67 contributions for the anthology. Working with Mixit Productions, we have produced an innovative interactive book, and coming soon a limited-edition hardcover coffee-table book and a downloadable e-book. For questions about the book, please contact bookinfo@ucsusa.org.

The bookstore easel and call-for-submissions campaign