Five Books That Will Inspire You to Take Action for the Environment

Recommended by Climate Change Summit and Cărturești

In a world facing unprecedented environmental challenges, understanding the scope of the climate crisis is more crucial than ever. These five books, recommended by the Climate Change Summit and Cărturești, provide not only the knowledge but also the inspiration to act. From the urgency of water scarcity to the existential threat of extreme heat, these works are essential reading for anyone committed to a sustainable future.

The Heat Will Kill You First by Jeff Goodell

Recently released in Romania during the hottest summer in history, this book by Jeff Goodell, an award-winning author and journalist with over 20 years of experience writing for Rolling Stone and The New York Times Magazine, reveals a harsh reality: extreme heatwaves are becoming the new norm. Through cutting-edge science and personal stories, Goodell shows how this global crisis threatens not only our health but our very survival. This book is a wake-up call, urging immediate action to protect our future in a rapidly warming world.

The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis by Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac

Written by the architects of the Paris Agreement, this book goes beyond describing the climate crisis, presenting two clear scenarios: one disastrous, where climate change continues unchecked, and one hopeful, where our collective actions can change the course of history. With endorsements from influential figures like Naomi Klein and Gisele Bündchen, The Future We Choose not only informs but motivates readers to take an active role in building a sustainable future.

Lessons from the Climate Anxiety Counseling Booth by Kate Schapira

Kate Schapira, an author, educator, and activist, addresses one of the most pressing issues of our time: climate anxiety. Through empathy and a well-researched approach, Schapira explores the impact of this anxiety on our lives and offers practical solutions for living with care and purpose in a world in crisis. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to turn fear into positive action and find their place in a rapidly changing world.

The Uninhabitable Earth by David Wallace-Wells

David Wallace-Wells, a renowned climate columnist at The New York, presents a terrifying vision of our future if we don’t act against climate change. With global temperatures projected to rise over 4°C by 2100, entire regions could become uninhabitable. Wallace-Wells warns of the social upheaval that will follow, including mass migrations and climate refugees. This book is not just a warning but a glimpse into a possible future that demands immediate attention.

The Last Drop: Solving the World’s Water Crisis by Tim Smedley

Tim Smedley, a multi-award-winning environmental journalist, investigates the next great climate crisis: water scarcity. Through real-world examples from countries like Singapore and Israel, Smedley shows how poor water management and pollution are already creating the first waves of climate refugees. The Last Drop is an essential read for understanding the scale of the water crisis and the actions needed to address it.

These five books offer a comprehensive understanding of the environmental challenges we face today. Whether you’re new to the topic or looking to deepen your knowledge, these works provide valuable insights and practical guidance. They remind us that while the issues are vast and complex, there are concrete steps we can all take to make a difference. By reading these books, you’re not just learning about the problems—you’re empowering yourself to be part of the solution, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future for everyone. For more inspiring reads, check out the Climate Change Summit book selection on Cărturești: https://carturesti.ro/raft/climate-change-summit-2024-1192770?id_product_type=26

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CEE Climate Connect Agenda

09:30 – 10:00

Welcome Coffee

An informal opportunity for participants to meet and greet each other over coffee before the session begins.

10:00 – 10:15

Welcome Remarks

Ciprian Stănescu, President, Social Innovation Solutions
Ramona Chiriac, Head of the European Commission Representation in Romania
Ana-Maria Pălăduș, Vice President, REPER21, National Coordinator for the EU Climate Pact in Romania

10:15 – 10:45

Participant Introductions

In this session, each participant will have the opportunity to introduce themselves briefly, sharing their role, the organization they represent, and their key areas of focus related to climate action and sustainability. This session is designed to give attendees a better understanding of who is present and to start identifying potential points of collaboration. 

10:45 – 12:00

Facilitated Networking Activities

This interactive segment will guide participants through structured networking exercises, encouraging meaningful exchanges and collaboration opportunities. Activities will include:

  • Speed Networking: A fast-paced series of short, one-on-one conversations where participants can quickly introduce themselves and discuss mutual interests.
  • Group Discussions: Participants will be divided into small groups based on shared topics of interest (such as energy, agriculture, or urban sustainability) to explore ideas and possible synergies.
  • Collaboration Mapping: Using a visual tool, participants will highlight potential collaborations within the group, allowing them to identify common goals and resources that can be shared for future projects.

These activities are designed to help attendees make impactful connections in a short amount of time and foster potential long-term partnerships.

12:00 – 12:30

Lunch

A relaxed networking lunch where participants can continue their conversations and deepen connections made during the morning sessions.

ESG Leaders Forum Agenda

09:00 - 10:00

Registration and Welcome Coffee

10:00 - 10:15

Introduction and Welcome Address

Ciprian Stănescu, President, Social Innovation Solutions
Philippe Gabulon, CEO Societe Generale Global Solution Centre
Alexandru Mihai Ghigiu, Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister’s Office

10:15 - 10:45

Panel 1: Legislation

Elena Cargnello, Chair of the ESG Committee, Cogenio
Florin Spătaru, State Counselor in the Prime Minister’s Office

10:45 - 11:15

Panel 2: Sustainable Finance & Investment

Andrei Gurin, Team Lead, Sustainable Finance Unit, DG FISMA, European Commission
Aleksandra Palinska, Executive Director, Eurosif
Theresa Spandel, Senior Analyst, CLIMATE & COMPANY
Rep. BRD

11:15 - 11:45

Panel 3: ESG Measurement and Reporting

Alexander Stevens, CEO, Greenomy
Fenya Sourla, Co-founder and COO, Dataphoria
Kaisa Karjalainen, Director, Mission Zero Academy

11:45 - 12.30

Panel: Examples of Good Practice in Business

Ioana Botezatu, Head of CSR, Romania & India, Societe Generale Global Solution Centre
Raluca Mocanu, Sustainability Leader, IKEA România
Boualem Saidi, Country Group Head (Romania, Bulgaria, and Moldova), Bayer
Corina Dospinoiu, Sustainability Director, Auchan România

12:30 - 13.00

Coffee Break

13.00 - 14.00

Breakout Sessions (3 simultaneous topics)

Room 1: Legislation
Room 2: How to make Sustainable Financing work (workshop led by Theresa Spandel, on implementation of the CSRD)
Room 3: ESG Measurement and Reporting in Practice (session led by Alexander Stevens)

14.00 - 15.00

Networking Lunch

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