Book sector unites to take action on climate

The scientific consensus is clear; climate change is happening, and it requires urgent action across all sectors and all parts of society, from the individual to the global level to keep temperatures below the two-degree threshold outlined in the Paris Agreement.

In response to this crisis and in the lead up to the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference, key players across the book and journals sector have united in calling for action on climate to be prioritized. This includes the International Publishers Association (IPA), the Federation of European Publishers (FEP), the European and International Booksellers Federation (EIBF), the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), the International Association of Scientific, Technical and Medical Publishers (STM), the Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers (ALPSP) and the Green Book Alliance.

As we have seen with the pandemic, books are an essential tool that will enable the world to understand and respond to climate change. All forms of the written word have the power to inform, inspire and shape a sustainable culture. As such, the production of and access to works that can support research into the climate crisis, as well as motivate the behaviour changes needed to tackle it, is encouraged. There has already seen progress through collaborations such as the Sustainable Development Goals children’s book club and other initiatives showcasing climate related books and resources.