The 2020 Lake Oswego Reads selection has once again made sure that Lake Oswegans get educated about and participate in discussions concerning a complex, and at times controversial, topic: climate change.

Rising: Dispatches from the New American Shore by Elizabeth Rush examines the impact that rising sea levels is having on the plants, animals and people across seven states, including Oregon. Rather than a data-driven treatise, she makes her case through stories that put a human face on this issue, making it hard for us to ignore.

In true Lake Oswego Reads style, a month-long series of events designed to educate, inspire and challenge us have been planned. Here are some of the highlights. Check the library website for a complete listing.

Book Giveaway, January 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Bring your library card to receive a free copy of Rush’s book while supplies last. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

Lake Oswego Reads Ticket Giveaway, January 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Get in line early to receive up to two free tickets to hear Elizabeth Rush speak about her book on March 4 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lakeridge Auditorium. Must present your library card. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706b Fourth Street.

Dealing with Climate Change Anxiety, February 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Hear what Dr. David Pollack, retired psychiatrist and emeritus professor for public policy at OHSU has to say on his research in and experience with mental health and the public health impacts of climate change. Oswego Heritage House, 398 10^th Street.

Young People Facing Climate Change, February 9 at 2:00 p.m. Hear what a panel of Lake Oswego High School and Lakeridge High School students have to say about how they are feeling about climate change and what they are doing to address it. Lake Oswego City Hall Council Chambers, 380 A Avenue.

How to Improve Your Life, Save Money, Lower Carbon Emissions and Find Friendship, February 10 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. It’s not all doom and gloom. Let Lisa Adatto and Duke Castle, co-founders of the Lake Oswego Sustainability Network explain how you can create your own climate change action plan. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

Climate Change and Wine, February 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sommelier Joseph Shaughnessy will discuss how the wine industry and the region is adapting to our changing weather system. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

Racial Justice is Climate Justice, February 19 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Explore how racial injustice and climate injustice intersect and what we can do about it. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

I’d Rather Be Metal Than Plastic, February 20 from 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Lake Oswego’s Sustainability Manager Jenny Slepian will break it down for us—what can and cannot be recycled and how we can switch from plastics to more durable alternatives. Reservations required: lakewoodcenterassociates@gmail.com or by calling 503.342.6702. $15 includes lunch. Lakewood Center for the Arts Community Meeting Room, 368 S. State Street.

Differing Views on Climate Science, February 20 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Get armed with information on both sides of this issue including the scientific challenge to the theory that climate change is human-caused. Dr. Jessica Kleiss, Associate professor of environmental studies at Lewis and Clark will be presenting. Lake Oswego City Hall Council Chambers, 380 A Avenue.

Flooding in Lake Oswego: Past, Present and Future on February 24 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Learn about our own city’s history with flooding and the work that has been done to lessen the impact with Lake Oswego City Engineer Rob Amsberry and Christine Shirley from the Oregon Department of Land and Conservation. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

The Story of Plastics on February 25 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Watch the movie and then listen to a panel discussion addressing the issues raised. Lake Theater and Café, 106 N. State Street.

For the Love of Vegetables on February 29 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Katherine Deumling of Cook What You Have will demonstrate plant-based dishes and lead a conversation about the relationship between food and climate change. $10 fee to be paid at the library beforehand to secure your space. Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce, 459 Third Street.

Politics of Climate Change on March 2 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. We all know this can be a hotbed issue that divides political parties, neighbors, and family members. Hear Dr. Jack Miller, political science professor at Portland State University discuss the roadblocks that sidetrack policies intended to address climate change.  Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

Elizabeth Rush: Rising Together—Creative and Collective Response to the Climate Crisis on March 4 at 7:00 p.m. Hear the author speak on hopeful collaborations that are taking action to reduce our vulnerability to climate change and explore how you can be part of that process. Lakeridge Auditorium, 1235 Overlook Drive.

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