A Climate Change Call to Action for Young Adults

COLUMBIA, Md. - Oct. 4, 2018 - PRLog -- Three-quarters of Americans believe that there is solid evidence of climate change.

What can we do about it? More importantly, what can young adults, who will face its consequences head on, do about it?

Award-winning environmental writer Ned Tillman's new YA novel The Big Melt gives an unequivocal and inspirational answer.

The Big Melt is set in the fictional town of Sleepy Valley, which is similar in many ways to the town where you live. Things seem fine, but no one is thinking about the future.  Protagonists Marley and Brianne wake up the day after their high school graduation, their lives are turned upside down, and their plans for the future changed forever. A series of climate catastrophes descends on Sleepy Valley, and Marley and Brianne must struggle to save their town and the world as they know it. Through their struggles, they find their voices and purposes for living.

"People say it's too big of a problem, and wonder how they can possibly make a difference," Tillman told a Baltimore Sun reviewer.

The Big Melt shows its readers that their actions do matter. It challenges us all to confront what is rapidly becoming the greatest threat of the 21st century. This work of contemporary fiction will inspire you to care, more than ever, about what could happen in your town in the not-too-distant future.

"Hope is woven all through this book and we need that," said environmental educator Ann Strozyk.

A Publishers Weekly / Booklife review said, "Tillman's novel is certainly inspiring and unique…with a firm call to action for young people."

The Big Melt provides a list of Earth-friendly actions that readers can utilize in their own lives, as well as a discussion guide to help spark conversation in classrooms and reading groups.

Can fiction help save the Earth?

Tillman told a reviewer, "If readers identify with the people in the story and get inspired, I believe that it's just one more tool to get us to where we need to be."

About the Author

The outdoors has always played a major role in Ned Tillman's life. As an earth and environmental scientist, he has traveled and worked in many countries and explored a wide range of habitats. As a result of these experiences, he has gained a broad perspective on the challenges that we face today on a planet with a rapidly changing climate.

He has served on health, scientific, education, sustainability, and environmental boards and advisory panels.

Today, Ned leads hikes, gives talks, and writes books, hoping to inspire all of us to become more engaged in solving our climate challenges and preserving the wonders of our current climate for generations to come.

Ned is the author of two award-winning nonfiction books: The Chesapeake Watershed and Saving the Places We Love. The Big Melt is his first novel.

For more information, review copies or interviews contact:
        Ned Tillman
        ned@sustainable.us
        443-472-3681
        https://savingtheplaces.com/