Pathways to Our Sustainable Future- A Global Perspective from Pittsburgh

Published in 2017, this book contains 23 case studies illustrating examples of regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, and circular materials management. Framed in a philosophy of living in harmony with Nature, these examples allow readers to see what a sustainable future can look and feel like. People will not move toward something they cannot visualize. Concrete examples help the transformation toward a sustainable future. This is a peer-reviewed publication from University of Pittsburgh Press suitable for general public or as readings in sustainability classes. Available in paperback or electronic media https://www.amazon.com/Pathways-Our-Sustainable-Future-Perspective/dp/0822965011/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_pl_foot_top?ie=UTF8#customerReviews

In the Footsteps of Rachel Carson- Harnessing Earth’s Healing Power

Rachel Carson has been my beacon and my inspiration. My own lived experience parallels hers in many ways, and at critical intersections in my life, her writing gave me direction and focus. I shared her experience of connecting closely with nature as a child; working as a scientist in the public policy arena; and experiencing cancer while in a public position. This book is a collection of essays from my cancer journals. Not the misery and woe, but the reflections in nature that gave me hope and sustained me through four bouts with cancer at different times in my life. I wrote this book as a tribute to the life force of women who carry traditions and strength in the face of tribulation. The book was published by Urban Press in 2022 and is available in paperback or electronic media https://www.amazon.com/Footsteps-Rachel-Carson-Harnessing-Healing/dp/1633602036

ReImagine Appalachia- Healing the Land and Empowering the People is a compilation of papers documenting the three -year grassroots collaboration from 2019 to 2021 among people, organizations, elected officials and faith leaders to envision and enact into law a blueprint for shared prosperity in the four Appalachian states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky. In response to industry plans for a petrochemical hub in the Ohio River Valley over 1,000 concerned citizens came together in 45 listening sessions, on zoom mostly due to the COVID pandemic. They worked together to develop a Blueprint for a new deal that works for all of us. The chief elements are: public investment in our communities, building a 21st century sustainable Appalachia, and rebuilding the middle class. The book contains the process, the plans, and the impact of this work as a success story for the power of grassroots organizing for climate action, social equity, and racial justice. It raises the diverse voices and stories of people who built common ground together and changed the laws for a more equitable, healthier world for our children and future generations. This is a useful source for students of sustainability policy and process. Economic analyses and researched documentation are included. Published by Springer in the book series of the Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences in 2024 the book (517 pages) is available in hardcover and electronic media https://www.amazon.com/ReImagine-Appalachia-Empowering-Interdisciplinary-Environmental/dp/303161920X

What’s Next?

I am working on two projects this year. The first is a family history that will follow my Grandfather Angelo DeMarco and his wife Pasqualina from their small town of Campolieto Campobasso to modern time America through five generations. Pop’s toast at Sunday dinner was “A’ Libertad” To freedom – reminding all of us of the value of liberty, and the responsibility entailed in keeping freedom.

The second, more complex project tracks “The Mon Valley Rising” with a focus on the steel mill towns of the Monongahela River Valley that have fallen into devastation from 50 years of disinvestment. Now a resurgence of domestic manufacturing and green industry is renewing this area. This book will track the forces of change, both in the fall of the steel industry and the resurgence of a new kind of industrial and manufacturing prowess- the green revolution of the 21st century.