The opposing elements of fire and water are increasing threats of our climate crisis. Chicago Humanities brings together two unique perspectives and visceral witnesses to the dramatic calamities impacting our environment: Pete McBride and John Vaillant. Outdoor Book Award-winning National Geographic photographer Pete McBride shares an exploration of human intervention and the American western water crisis from his latest book, The Colorado River: Chasing Water. McBride is joined by award-winning and best-selling writer John Vaillant. His latest book, Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World, a finalist for the 2023 National Book Award in Nonfiction and winner of the prestigious Baillie Gifford Prize, provides insight into our hotter and more combustible world by examining the connections between forest fires and the North American oil industry.

A book signing will follow this program.

• Chicago Humanities is pleased to partner with Chicago’s Seminary Co-op Bookstores, the country’s first not-for-profit bookstore.
• Pre-order Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World and The Colorado River: Chasing Water through the Chicago Humanities Box Office and save 20% while supporting local, independent bookselling.
• Add books to your cart when adding tickets. Your receipt will contain a book voucher, which you show to the bookseller on-site to pick up your book(s).
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