[This Week's Books] "The Price of One Degree" and More

The Price of One Degree

This is a guide to climate change introduced by Park Jisung, an environmental economist at the Wharton School, who is known to have been consulted by Bill Gates. The author provides a detailed explanation of the gradual damages caused by climate change, based on various statistical data. For example, statistics show that for every day a heat wave continues in the United States, the number of deaths increases by 3,000, and the probability of violent crime rises by 9%. These figures clearly demonstrate the severity of climate change. In a situation where the opposing views of 'irreversible apocalypse' and 'adaptation is possible' coexist, the book presents new perspectives and solutions to prevent the damages of climate change. (Written by Park Jisung | Willbook)

Life Blossoms from the Accumulation of Now

This is a collection of essays by Park Yongmaan, former chairman of Doosan Group, who has stepped down from his role as a business leader. While his previous work recounted the ups and downs of his experiences at the forefront of management, this book calmly reflects on his life as a member of society and as someone’s family and neighbor. The book stands out for its practical advice on social life, including his philosophy on career management, his convictions about building personal networks, the value of forgiveness learned from business administration, and how to decline requests wisely. Personal episodes, such as stories of his romance with his wife in his youth and memories from his time studying abroad, also deliver a warm resonance. (Written by Park Yongmaan | Maumsanchaek)

The Future We Must Prepare for Now

By 2040, the elderly population in Korea will exceed 30%. By 2050, the labor force will decrease by one third. By 2060, the country will shift to negative economic growth. By 2072, the proportion of those aged 65 and older will surpass 50%. These are the projections for Korea’s future presented in this book. Thirteen experts, centered around the Korea Economic Research Institute, diagnose the present and future of Korea as it enters a super-aged society and seek effective solutions. The results of a survey conducted with over 1,000 experts and ordinary citizens emphasize that the cause of Korea’s low birth rate lies within the social system. The book regards this not as an inevitable trend of the times, but as a social issue that can be sufficiently adjusted, and it proposes solutions. (Written by Korea Economic Research Institute | RH Korea)

Urban Observatory

The commonality between Seongsu-dong in Seoul and Brooklyn in New York is that both are emerging as new economic centers through brand and spatial strategies. In the past, 'urbanization' was synonymous with 'development,' but this is no longer valid. The importance of 'location' is gradually fading, while 'connection methods' are emerging as new values. The author provides a broad overview from the world’s first cities through the industrial era to the future outlook for cities, sharply identifying the key elements driving today’s urban environments. This guide insightfully addresses urban business trends closely linked to career paths, consumption, relationships, and the rhythm of life. (Written by Kim Sehun | Chaeksaramjip)

Twenty Conversations for the Aesthetic Human

This is a collection of interviews covering ten major keywords and issues that have shaped the field and policy of cultural arts education over the past 20 years. In particular, it examines the past and present of 'Arte365,' the webzine published by the Korea Arts & Culture Education Service for 20 years since 2004, and goes further to attempt future insights. The book views cultural arts education not merely as skill transfer or educational practice, but as an essential process for personal and community growth, encompassing human dignity, social sensitivity, and cultural diversity. Twenty artists, arts educators, and philosophers came together to envision a richer and more harmonious world. (Compiled by Korea Arts & Culture Education Service | Iyagijangsu)

Now Is Spring, and After the Rain Comes the Green Summer

The author, a woman in her fifties, is living a joyful cross-cultural married life with her much younger German husband, 'Mabaki.' She candidly depicts, through words and illustrations, her psychological fluctuations amid seasonal changes experienced between Germany and Korea, the loneliness felt as an outsider, and the small yet earnest episodes arising from cultural differences. The Brunch Story series she published daily for 100 days accumulated 370,000 views, 15,000 likes, and thousands of comments, resonating with many readers. (Written by Moon Jung | Chaekilneunsuyoil)