Learn about 'Climate Geopolitics: The Road to Paris and Beyond'

The St. Charles Public Library is host to Great Decisions, America's largest discussion program on world affairs administered and produced by the Foreign Policy Association. This month's discussion, "Climate Geopolitics: The Road to Paris and Beyond," will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, in the Huntley Meeting Room, 1 S. Sixth Ave. Participants are asked to review the relevant chapter of the Great Decisions briefing book, which is available to check out. Registration is not required.

In the past few years, the American public has become more aware of the damage wrought by climate change. From droughts in the west to extreme weather in the east, a rapidly changing climate has already made its footprint in the United States. What can the next president do to stymie this environmental crisis? And is it too late for these efforts to be effective?

The next topic will "Cuba and the U.S." The U.S. announced in December 2014 that, after decades of isolation, it would being taking major steps to normalize relations with Cuba, its neighbor to the south. The announcement marked a dramatic shift away from a policy that has its roots in one of the darkest moments of the Cold War - the Cuban missile crisis. Although the U.S. trade embargo is unlikely to end any time soon, American and Cuban leaders today are trying to bring a relationship once defined by antithetical ideologies into the 21st century.

The annual series features a DVD on each topic, followed by a moderated discussion among the participants. To learn more, visit www.fpa.org/great_decisions/.

The Foreign Policy Association is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to broadening public involvement with the most important foreign policy issues facing the United States. Each year, thousands take part in the Great Decisions discussion groups around the country to increase their awareness and understanding of U.S. foreign policy concerns.

For more information, call (630) 584-0076 or visit www.stcharleslibrary.org.