The Template: A Parable of the Environment

Former President Joshua Johnson is found dead face down in the water off the boat dock of his lakeshore home. The case looks simple enough - probably a heart attack. Special Agent Derrick Bone is called in to investigate, but he's suspicious. Just a month before, the former president's annual physical reported he was in perfect health.

Prior to his death, Johnson had generated a number of enemies. Over the preceding eighteen months, he led the charge for major changes in global environmental policy, going so far as to suggest a Template for worldwide sustainability. This roused the anger of those opposed to environmental reforms.

Meanwhile, the world is overwhelmed by a rising tide of natural disasters. Droughts, plagues, and tsunamis rock modern civilization. But what do these tragedies have to do with the death of a former president? Written as a parable, The Template portrays the possible future of our planet, framed within a murder investigation and explores alternatives to the crises that come with climate change.

Mark W. Schwiebert practices law in Rock Island, Illinois, where, for twenty years, he also served as mayor. During his tenure, he led efforts to convert the city to alternate green energy sources. In 2009, a Sustainability Leadership Award was created in his honor. Since retiring from office, he has written extensively on environmental and related topics.