Ten percent (10%) of net proceeds from all editions of my book, Apocalypse 2012: A Scientific Investigation into Civilization’s End, will be donated to disaster relief charities.

Lots of people have asked me what we can to prepare for 2012. That’s a tough one. If, God forbid, the events of 12/21/12 click the big “OFF” button in the sky and bring 10,000 years of human civilization to a halt, then there’s really no way to prepare for that except by readying one’s soul -- through prayer and meditation, love and respect for family and friends, generosity to community.

If nothing else, let the prospect of 2012 be the excuse for us all to prepare for catastrophe in real, practical ways. On an individual level, we can all make sure to get/update that earthquake kit, put up an extra jug of water and some non-perishable food, maybe a Bible and a box of games for the kids. Mentally rehearse a few questions, such as, if you had to evacuate immediately, whom would you take, where would you go and how would you get there.

In the United States, our government seems less prepared to provide us with refuge from catastrophe than at any time in our recent history. After the debacle of Katrina, FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) , is apparently being dismantled for incompetence, but no new structure has taken its place. Are you of the opinion that schools, stadiums, arenas, convention centers and other places around the country where residents might seek refuge in the event of catastrophe are being supplied with powdered milk, foodstuffs, basic medicines and other such necessities? If not, let your representatives know your feelings, LOUDLY, in whatever country you live.

To put my money where my mouth is, I will donate 10% (ten percent) of the net proceeds of my book, Apocalypse 2012: A Scientific Investigation into Civilization’s End (Morgan Road/Random House, 2007) disaster relief and prevention charities. This includes net proceeds from all eleven editions of the book currently under contract: English (three editions: North American print, North American audio, United Kingdom), French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, and Korean. The list of charities is not yet set but will likely include Doctors without Borders , the American Red Cross , World Ocean Network , as well as lesser-known grassroots charities.