The number 350 comes from the newest scientific research conducted after the shocking melt of Arctic ice in the summer of 2007. 350 parts per million CO2 in the atmosphere, according to NASA scientist James Hansen and others, is the number above which we cannot have a planet “similar to the one on which civilization developed or to which life on earth is adapted.”
The grassroots organization 350.org has responded to this warning by working to build a global movement to force the change needed at the highest levels of government. Its Founder, Bill McKibben, writes:
They’re [3-5-0] arguably the most important numbers on earth, the boundary condition for our continued existence here. They are tough and radical, those digits – we’re already past them, at 390 parts per million CO2 in the atmosphere, and rising by 2% annually: that’s why the Arctic is melting, why Australia is burning, why the world is changing in front of our eyes.
While we can each do our part as individuals to reduce our carbon footprint, major changes must come quickly at the national and international levels. According to Dr. Hansen, corporate lobbying has undermined democratic attempts to curb carbon pollution. “The democratic process doesn’t quite seem to be working,” he said.
Protest and direct action may be the only way to stop soaring carbon emissions.
On October 24, 2009, 350.org’s International Day of Climate Action will see thousands of events worldwide, engaging millions of global citizens.
To take part, check the events in your area.
Photo~ rt ~ a 350 event at Chacaltaya glacier in Boliva
Confer: Bill McKibben’s Deep Economy: Economics As If the World Mattered.
Visit Repower America to learn about plans to move America in 100% clean electricity and revitalize our national energy infrastructure.
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Critical thinking and rational, decisive action on a global level is imperative. This planet, this habitat spinning through dark space, is our very own Eden, our safe place in the cosmos. Reluctance to conserve and preserve the fragile environment that sustains life would constitute a most devastating and irreversible error. Thanks for sharing this information.
This photo was taken from the Santa Cruz, California wharf on the morning of October 24th, just as the dense fog was lifting. As the three sailboats flying 3-5-0 rounded the end of the pier, a school of dolphins danced in their wake. It was a cosmic and symbolic moment.
View this link ~ http://earth.350.org/big-pictures/ ~ for pictures from 350.org’s 2010 worldwide event. Be sure to check out the stunning presentation from Delta del Ebro, Spain.
Hear Bill McKibben at Power Shift 2011 speaking in front of 10,000 young climate leaders. Bill lays out an inspiring vision for the movement and issues an impassioned call to action: http://action.350.org/content_item/powershift-speech.
Read Bill McKibben’s post — Jailed For Protecting The Planet — upon his release for protesting the Keystone XL pipeline in front of the White House (8/25/11).
Ralph Nader on “How Not To Stop A Pipeline.”