A new website, 350.org, is spreading the word about why 350 is the most important number in the world. Leading climate scientists say that 350 ppm is the "safe upper limit" for carbon dioxide in our atmosphere.
What are people saying about 350?
"If humanity wishes to preserve a planet similar to that on which civilization developed and to which life on Earth is adapted, paleoclimate evidence and ongoing climate change suggest that CO2 will need to be reduced from its current 385 ppm to at most 350 ppm." ~ Dr. James Hansen
"As a resident of a Small Island Developing State, I am acutely aware of the dangers of global warming. Some countries are closer to the frontlines of global warming than others, but we are all affected by this global problem, which requires from us a global response. Getting to 350 means saving our planet and ourselves from a disaster of our own creation." ~Liz Thompson
Reaching 350 ppm is a matter of living by my values—which include both “love your neighbor” and “try not to wreck every blooming thing on the planet while you’re here.” ~ Barbara Kingsolver
"Sustaining 9.3 billion people on the planet, ensuring a prosperous future for inhabitants of poor countries and simultaneously protecting the species that share the globe with Homo sapiens will only be possible with an energy revolution. The climate crisis is our biggest collective challenge, and it can only be solved if we stick to ambitious objectives – like 350 ppm." ~Claudio Angelo
Where are we now? 390 ppm and rising.
What can you do?
(1) Educate yourself. Visit 350.org to learn about why 350 ppm is so important and learn about what people around the world are already doing. If you're a teacher, visit climatechangeeducation.org for lots of resources on how to teach climate change issues. The Pew Center on Global Climate Change can get you up to speed on climate and energy research and legislation. More great organizations are linked on the 350.org Friends & Allies web page.
(2) Share the knowledge. The UN Climate Change Conference is 52 days away. If you are worried your decision-makers won't make big enough statements at this conference, speak up now! Get involved with the International Day of Climate Action on Saturday October 24th. Use the widget below to search for actions near you. People from over 150 nations have already registered creative on-the-ground actions.
(3) Change one thing. Change one thing about your every day life to reduce your impact on the environment. Check out Earth911.org's Tip Garden for lots of creative ideas. Once you are comfortable with that change, change something else. Set a goal for yourself to change something for the better every week... every month... whatever works for you. Just remember, whatever you do, you are making a difference.
One idea: Put reusable shopping bags in your trunk, and use any plastic bags you do accumulate as garbage bag liners or puppy duty bags. Any bags you can't reuse, be sure to return to a plastic bag recycling collection center, usually found at your local grocery store.
Another idea: Save electricity and save money! Remember to turn off the lights, turn off the TV, unplug your cell phone charger, etc. You would be surprised how much energy your appliances are draining when you're not even home to use them.
Yet another idea: Car or bus? Neither, bike! Biking is good for your body and good for the planet. Check out Craigslist or local pawn shops for cheap bikes. But remember to wear your helmet, have your bike outfitted with lights and wear light-colored clothing, and tell a family member when to expect you home (since biking will probably take you longer). Don't have safe biking paths or lanes in your area? Get involved. Petition your city council for more bike and pedestrian-friendly streets!
What are your ideas? Share your ideas here. Then get out on the street and do it! You can make a difference!
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