350.org Day of International Climate Action

On October 24, 2009 (yes, it's coming up soon!), an International Day of Climate Action will cover almost every country on Earth, the most widespread day of environmental action in the planet's history.

What does '350' mean?

350 parts per million is what many scientists, climate experts, and progressive national governments are now saying is the safe upper limit for CO2 in our atmosphere.

Accelerating arctic warming and other early climate impacts have led scientists to conclude that we are already above the safe zone at our current 390 ppm, and that unless we are able to rapidly return to 350 ppm this century, we risk reaching tipping points and irreversible impacts such as the melting of the Greenland ice sheet and major methane releases from increased permafrost melt.

So, to exemplify the urgency of getting the Earth's carbon dioxide at this safe upper limit of 350 part per million, the dedicated members at 350.org are overseeing the organization, by citizens like you, of big rallies in big cities and incredible creative actions across the globe--like mountain climbers holding banners on our highest peaks, underwater demonstrations in island nations that are threatened by sea level rise, churches and mosques and synagogues and ashrams engaged in symbolic action, star athletes organizing mass bike rides--and hundreds upon hundreds of community events throughout the world to raise awareness of the need for urgent action.

Every event will highlight the number 350--and people will gather at some point for a big group photo depicting that all important message. Soon after, at 350.org all photos will be assembled for a gigantic, global, visual petition.

The thousands of events on October 24th will drive 350 and all that it represents into the human imagination, and change the negotiating environment as we head towards the crucial UN Climate Negotiations in Copenhagen this December, 2009. Copenhagen may well be the pivotal moment that determines whether or not we get the planet out of its climate crisis, and YOUR actions on October 24th will help our leaders realize we mean business-a real solution that pays real attention to the indisputable scientific evidence.

Please log onto 350.org to find an event near you.