Carbon Dioxide and International Climate Action Day

 

Image by Chewonki Semester School 

Global climate change is something that concerns everyone.  Scientists and climate experts alike have said that our planet already has more carbon dioxide than our atmosphere should safely contain and that we need to get carbon dioxide levels down from almost 390 parts per million to 350 ppm.  And while that may sound like a big task there are things each of us can do to help. 

You can start by signing the petition for a fair climate agreement on SealtheDeal.org.   Then on October 24th, 2009 people all over the world will be celebrating “International Climate Action Day”.  It’s a day where you too can join in and take a stand toward a safe climate future.  International Climate Action Day is a day where everyone is being asked to take one day – one moment of their life – to help get the word out….actually, get the number out.  More than 100 nations have already pledged to take part. 

The plan is simple, organize or attend an activity that brings awareness to the number 350 and what it means to all of us.  For example, school children in Bangledesh are planting 350 trees, 350 divers will be diving at the Great Barrier Reef, scientists hanging banners saying 350 on the Easter Island statues, farmers making crop designs to display the number 350, etc.  Even places like the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, CA are planning events, like their “Climate Change is Scary Too” on October 24th as part of their Scarium of the Pacific Halloween celebration.  Prizes will be awarded to the best costumes using recycled materials or the best portrayal of climate change.  You will even be able to sign up to pledge to lower your carbon footprint.

All of these are being done because on December 7-18, 2009 The Copenhagen Climate Conference (aka COP15) takes place where world leaders will meet in an attempt to reach an agreement on a new climate treaty.  We need them to look at the science and research and come up with a workable and viable treaty that will effectively limit and thus lower the human-induced emissions from greenhouse gases.  

Changes are happening in the world all around us, every day.  Changes in sea levels, in the weather, changes in the earth we stand on….but one key thing we need to change is how we relate to and affect the earth we live on.   Driving a hybrid car or using a proven fuel additive may cut down on your car’s harmful emissions and adding solar panels to your roof or putting a wind turbine in your yard may help lower your electricity costs.  But we need broad and far reaching actions to be taken as well, actions that will help make “going green” the norm, not the exception.   

So take a minute and go to 350.org, they have some great ideas for actions/activities you can do in your area.  Then once you figure out how you are going to get the word out on International Climate Action Day that we need to lower our global carbon dioxide output, let your friends and family know too…this is something that concerns us all.