Last Saturday, my family recognized the International Day of Climate Action by attending a rally at Waterplace Park. Attendance was depressingly sparse, whether from the weather or lack of interest, I do not know. Worldwide on that day, 181 countries participated in over 5,200 events calling for strong leadership on the climate crisis. I hope the other Rhode Island events pulled in more enthusiasm.
The point of the whole day was to demand strong action at December’s Climate Change conference in Copenhagen. That’s when a climate treaty (currently being worked on by the United Nations) is supposed to be finalized. The word at present is that the treaty is too weak to be effective. According to scientists, 350 Parts Per Million is the number that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide. It’s the number humanity needs to get back to as soon as possible to avoid runaway climate change. Right now we’re at 387.
As hard as it is to get people to change their habits, having an official, global agreement grounded in science seems a good place to start. Leaders need to send a strong message to people everywhere in order to have any chance at all. Because getting down to 350 will require big changes across the board.
So, you missed the Day of Climate Action but still want to make your voice heard? Put your child (or pet or yourself) on the cover of Mother Jones magazine, and send the image to your legislators (even to President Obama). Then spread the word to friends and family by emailing the cover image (might make a nice holiday card as well!)
Photos from Day of Climate Action
Some steps you can take to reduce carbon output.
