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350 in New Zealand

Yesterday was 350.org's International Day of Climate Action and the response was huge.  350.org is the brainchild of Bill McKibben, who is also the author of one of my favorite Sustainability focused books, Deep Economy.  The whole premise behind 350.org is to bring attention to and impact change on Global Warming.  From their website:

350.org is an international campaign dedicated to building a movement to unite the world around solutions to the climate crisis--the solutions that science and justice demand.

Our mission is to inspire the world to rise to the challenge of the climate crisis—to create a new sense of urgency and of possibility for our planet. Our focus is on the number 350--as in parts per million, the level scientists have identified as the safe upper limit for CO2 in our atmosphere. But 350 is more than a number--it's a symbol of where we need to head as a planet.

The goal behind the "day of climate action" was for individuals to "incorporate the number 350 into an iconic place in their community, and then upload a photo of their event to the 350.org website".  Photos from the event can be seen at the 350 Flickr site.

I like Bill McKibben's idea for two reasons:

1. It focuses on a quantitative goal.  We're at 387 ppm and we need to get to 350 ppm.  It's that simple (or say the scientists).  It's why energy monitoring is so important in your own home.  Set goals, measure, reduce.
2. The individuals behind the International Day of Climate Action got other people to get out in their community and actually DO SOMETHING to make a stand.  Too many websites and blogs just write articles about the need for environmental action.  Others actually inspire and give people a reason to take action.  Not only that, they did it in a creative and entertaining way.

Mapawatt believes that simply talking about making a difference has run its course.  We need to all get out there and do something.   Thanks for the inspiration 350.org!