Print this in your memory: 350 parts per million is the very top limit of carbon in our atmosphere for a safe climate for humans. Many scientists say we are already at 385 ppm or thereabouts, but there is time to drop the [level] down if we take it seriously, focus, and work at it.
Bill McKibben, the environmental author and activist, is starting a global grass-roots movement [called] 350 (www.350.org). I’m excited about this—at last some way to find out what other areas and countries think about climate change, what they are doing about it, and perhaps make a concerted effort to influence those in power to do what needs to be done.
Which doesn’t mean we can sit back and relax. We still need to reduce our waste, turn off lights, stop wasting water, buy energy-saving appliances, cut back on unnecessary travel, buy carbon offsets and—most importantly—don’t feel powerless! These types of small actions do have a cumulative effect, as well as helping other people who haven’t yet “got it” become aware. That’s big.
— Parrish Rhodes
Asheville
Who came up with this “350” number?
HI,
350 is the number that numerous scientists agree is a “safety” level. It’s based on historical evidence and numerous scientific models. James Hansen, NASA’s top climate scientist, is spearheading this effort to reduce our emissions to stabilize at this number.