350.org AIR-QUALITY PROJECT
A team of scientists, led by NASA climatologist Dr. James Hansen, has determined that 350 parts per million (ppm) is the safe level of heat-trapping carbon dioxide (CO2) which we must get below in order to preserve climates similar to which life on Earth is adapted. The level now is 387 ppm, and is increasing at least by 2 ppm per year. With increasing CO2 and global temperatures, Arctic sea is melting, sea levels are rising, and climate patterns around the globe are changing. Glaciers, the source of drinking water for hundreds of millions of people, are melting and disappearing. Disease-carrying mosquitoes that thrive in a warmer world are spreading. Drought is becoming more common, making food crops harder to grow in many regions. Elsewhere, torrential rains are causing floods, displacing people from their homes. The poor, those able to least cope with the negative impacts of climate change, are the ones who will suffer first and suffer the most. Environmentalist, author, and former Sunday school teacher Bill McKibben, thinks that 350 is the most important number on Earth. In fact, he founded an international movement called simply 350.org, aiming to inform people around the world that 350 ppm is the level scientists have identified as the safe upper limit for CO2 in our atmosphere. October 24th is designated as a day of global action on climate change and environmental justice, but actions are occurring around the world already and dates before Oct. 24 would be fine. Hopefully, these actions will help move this December's international climate negotiations in Copenhagen closer to science than they’ve been in the past. What can we do?
For starters, please watch the 350.org video, and listen to the joyful sounds of church bells and hand bells ringing 350 times!. The 9 minute video presents opportunities for people of faith to educate the church family about climate change, and to take hands on action to spread the word to help curb climate change. The video link is here:
http://vimeo.com/4396638 Perhaps your green committee, youth committee and Sunday school leaders would be interested in considering such an event. There was a very successful environmental event with the youth in 2007 which I photographed and put in a slide show on the Web. Maybe someone could make a video to capture the sights and sounds of a 350 event. I'd be glad to help in any way that I can in a church action event. Please let me know what you think. Thank you. David Kowalski PS: the 350.org Faith Web Site is here: http://www.350.org/people/faith | 
