Reaching the Red Line
What you can do from anywhere in the world to help prevent runaway climate change.

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By 350.org with contributions from Robyn Anderson, Rachel Korschun,
Amelia Magistrali, Monica Ralston, and Josh Wessler

The science is clear: global warming is happening faster than ever, and humans are responsible. We can already see the signs of real trouble: melting ice caps and rapidly spreading drought. Activities we do every day—such as turning on lights, cooking, driving, and flying—rely on energy sources that emit carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere. The result: global warming. A change of just a few degrees can destabilize the delicate balance that makes life on this planet possible.

350.org, a small youth-led team from around the world, is organizing an “International Day of Climate Action” on October 24, 2009, to publicize the importance of reaching the target of 350 ppm, a critical point in the fight against climate change. 350 is the number that scientists name as the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide—measured in parts-per-million—in our atmosphere. Until about 200 years ago, our atmosphere contained 275 ppm of carbon dioxide, but now we’re closer to 400. Unless we return to 350 ppm this century, we risk major ecological changes. We need an international agreement to reduce carbon emissions, and we need it fast.

The United Nations is working on a treaty to be released in time for the Climate Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, this December. This treaty must put a higher price on carbon-rich resources to discourage people from using them, while also giving poorer countries a fair chance to develop economically.

Reaching 350 means generating a thousand different solutions, from replacing coal energy with solar, to increasing efficiency while decreasing waste. These efforts become easier with a global treaty backed by science and built on the principles of equity and justice. Together, we can work to make our voices heard and to exert pressure on those involved in the negotiations.

Action Ideas
Consider these ideas for planning an event on Oct. 24, and then register your event at 350.org/oct24. Also, call the local media to let your leaders know what you’re planning and document your event. Make sure to visually display the number 350 in a photo or video, and upload the images at 350.org/take-action. You can also find events already planned in your host countries at 350.org.

Walk, March, Bike, or Rally: Visibly walking through your community shows movement and solidarity. Ending at an iconic site (a monument, mountain, temple, or park) with speakers and music is a great way to spread the word while having fun. Be careful, though, to follow your area’s laws about demonstrations. For example, in some countries, such as Mexico, it is illegal for foreigners to participate in demonstrations.
Teach-In: Invite others to learn more about why 350 is such a critical benchmark for international action.
Invite Government Officials: Who in your host country has influence on climate policy? Directly engage leaders on Oct. 24 and call for climate change action.

Volunteer: Help weatherize buildings, construct new pedestrian or bicycle paths, or run any service project that works toward reducing CO2 levels.
Art Installation: Provide art supplies and invite your participants to create art—maybe something that demonstrates the importance of your iconic place.
Letter writing: Encourage your participants to sign and/or write letters asking government officials to formally adopt the 350 ppm CO2 target.

Study Abroad Returnees’ Advice
Keep it local: People sometimes do the “green” thing thinking they are helping the global community. Connect climate change action with practical goals that fit much more achievable local needs.
Keep it real: Don’t take advantage of people’s willingness to participate in public actions that may not directly benefit their community.

Explore: Visit new places and learn about your host country. For example, organic farms in France or solar-powered communities in China are unique ways to learn more about global climate change issues.

Region-Specific Considerations
Latin America: Many people see resource and energy-related issues as economic rather than environmental. Success will depend more on organizational efforts than sparking interest, as demonstrations are common and effective means of political expression.

Europe: Student protests are vibrant, and climate change is a growing source of concern. To achieve cultural immersion more easily, engage local youth through political activism.

Africa: Climate change is already affecting Africans in clear and dramatic ways. Look for existing organizations and frameworks that tackle agricultural and resource-related issues.

China: Radical political or social action will not yield the best results. Climate change should be framed explicitly as an environmental problem, not a political one. Local students often mobilize around fundraising for common causes, and personal interactions will best generate curiosity about climate change.

Wherever you are in the world, you can log on to 350.org or www.GreenPassport.us, a social networking site dedicated to sustainable study abroad. You can also join 350’s Study Abroad group on Facebook.

The authors are from Middlebury College, where they wrote this article as part of a class project in partnership with 350.org.