Countdown to International Day of Climate Action

People the world over came together in astonishing numbers for last month’s global wake-up call about the International Day of Climate Action on October 24th. But that was just the beginning. The 24th promises to be day to remember—one of those occasions when, years later, people ask ‘Where were you on...?’ and you can answer immediately.

International day of what?

So what’s the big deal about the International Day of Climate Action, you ask? Well, it’s a day when people in more 170 nations will hold thousands of rallies, events and demonstrations (called “actions”) to demand that leaders at the international climate negotiations in Copenhagen, Denmark, this December take decisive action to save the planet. Billed as the “the most widespread day of environmental action in the planet’s history,” it was launched by 350.org, an independent not-for-profit organization founded by journalist and environmentalist Bill McKibben. And, it all hinges around one number...you guessed it...3-5-0. McKibben calls 350 “the most important number in the world”—and he really means it.

350’s magic

There’s no magic to the number 350 at all—it’s really just science and common sense. It stands for 350 parts per million, the safe level of carbon dioxide in the earth’s atmosphere, according to the latest and best climate research. The bad news is that we’ve already surpassed that level—and that’s where 350.org comes in. The group has engineered a powerful online campaign aiming to spread the word about the science behind the climate crisis and a vision for a fair policy that will make the crisis history.

So far, the response has been overwhelming—another notch in the belt for social media. 350.org is already receiving photos from people doing test runs for their actions from as far away as the Pyramids in Giza, the Maldives and the Dominican Republic. Just a few years ago it would have been laughable to try to pull off a global campaign in 10-plus languages, with events in 150-plus countries, but the organizers have tapped the potential of the web to connect eco-conscious citizens eager to make a difference.

Don’t be left out

Canadians will be bringing the typical rally and banner style of action to a whole new level on the 24th. In fact, we're second only to the U.S. in terms of the number of action planned! There's are 350 salsa dancers gathering in Vancouver, a Halloween rally in Calgary, a local foods potluck in Burnaby, B.C., and a "Stop Climate Change" traffic sign being erected in Amos, Que. The common thread tying all these events together? Three-hundred and fifty will be part of them somehow, they’re being organized by concerned Canucks who could be your friend, your neighbour, your cousin, and they need your support. Here’s how to get involved:

1. Put on your hosting hat

Host an event! It's not too late to plan something, such as a get-together with your neighbours. Get started with 350.org’s "9-Step Organizing Guide.”

2. Spread the word

Help get the word out about the importance of 350 in your community. By working together around a single target, 350, we could change the debate at the Copenhagen conference from one of distant goals to decisive action. So use all your social networks to share some of the media available from 350.org and tcktcktck.org, such as the great new video that answers the question, Why do we need a climate deal?

3. Party for change

Attend an event in your area and bring your friends. To find an action in your community, visit 350.org/map and search for actions by city. Or, download 350.org’s new smart phone app, 350, to locate the nearest action (which gives you an interactive map of actions around the globe). The biggest known actions are happening in Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver and Victoria.

4. Get to the Hill

If you can, head to O-town for the Fill the Hill event, which is aiming to attract 100,000 Canadians to Parliament Hill. If it doesn’t inspire our leaders to do more, perhaps a massive show of public support for action on climate change will shame them into it. Try to bring 4 other people with you! For advice on getting to Ottawa, click here.

5. Fill your MPs mail box

The folks behind Fill the Hill have done the hard part for you, drafting a cheat sheet on how to write to public officials effectively. If you’re not moved to draft your own letter, then sign the KYOTOplus Pledge (which calls on the Canadian government to set a national target to cut greenhouse gas emissions at least 25 per cent from 1990 levels by 2020) or the 350 Pledge.