Today, Saturday 24th October, 10 climate action events happened across the state, as Tasmanians joined with people around the globe to celebrate the most important number in the world, 350 – the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. It was the biggest day of climate action the planet has seen to date with more that 4500 communities in over 170 countries taking part of the international program coordinated by 350.org to urge world leaders to take bold and immediate steps to address climate change and reduce carbon emissions.
In Hobart, National Theatre Director Neil Cameron and Environment Tasmania hosted ‘Losing Tasmania: A Procession of Precious Things’. Over 150 people moved silently along the Hobart waterfront, lit by candles, holding lanterns (including a giant lantern whale), and carrying a symbol of what they find precious in their lives.
“Our event was about not only making people aware of the challenge to reach the 350 target, but also about giving the community a chance to reflect on what we are at stake of losing because of the global climate crisis. There is absolutely no doubt that Tasmanians want to see effective action from our leaders before the problem becomes even worse” said Neil Cameron, National Theatre Director and spokesperson for the event.
“With the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere already at 390 parts per million it is absolutely crucial that our world leaders commit to reaching the 350 target at emergency speed. The Procession of Precious Things was about recognising the need for urgent action whilst giving the community a chance to come together in reflection and also to celebrate what can be possible if we work together” said Jess Wright, Environment Tasmania’s climate change campaigner.
Around the world today – from capitol cities to the melting slopes of Mount Everest, even underwater on dying coral reefs -people held rallies aimed at focusing attention on the number 350. These global actions come six weeks before the world’s nations convene in Copenhagen for the United Nations Climate Change Conference to draw up a new climate treaty. 89 countries have already endorsed the 350 target, as well as the chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Rajendra Pachauri, the world’s foremost climate economist, Sir Nicholas Stern, and Nobel prize-winner Al Gore.
Images of the events from around the world, including Tasmanian events were featured on giant video screens in Times Square in New York as part of a 350 countdown, and are accessible at 350.org as part of a online photostream. Visual documentation From the Day of Action will be delivered to the United Nations on Monday.
ABOUT 350.ORG
Founded by author and environmentalist Bill McKibben, 350.org is the first large-scale grassroots global campaign against climate change. Its supporters include leading scientists, the governments of 89 countries, and a huge variety of environmental, health, development and religious NGOs. All agree that current atmospheric levels of co2—390 parts per million—are causing damage to the planet and to its most vulnerable people, and that government action at the Copenhagen climate conference is required to bring the earth’s carbon level swiftly down.
Environment Tasmania
