350.org is creating a global movement to stop the climate crisis through online campaigns, grassroots organizing, and mass public actions that are led from the bottom up by thousands of volunteer organizers in over 188 countries.
The organization was founded by the well-renowned author Bill McKibben whose passion for words permeates the mission of 350.org: “We’re not just a movement that opposes things, we’re a movement that dreams of what’s coming.”
The number 350 seems an odd title for a movement about climate change, but its lack of any other association is part of the strength of the campaign. Scientists have determined that 350 parts per million is the safe limit for CO2 in the atmosphere for humanity. 350.org’s goal for educating people about the meaning of this number is that they will then understand the importance and magnitude of climate change - and be more likely to engage in simple efforts that cut carbon emissions.
Recently, 350.org climate activists protested in front of the While House with the aim of preventing a pipeline from the tar sands in Canada through the US. The protest resulted in 1,252 people being arrested: the biggest civil disobedience action this century in North America.
350.org has joined hands with other climate-change organizations to spearhead global awareness of climate change in September 2011. September 24th has been chosen as the day of simultaneous action around the globe. On this day under the banner of “Moving Planet”, people will be encouraged to bicycle instead of drive, and groups of people will convene marching, dancing, and running around national capitals, state houses and city halls while sending a message about addressing climate change.
The strength of 350.org is its ability to convene tens of thousands of people from around the world care about the fate of the planet.
Watch this video to see the core message of 350.org:
Read more on the 350.org website.
