It has never been the grassroots pushing for bold action on climate change alone. The movement to fight climate change spans all sorts of people and positions of power. Just a few days ago, on November 9, there were some fine words published in the International Herald Tribune by Ban Ki Moon, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Donald Tusk and Anders Fogh Rasmussen.
Here’s the introduction…
“As world leaders gather in Washington this weekend, they would do well to remember that we face two crises. The global financial crisis is most immediate; the more existential is climate change. The urgency of the first is no excuse for neglecting the second. On the contrary, it is an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone.” Click here to continue reading the OpEd.
These renowned figures are right to draw the connections between our struggling economies and the need to address climate change. We have much to gain by promoting clean, sustainable economies — not just fighting climate change, but also creating new economic opportunities, combating poverty, promoting peace, restoring healthy environments, and furthering the pursuit of justice. The authors of this piece are helping immensely to build and strengthen that vision.
The one piece missing? 350. In order to ensure that the aspirations of these world leaders to solve the climate crisis and also promote economic renewal is sufficient, it’s our job to make sure 350 is a central goal within the negotiating process. 350 means many things: in scientific terms it is the safe level of co2 in the atmosphere in parts per million — more broadly it means safety, hope, unity, sustainability, community, renewal, justice, and peace. Let’s carry those many meanings together and not let our world leaders ignore the latest science on this issue. Let’s spread 350 and make it known the world over, and in doing so create a movement that can heal the planet and ourselves.
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