Published May 15, 2008
by iris_author
Bill McKibben, veteran environmental thinker and author of the bestselling book, End of Nature, has a new initiative out called simply Project 350. The number refers to a "red line" for atmospheric carbon dioxide levels (as acknowledged by NASA scientists like James Hansen), above which climate change will exact a heavy toll from human civilization. While based on hard climate science, McKibben and the 350 crew hope to sear the number into the collective conscience of humanity through an international awareness raising campaign.
Recently, the carbon dioxide content of the atmosphere reached 385 ppm and the rate of increase is only accelerating. McKibben noted this dire fact in last Sunday's Los Angeles Times, balancing stark warnings with the tiny sliver hope afforded by organizing on a mass scale via the Web. While it may seem like a tiny hook to hang one's hopes on given the immensity of the challenges, it is also important to remember that McKibben is not alone. Groups like Oxfam Canada are also working on this front, lobbying in Oxfam's case for both action in mitigating climate change in an equitable way and helping poor communities adapt to the impacts of catastrophic climate events.
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