Wow. Where to start?
Today was, as many of you will already know, the International Day of Climate Action – New Zealand, impressively, had the largest number of events per capita of ANY nation in the world. After all, we’re passionate.
To explain 350 and the Day of Climate Action, I’ve taken it straight from the horse’s mouth, at 350.org:
“350 is the number that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide – measured in “Parts Per Million” in our atmosphere. 350 PPM – it’s the number humanity needs to get back to as soon as possible to avoid runaway climate change.” Currently, we’re at 387.
“We need an international agreement to reduce carbon emissions fast, and 2009 might be our best shot.
“We can hold our decision-makers accountable to producing a treaty that is strong, equitable, and grounded in the latest science. On 24 October, we’re holding a Global Day of Climate Action to do just this.
If this global movement succeeds, we can get the world on track to get back to 350 and back to climate safety. It won’t be easy, that’s why we need all the help we can get.”
I must admit I almost didn’t go to any of the 350 events today – what with school exams (I know a LOT of you will empathise here) and organising our fundraiser, it seemed impractical – but by some fluke I convinced myself it was a good idea.
I headed up to Mangawhau (Mt Eden) at around 4pm, just after the Maunga Action event had kicked off there. For those of you unaware, the idea of this was to “climb to the tops of the mountains with drums, bagpipes, pot-lids, grab what you can, and get so loud the other mountains can hear us!” – starting at 3:50, and going until 4:50 – ‘because at 450 it’s too late’. The Hare Krishna group was exceptionally awesome – they didn’t stop the WHOLE time, and even integrated the 350 message into their chants! Amazing stuff. We were able to see the signs and people at Te Tatua o Riukiuta (Three Kings) from where we were standing.
Kirk and I (green shirt, blue and white dress) at Maunga Action, Mt Eden. Metiria Turei is in the green shirt on Kirk's right.
We took some photos (unfortunately my camera failed miserably in producing decent pictures), and Kirk and I headed down to the bottom of the hill, where the 350 festival was taking place at Tahaki Reserve. I persuaded Kirk to buy me an organic choc strawberry, and we sat down to chat with Jacinda Ardern – the Youth Spokesperson for Labour, and Metiria Turei – the Co-Head of the Greens. We later heard from these two, and from Barry Coates – Oxfam NZ’s Executive Director, Manukau’s mayor Len Brown (who is keen to meet with us before COP, yay!), and a number of others as they addressed the crowd from the stage. Len acquired a fan – someone’s toddler took to paying him earnest attention and clapping with each thing he said. Brilliant stuff. Start young, I say!!
Len Brown talking to the crowd - he sang, later.
Jacinda Ardern having a natter - and wearing a fantastic 350 Oxfam t-shirt.
Manda turned up, and the three of us had the chance to have our own bit of a word on stage to promote NZYD and our fundraiser event coming up soon – a social night and auction at Auckland Uni in mid-November. Keep checking back to our site for details! We also handed out some flyers.
Other highlights included meeting awesome people, forming the big ’350′ (photos of that still to come), and participating in a drumming workshop using 350 drums. Wicked stuff! Also met a huge number of awesome people.
Around the world, of course, there are others who have really latched on to 350. Actions have taken place in Ethiopia, Guinea, Seychelles, Spain, the US, India, China, Afghanistan… just to name a few. Here’re a couple of highlights so far (the day’s not over yet!), but if you want the full picture, check out 350′s website.
Students from a college in Mexico City, Mexico.
Residents with water jars in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Whangawai, New Zealand, nesting site of the last 45 Fairy Terns in the country.
Soldiers' 350, in Korengal Valley, Kunar Province, Afghanistan.
350 outside Sydney Opera House, Australia.
Banner at Charminar, Hyderabad, India.
So – that’s me for today. I was going to give you a policy update, but to be frank, I think this is enough for now.
If this is what the world is doing for Climate Action Day, I’m excited to know what will happen during COP. One can only hope that our governments will listen to what we, the people, truly want for this world.
Over and out yet again,
Dobric.
“I cannot foresee exactly how resistance to injustice must proceed – but it must. Today is only one step in a long journey.”
Dr. James Hansen, NASA – from his 350 speech to Amsterdam
