Way out in the middle of the Pacific ocean atop an 11,000 foot volcano, where researchers can get the most representative and clear atmospheric samples, the Mauna Loa observatory in Hawaii has been continuously recording atmospheric changes since the 1950s.   Scientists at the observatory announced a few days ago that the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have now reached 387ppm, a level we’ve never seen within the past 650,000 years.  The head of Greenpeace’s climate campaign, Robin Oakley puts is plainly - “We’re now witnessing a key moment in the climate change story, and it’s not good news. The last time the atmosphere was this choked with CO2 humans were yet to evolve as a species.”  Studies suggest that the increasing growth rate of CO2 levels in the atmosphere can be attributed to a few things - a weakening in  forests’, oceans’ and soils’ ability to function as carbon sinks, and the increased use of coal in China and other parts of the world.  The UK’s Guardian and Metro have more of the story here and here.

This certainly is sobering news, and CO2 levels will certainly continue to rise in years to come - but here’s a silver lining - a quote from the Metro article reads “It raises renewed concerns over the Earth’s dimin­ishing ability to soak up pollution and means targets for cutting emissions need to be revised drastically” from the 450 and 550 ppm levels currently being discussed.  This is our chance to build a movement to tell the world that 350 is that target to avert climate catastrophe, and ensure a safe future for humanity.

Our goal for 350.org is simple. We want to bring together an unstoppable movement to spread the most important number on the planet. Scientists like James Hansen of NASA say that 350 parts per million carbon in our atmosphere is the very upper threshold of a safe human climate to avoid ‘an entirely different planet.’ That’s a number the world needs to know - and we need your help spreading it.

Help us launch our website by taking action in your community with the number 350.

The heart and soul of 350.org will be actions taken by people like you all over the globe. In mid-June, we’ll go live with a new website that will help people to do just that. We’ll have plenty of text and materials to help people take action, but as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. That’s where we need your help.

We’re going to need images of all kinds that convey what it means to ‘take action to spread 350′ - strong images, fun images, with a few friends or a few hundred. Remember to get the number ‘350′ into your photo in an interesting way, and then email the picture to us at organizers@350.org.  Outside of that, it’s totally up to you.  With photos of people in our cities and on our coastlines, building renewable energy projects, educating citizens, or hosting a gathering of friends - when we launch we want to show the world what we can do. Over the next month we’ll collect your photographs and feature the most inspirational examples front and center on our homepage. These early action pictures will be catalysts for the rest of the world.

We’re counting on you all to take action and help bring this movement to life, and in turn, you can count on us to help show the world the groundswell that is building for our climate, our friends, and our future. We’ll keep you up to date as things move forward, and we look forward to creating something bold, powerful and wonderful with you all.

With excitement for things to come,

The 350.org team

People all around the world know the name “SIT” for their study abroad programs. The SIT Study Abroad Program sends students to near 50 countries around the world. From their website, “SIT [Study Abroad] fosters a worldwide network of individuals and organizations committed to responsible engagement in a changing world.” Their network is an incredible resource, and one we’re hoping can help the 350 mission to be more cohesive and even more globally connected.

Not as many people know about the SIT Graduate Institute, a small school tucked away in the hills around Brattleboro, VT, USA, but they should. These students, from more than 30 countries, come to the Northeast corner of the US to study programs like International Education, Sustainable Development, and Social Justice in International Relations.

They also, as it happens, kick some serious butt in advocating for a safe and just climate for our world. At the end of term, with finals and papers breathing down their necks, these students made banners, translated text into myriad world languages, created art, and spent a half an hour of an already hectic Friday to show their support for 350 with these photos.

For a specific rundown, here are the details from Thea, one of the photographers and event organizers. (more…)

350.org relies on the ideas and actions of everyone who learns about this new effort. That’s the way a movement works — the cumulative input and inspiration of folks all over adds up and creates real change. And it’s amazing just how responsive folks have been to this new call to action. 350 is beginning to spread in ways we would have never guessed. Check out this Current TV, a user-generated internet TV network. (We’re not sure about the segments after the piece about 350 — so don’t feel like you have to watch the whole thing).

Over the weekend, many visitors came to 350.org in response to an op-ed by Bill McKibben in the Los Angeles Times. Thanks for visiting and for your enthusiasm! We have received offers for more translations, and many excellent ideas for new 350 actions.

Some people suggest making a painting that shows the world after having reached 350 parts per million; others sent us photos of children holding up 350 signs. How will you help spread the message in your community?

The news from the Burmese cyclone aftermath just keeps getting worse. Fortunately, at least some amount of international aid is now reaching the country. Our friends at Avaaz.org are helping coordinate a fund-raising drive in support of the International Burmese Monks Organization who are leading the charge with on-the-ground relief efforts. Click here to make your contribution.

And here’s a video of a Burmese monk calling for assistance:

Click here to help.