A Ringing Appeal for Climate Action
Location
On Sunday, November 23, 2008, Grace Church in Amherst, Mass., celebrated the feast day of Christ the King. The sermon at both services focused on God’s call to protect Creation and to preserve the stability of the global climate. At 12 Noon, parishioners young and old lined up to ring the steeple bell. Before we rang the bell, each of us brought to mind something or someone we loved whose future is in peril because of climate change -- a child, a place in nature, or a species. As each person rang the bell, he or she spoke that loved one’s name aloud or called on the name of Jesus, so that our loving intention could be focused and clear. The deep sound of the bell rang out 350 times under a bright blue sky. A big ‘350’ banner -- painted by Sunday School children -- hung from the steeple, and several children distributed explanatory leaflets to curious passersby. Local media -- newspapers, a TV station, and an NPR affiliate -- covered the event. Grace Church was one of 8 Episcopal churches in the area that rang its steeple bell 350 times sometime during the last week of November. (The photos of acolytes ringing bells and of the ‘350’ banner hanging from the steeple were taken by Nancy Lowry; the photo of children painting the banner was taken by Reynolds Winslow.)
The Science of 350
Scientists say that 350 parts per million CO2 in the atmosphere is the safe limit for humanity. Learn more about 350 – what it means, where it came from, and how to get there. Read More »
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Understanding 350
- So, what is global warming and what's the problem anyway?
- And what does this 350 number even mean?
- If we're already past 350, are we all doomed?
- How do we create the political change to steer towards 350?
- How do we get the world on track to get to 350?
- How do we actually reduce carbon emissions to get to 350??
- Will this thing work? Will world leaders listen?
- Where did this 350 number come from?
- Isn't America the biggest source of the problem? What about China and India?
- 350 is just a number. Wouldn't "Climate Emergency" or "Clean Energy Now" be a better call to action?
- And what about all the other targets people are aiming for?
- Why October 24th?
- Why another organization--there are already too many things going on!
- Do you measure 350 in CO2 or CO2e?
More...
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Margaret Bullit... says... on Dec 04,2008
Here is a photo of some acolytes ringing the bell with gusto.
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