350 Schools
Check out the new presentation we've created--you can check it out below, and download the whole thing (it's kinda big) by clicking here.
And you can also download a copy of the presentation script and guide by clicking here.
The presentation is a perfect thing to pass along, especially for people who aren't yet involved in the 350 movement. Can you forward this e-mail or post a link to the presentation with just a couple of clicks to Twitter and Facebook?
Other Educational resources from 350.org
Find these and more on the Action Resources page
- Science of 350ppm Factsheet PDF - Read Online - Download: Letter - A4
- 350 International Climate Policy Factsheet PDF - Read Online - Download: Letter - A4
- 350 Climate Solutions Factsheet PDF - Read Online - Download: Letter - A4
- Forests and Climate Change Factsheet PDF
- Oceans and Climate Change Factsheet PDF - Letter
- Agriculture and Climate Change Factsheet PDF - Letter
- 350 Videos
- 350 Schools - New Zealand
- 350 Schools Australia
- 350 Do-It-Yourself Art Projects
- 350 Powerpoint Presentation Guide PDF
- 350 Powerpoint Presentation - PPT - view and download here.
- 350 Children's Story: "The Story of How We Did It"
- Hawai'i Interfaith Power and Light's 350 Schools Activity - Download the PDF Activity - Check out their photos
A letter to educators and students around the world:
Friends,
We’re writing to ask for your help in organizing what looks like it will be one of the largest days of public education about a single issue in the history of the planet—a day to let students both learn about and help address the problem of climate change, the greatest crisis civilization has yet faced.
It’s a day devoted to, of all things, a scientific number. But it’s also a day for understanding international relations, global communications, and the role of arts in public life. We think it’s the ultimate ‘teachable moment,’ and we hope you’ll agree.
Dear Fellow Educators,
We’re writing to ask for your help in organizing what looks like it will be one of the largest days of public education about a single issue in the history of the planet—a day to let students both learn about and help address the problem of climate change, the greatest crisis civilization has yet faced.
It’s a day devoted to, of all things, a scientific number. But it’s also a day for understanding international relations, global communications, and the role of arts in public life. We think it’s the ultimate ‘teachable moment,’ and we hope you’ll agree.
Here’s the backstory. Though global warming has caused concern for many years, we never really knew where the danger threshold lay—and we always hoped it was somewhere in the future, so we wouldn’t have to deal with it yet. Those hopes were dashed in the summer of 2007, when Arctic ice suddenly melted in huge quantities, far ahead of the predictions of most climate models. There were other signs of rapid change as well—spreading drought and flood, accelerating rise in sea levels, and so on.
Sure enough, within a few months our leading scientists had published a series of papers that all reached the same conclusion: any value for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere greater than 350 parts per million was “not compatible with the planet on which civilization developed or to which life on earth is adapted.” That was a very depressing conclusion, because we’re already well past that spot: the atmosphere currently holds 390 ppm co2, rising 2 ppm annually—that’s why the Arctic is melting and the sea rising.
So we at 350.org have been building a campaign to take that number and make it known across the world—if it’s the ultimate boundary for human civilization, then everyone, young and old, needs to know about it. In almost every nation on earth, there will be rallies and events, many thousands of them altogether. They will be designed with that scientific data at the center: in big cities thousands of people will spell out those digits with their bodies; high on mountain peaks climbers will drop banners; in the Maldive Islands, whose very existence is threatened by rising seas, the president will lead the largest underwater demonstration in history with 350 divers holding banners on the coral reefs.
We hope you and your students will join in this activity. Already students have taken action in elementary schools and on college campuses, and everywhere in between: here are a few examples from India and Ecuador and Vermont. But in October, it will be particularly exciting, because as the day wears on, everyone will be uploading pictures of their actions to the same website. We’ll be flashing those images on a giant screen at the United Nations, and making sure they’re on television and in newspapers all over the world. Your students will be able to feel the connection with others concerned about these questions in countries across the planet—it will make them feel much less powerless in the face of these giant changes, help show them that they can be a part of making change.
These actions will be a prelude to the great international climate conference that will begin in Copenhagen in early December. Those are arguably the most important talks in human history—and now your students will be able to watch them with a real sense of participation. There’s nothing partisan about this day of action—it involves people from across the political spectrum, from every faith community, from rich nations and poor. It requires only a commitment to the idea that science matters, and a willingess to act on that idea in concert with people everywhere. We hope you’ll join in, and start by registering your action.
Thanks enormously,
Bill McKibben, scholar-in-residence Middlebury College USA
David Suzuki, professor Univ. British Columbia
Bittu Segal, Kids for Tigers, India
p.s. - Please check out www.350.org/people/educators for factsheets, a presentation, and more ideas and materials to use on the day of action - or make your own, and share with others!
Action Spotlights
350 Action at Schools Around the World:
Updates from the field
Our friends at the Real Food Challenge are coordinating a day of campus wide events linking local food with climate change. Their work highlights the importance of campus gardens and locally sourced food in campus dining halls--a great way for a campus to lower its carbon footprint!
The New Zealand 350 Schools initiative has developed its own plan of action and curriculum, and is aiming for 350 school actions! In Australia, they're getting creative, and a little competitive - check out their art competition here. Similarly, the Eco-Schools Network in Chile is spreading the word to get 350 schools signed on by the day of action.
This spring more than 70 entries came in from schools in 7 countries in Central and Eastern Europe using environmental art to portray what is happening in our climate and our environment. The results of the Land Art contest are beautiful, and helped lay the foundation for great collaboration in October.
Be a Climate Activist while you Study Abroad
Visit the 350 Study Abroad page to learn about opportunities to make a difference during your time as a student abroad.
350 Schools Action on the blog...
Asia 
"Sanskriti 350" - A School in India Takes the Initiative!
Established by the Civil Services Society in the Indian capital city of Delhi, Sanskriti has become one of the leading schools in the little over ten years time period of its establishment. The school recently won an award for its work with ragpickers and slum-children and has addressed its share of equity issues. Today, right in front of my eyes, Sanskriti School became another first.
The school called for 'Sanskriti 350' - an inter-school event inviting eco-clubs from over 30 schools, in a bid to highlight the importance of 350. Remarkably enough, Sanskriti (meaning culture) 350 was an event completely for the youth, by the youth and of the youth!
The youth event had everything from a green fashion show, a brainstorming session, green film competition, ad-mad, to a rock-band competition titled 'the sounds of 350'! The event saw a good participation and was inaugurated by the Secreatary, Environment in the Government of Delhi Mr. J.K. Dadoo - who elaborated on the science and policy of climate change. He also warned the students of a disease called 'affluenza' which, according to him, is a major threat to the global environment.
The 'Green Brigade' of the Sanksriti School, that first took shape under ther able guidance of Mrs. Nita Ganguly, a dedicated teacher from the school, is led by Lavanya Julaniya - an enthusiastic student and one of the main organisers of the Sanskriti 350 event.
The enthusiasm of the young adults and the energy levels in them clearly suggested that the youth has understood the urgency to act today in order to ensure their survival, and the survival of their children and grandchildren on this Planet. It was most inspiring when the School Principal Mrs. Abha Sahgal took to stage and declared that her generation had clearly not done enough to protect our environment and that she is whole-heartedly with the youth - leading the green movement.
Sanskriti 350 also saw participation from the Indian Youth Climate Network, Delhi Greens and the 48C Festival being celebrated in the city.
Asia 
Action Spotlight: 350 in Mumbai
We have had a bit of radio silence on the blog the past days as most of us, and hopefully most of you, have been enjoying time with family during what for many of us is a holiday season. But even as many of us are celebrating the holidays, the movement is keeping on.
I was overjoyed to open up an email yesterday to learn about yet another incredibly beautiful 350 action in India led by our friends at Kids for Tigers, this one at the Royal College of Arts, Science and Commerce in Mumbai. The 350 photo action was at the conclusion of a 3 day festival all focused on the environment and including over 80 colleges from across the city. And the bicycles in the picture are of particular importance as the students decided it was essential to incorporate a demostration of solutions for how to get to 350 as well.
Read on for a more detailed report from Ayesha D'souza of Kids for Tigers...
The whole theme of the 3 day festival which was revolving around Environment and so the college had also invited Sanctuary to be a part of the whole event.
Kids for Tigers - The Sanctuary Tiger Program sponsored by the Tata Consulting Services, visited Royal College,Mira Road on the 18th,19th and 20th of December for their annual Gyan Manthan Academic festival. Around 80 colleges from all over the city came and participated in the various events. Their main attraction at the festival was Quest 20 which is a Science and Mathematics exhibition. The departments of Mathematics, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Physics, and Chemistry displayed exhibits, most of which were focused on Nature awareness. Mathematics Topology projects involved the use of clay and paper pulp. The Chemistry Department highlighted Environmental issues whereas; Micro-Biotech departments placed biological remedies to toxic pollutants in the environment. Some of the projects included, bio degradation of harmful dyes, Ethanol production from pineapple waste , biorefrigeration, decomposition of plastic by a natural method grey water recycling etc. The students of Royal College participated in the 350 movement on the final day of the festival by arranging themselves as the numbers 3 5 and 0 on their basketball court. They wanted to show a small solution to climate change by creating awareness of the use of bicycles over petrol/diesel fueled vehicles. Professor Radhika D'souza, of the Department of Microbiology and head of the Nature club of the college sums it up by saying "We work for an educational institution where we instill values like the love for nature and compassion for wildlife. We hope that once they are out of college, they are capable of taking immediate actions against those that harm nature. Our area was full of mangroves but over the years we have seen them vanishing and in their places housing complexes have come up. The least we can do is conduct awareness rallies and campaigns spreading knowledge and our passion amongst others."
S. America 
Action Spotlight: First Chilean 350 Action in Valdivia, Chile!
Just a few days ago, some great new action photos were registered on our website - marking the first 350 action in Chile! What country will be next to join the ranks?
The action was comprised of students from the Instituto Principe de Asturias school in Valdivia, and was organized by teachers and the students of the Club Chomelko-Chulli, which means snail in the indigenous Mapuche language. The Chomelko Chulli club seeks to cultivate the interest of youth and children through knowledge and education about how to care for nature, seeking to instill respect for all life on our planet. Its organized by the incredibly dedicated and energetic teacher Paola Vera Basly and funded by the government science education program Explora de CONICYT. The club has around 20 members ranging in age from kindergarden to the equivalent of 12th grade (cuarto medio).
Paola and a few other teachers designed the event and the kids recruited their friends and another elementary school club called "Huella Ecologica" (ecological footprint) to be in the photo. They want to organize more photos in the park and incorporate it into their other activities - thanks to the students of Instituto Principe de Asturias, and cheers to getting 350 started in Chile!
Asia Action Spotlight: Kids For Tigers are taking the lead on climate change in India
Beautiful and moving! Those are some of the few words that get at the power of the new action photos we received from India today.
School children in Nagpur, Chennai, and Mumbai all staged powerful demonstrations this week drawing attention to the interconnectedness of a safe climate, saving tigers and their threatened habitat, and the urgent need for a global agreement to get back below 350 ppm co2 in the atmosphere.
The actions were organized by Kids for Tigers, an environmental education programme run by Sanctuary Asia in schools across India that aims to bring out the vital connection between the survival of the tiger and our ecological health.
Here's the report from the action in Nagpur:
Mission "350": Nagpur Kids for Tigers, the Sanctuary Tiger Programme, sends out a global message to fight "Climate Change"
On Wednesday, November 12, 2008, students of Nagpur's Centre Point School, Wardhman Nagar, got together to remind adults to ensue that they do not leave the next generation an unmanageable world.
The communication, which took the shape of a huge numeral 350, was crafted to highlight the fact that India's development strategies are going to collide with the inevitability of climate change. The significance of 350 lies in the fact that currently the carbon concentration in our planet's atmosphere is around 387 parts per million (ppm), and rising. The world's leading scientists say 350 ppm is the safe upper limit for Carbon Dioxide. It is the number that human being needs to get back to as soon as possible to avoid adverse impacts of "climate change".
If we fail to do this, the consequences will be almost too terrible to contemplate, ranging from famines and mass starvation, to floods and diseases for which we have no cures. Literally millions of Indians will be adversely affected. Kishor Rithe, President of the Satpuda Foundation, which has been the lead partner for Kids for Tigers in Central India for eight years said on the occasion: "Protecting the tigers' forests is the best way to fight climate change because every tree by weight comprises 50 per cent carbon. If these forests die, the world will inevitably become warmer and both tigers and humans will have a bleak future."
The event, coordinated and implemented by volunteers of the Satpuda Foundation, was possible because of the enlightened support of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) the national sponsors for Kids for Tigers. The programme is being implemented in over 600 schools and covers a national population of over one million children.
Says Shailesh Lanjewar, KFT coordinator: "The central theme of the programme "Tigers, Forests and Climate Change" seeks to prepare children to live in a warming world and, apart from Save the Tiger initiatives, also involves carbon audits in schools, public rallies, environmental campaigns and a unique "each one teach one" 'adult literacy programme' in which children will explain to adults the cause and effect of climate change."
Mr.Bittu Sahgal, Editor of Sanctuary Magazine and mentor of "Kids for Tigers" programme lauded the children and the organisers and promised to share the initiative across the world with the organisers of www.350.org -- founded by Bill McKibben -- with whom Sanctuary has entered into a strategic partnership to win public involvement in our battle against fight climate change. Sahgal believes that: The election of President Elect, Barrak Obama is one of the most hopeful signs that a global fight back against climate change might succeed. India must play a pro-active role and not that of a spectator watching a horror show, because, while the developed world must assume prime responsibility for the crisis, our people will be the first victims."
Offering her fullest support, Mrs. Mukta Chatterjee, Principal, Centre Point School, Wardhman Nagar and her staff promised to work with Kids for Tigers in the months and years ahead to ensure that Nagpur city and the nation at large are seen as solutions providers and not a part of the problem. The Satpuda Foundation team that implemented the programme included Ravindra Pawar, Manish Chate and others.
S. America Action Spotlight: Students in Costa Rica get creative for 350
A few days ago, we received by email a series of photos from a very cool collaborative art project created by students of the University of Costa Rica. The project included participants writing and painting messages about climate change and the number 350 - here you can see photos of the participants and read a short summary from organizer Diego Guardia le Franc:
The University of Costa Rica orgnaized the Costa Rican forum about the risks of climate change, which included on the agenda discussions about adaptation and mitigation. Representatives of the UN, Ministries of Health, Agriculture and the Environment, and the University all participated in the discussions. The event was held in celebration of United Nations Day on Friday, October 24th in the Auditorium of General Studies of the University of Costa Rica. At the same time, there were informational stands and activities to educate the student body and others.
Just like our Chilean action report earlier this week, I believe this action marks the first for 350 in Costa Rica... thanks to Diego and all the students who participated!
Asia 
Calling all Young Climateers: Join the Climate Advocacy Institute this June
Hey!
Are you sitting around wondering what to do this June? Are you wanting to get involved in the growing international youth climate movement, and lend a hand to save the planet?
Well, we’ve got your ticket!
350.org and our allies are organizing a 3-week in-depth Climate Advocacy Institute that will equip you with the skills and connections you need to fight global climate change. The Institute will be held in Deçemko, a private resort on the Aegean coast of Turkey.
From June 28 to July 18, 2009, our team of experienced organizers will lead workshops on everything from the most recent climate science to campaign strategy to online communications.
350.org staff from Lebanon, the United States and Europe will work with participants over three weeks to develop basic organizing skills. In addition, the Climate Advocacy Institute offers the following three tracks to choose from:
* Debate & Argumentation
* Journalism & New Media for Advocacy
* Performance & Art Advocacy
If you're thinking the Climate Advocacy Institute might be too intensive for you, have no fear! This incredible opportunity is jam-packed with exciting extra-curricular trips to major historic sites, sports games and lots of fun after-hours activities.
You'll meet and get to hang out with dozens of young climate activists, and become part of the growing network of 350.org youth activists worldwide.
You can even get University credit for taking part! There are only 100 spots available, and the deadline to apply is April 8, so there's no time to lose.
Apply Today to take three weeks and change the world.
PS - Please share this with any friends or family you think might be interested in coming!
S. America Canada to Colombia: a Cross-Continental Collaboration
Today's blog is the culmination of a really beautiful story of artistic coordination across languages and cultures, with the end goal of helping to spread the word about climate change and 350 through drawing and animation. Read Canadian Professor John Graham's description of the project below, and check out the animations as well!
While I was attending a 2008 summer self-directed residency at the Banff Centre in Canada, I met a Colombian filmmaker Eduardo Carrillo who suggested that his animation students of the University of the Andies in Bogota, Colombia and my Red Deer College drawing students of Alberta, Canada do an intercultural collaboration project. After being very moved by hearing Bill McKibben speak at the Banff Centre, I immediately decided that we should collectively assist 350.org in tackling the global warming issue.
During the 350 project, both the drawing and animation groups were very excited to meet and interact during a live intercontinental web conference. Even with the language obstacles, the exchange of information and ideas amongst the drawing students and animation students was spontaneous, candid, informative and friendly. During the development of the project, the RDC drawing students learned how to visualize and realize their 350 concepts as one-minute time-based motion pictures. They soon realized the challenges and complexity of how to shape their projects into potent forms of idea sharing and storytelling. Group brainstorming sessions and exhanges on the project blog site enriched the process. During the several in-progress critiques, the RDC students received valuable feedback from many sources. Students in both of the groups took remarkably personalized approaches in what they wanted to visually communicate.
The screening of the completed drawing/animation collaborations in the final drawing class yielded many exotic, unexpected and pleasant surprises and an impressive range of approaches. We all clearly noticed how each project had acquired a very different visual look and creative stance regarding the incredibly important and timely issue of global warming. The collaboration was a unique learning experience for all. I am grateful to all those that assisted in the realization of this complex project and that RDC was so supportive of this exciting project.
N. America 
Columbia University Announces 350 Conference
We're really pleased to share the news about an upcoming conference in New York City. You may be wondering, "I don't live in New York City...so why should I be interested in this?" It's an entire conference dedicated to the challenge of getting back to 350. The keynote speaker is the world's leading climate scientist, and good friend of 350.org, Dr. James Hansen. We're excited to share the findings, results, and anecdotes from this conference with all of you, and we'll do that here on our blog.
The conference will be comprised of presentations and panel discussions on various themes related to reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions, including: Post-Kyoto negotiations, economic and legal implications of implementing carbon dioxide reductions, green jobs, environmental justice, carbon sequestration and storage, climate change education, and alternative energy solutions. Featured speakers include Majora Carter from Sustainable South Bronx, and a leader in the movement for a green economy that lifts people out of poverty, and Richard Heinberg, noted scholar and advocate on the issue of peak oil.
If you do happen to live in New York City, or nearby, by all means consider attending! It will take place on Saturday, May 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Rotunda of Low Memorial Library on the Columbia University Morningside Heights campus. Registration is available online at: www.350conference.org.
The 350 Climate Conference is an initiative of students in the Climate and Society M.A. program at Columbia University, the first interdisciplinary masters program in the U.S. to train professionals and academics on the impacts of climate variability and climate change on society and the environment.
N. America 
High Schools for 350
There's a lot of talk about college students getting involved in the global warming movement, but what about younger students? It's never to early to start caring for the environment, being a positive force in your community, or, for that matter, getting involved in 350.org.
I got out of the office last week and took the train over to Lincoln High School on the other side of San Francisco. Lincoln sits on a tall hill looking over the Pacific Ocean. It was hard to believe looking out over the water, but across the ocean, one of our newest 350.org field organizers, Abe Woo, was also preparing a series of high school presentations in Malaysia. Talk about acting globally! The students at Lincoln were great (check out the photo in this post) and had me excited about getting high schools around the world involved in the 350 Climate Day this October 24.
If you're a high school student, teacher, or parent (or know someone who is), make sure to sign up your school for October 24 and check out some of our friends and allies who work directly with high schools, like the Alliance for Climate Eduction. Here's some more information about what's happening over at Lincoln HS from our friend Vanessa Carter:
The Environmental Service Learning Initiative (ESLI) is a new program working with partnering organizations Global Exchange and Community Educational Services to bring empowering environmental service learning to urban public schools in San Francisco, CA. ESLI is dedicated to bringing stakeholders who have previously been excluded from the environmental movement into leadership positions working towards environmental justice.
The 1st Annual ESLI Lincoln Earth Day Celebration was a great success! Earth Day on May 13th and 14th? Every day is Earth Day! Students and teachers devoted 2 days of instructional time to cultivating awareness about the role of young people in the sustainability movement. Guest presenters included: Alliance for Climate Education; Youth Speaks; Rock the Bike, Grind for the Green, Brower Youth Awards, Bike to School Day, SF Department of the Environment, Students for Sustainable Futures, North Face and district-wide ESLI staff. The range of interactive and hands-on workshops, assemblies, films and lunchtime activities reflect the commitment of the LHS community to greening their campus and beyond!
We are also celebrating Lincoln High School’s new Green Academy! Thanks to the hard work of LHS teachers Jeff Kim, Valerie Ziegler, Kevin Keen and Josh De Wolf in collaboration with ESLI’s School Program Development Coordinator, Vanessa Carter, LHS is the first high school in SFUSD to receive one of 42 Green Academy grant awards from the California Partnership Academy. ESLI will be teaching an elective next fall in addition to supporting LHS teachers in the integration of empowering environmental service learning curriculum into their academic classes.
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 »
Featured Movement Updates
Tell world leaders to go solar!
As you all know, we're getting to work on 10/10/10--all around the world people are preparing climate solutions projects for their communities, their mosques and churches and synagogues and temples, their schools and homes. We thought our leaders should have a chance to get personally involved too, which is why we're today launching a special campaign aimed just at them. Read Post »
Circle This Date.
It's been an incredible few months of non-stop campaigning here at 350.org--and we're about to kick it into high gear. Starting today, we're pulling out all the stops and charging towards 10/10/10, the "Global Work Party." This one day will be a MASSIVE opportunity to celebrate climate solutions at the local level--and put the pressure on our leaders while doing so. If you don't already know all about 10/10/10, read the NEW invitation letter from 350.org co-founder Bill McKibben. Read Post »
My favorite photo.
On the morning of October 24, 2009, as people rallied in thousands of cities across the planet, a young woman named Ola walked alone to the center of Babylon, Iraq, took a deep breath, and unfurled a 350 banner, joining a worldwide call for climate action... Read Post »
Submit and View Photos
To submit your photos and action reports to 350.org, please click here.
To check out our ever-expanding pool of photos, visit www.350.org/photos
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