Youth
Hey! Are you in School or at College? Did you just graduate, and wondering what you can do to make the world a better place? Most of the people working here at 350 headquarters are just like you - we helped start this organization while we were still students, because we were sick of people telling us our voices don't count.
Over the past couple years, we helped organize the largest climate change demonstration that the United States has ever seen, called Step It Up, and helped get our leaders like Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama talking seriously about the issue. But we're not just in the US anymore - we have young allies and staff located in Washington DC, San Francisco, Delhi, Beirut, Budapest, Berlin, Tokyo, Johannesburg, Barbados and Quito - and we need you!
(photo: Dakota Fine)
For us, climate change means more than just something far in the future. So many of us live in places threatened by storms, floods, droughts and other climate-related events. But we can also look to this moment in history as a turning point -- an era filled with opportunity and hope. There are more than 1.8 billion of us on the planet - almost a third of the global population. We can take this moment of crisis to take a step back, reevaluate, and mobilize our communities towards a more durable, prosperous clean energy future. To us, climate isn't just an environmental issue -- it's our future, and we're not going to let our leaders make decisions for us: we're taking it into our own hands.
That's why youth all around the world are organizing events for 24 October, 2009, the International Day of Climate Action.
Sign up here to become a local organizer.
Will you be studying or traveling abroad on the 24th of October? Check out our resources for getting involved locally with 350 as you travel.
We're Smart
We know about climate change, and we know what happens when storms hit our cities, when droughts make farming impossible and what coal and oil extraction and combustion do to our communities. We're educated, and we're conversant in policy, strategy and public communication. We are the first generation of true climate activists, because we've been working on this issue since it first came into the public attention more than a decade ago. As we enter the workforce, we're developing new technologies and bringing new ideas to the business world -- We are the innovators the world needs right now.
We're Savvy
Some people might say that we don't know what we're talking about and try to ignore us, but we know how to capture the world's attention. We've been critical to the success of social movements around the world, from Civil Rights to Swaraj, from anti-Apartheid to Solidarity. Because we aren't stuck in the systems set up by earlier generations, we collaborate more readily, strategize more effectively, spread awareness more broadly and take action with more vigor and speed. We know how to make people listen to us, and we use our many skills to mobilize our communities, linking them up to larger national, regional and international climate movements.
We're Wired
We've got the internet dialed. It's how we communicate, since so many of us are connected. It's the single most useful tool we have to build international networks, and it also happens to be the best way for us to document our inspiring work. We're taking the world by storm with our own new media; we have our own blogs, wiki sites, collaborative documents and email lists galore. We use social networks to facilitate real meetings and real relationships, and we use mobiles to mobilize when we're not in front of computer screens. Click here to see a sampling of few of our favorite youth climate blogs from around the world.
We're Leaders
Over the past few years, we've built one of the most diverse, networked and powerful movements on the planet. We've taught ourselves new skills, and tapped our peers and veteran organizers for others. We've organized massive conferences, influenced policy on every level, taken corporations to task, launched community projects and mobilized millions worldwide in support of a clean, equitable energy future. At the UN climate negotiations in Montreal, Nairobi, Bali and Poznan, we came out in massive numbers and ran effective campaigns pressuring our official delegates to take swift action.
We've shared our ideas and practices, and helped others along, collaborating every step of the way, and launched our own national and international networks to raise the issue of climate change everywhere.
We are the leaders we've been waiting for.
Over the next few months, 350.org will be helping build the climate movement worldwide by hosting a series of 350Speaks summits, where up and coming youth climate organizers can get the skills they need to mobilize their own communities and hold their politicians accountable. Participants will use the summits to share ideas, learn about developments in climate science, strategize, and plan community events for October 24, 2009, the International Day of Climate Action.
In addition, there will be a focus on preparing youth leaders to take part in the upcoming Copenhagen UN climate talks this December.
So far, here are the two summits being planned:
350Speaks Climate Advocacy Institute
Dikli, Turkey, 28 June - 18 July 2009
APPLY TODAY! click here for more details
350Speaks South Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa, 14-19 June 2009
350speaks summits have limited spots. If you would like to apply to attend any of them, or have any questions, please email us at 350speaks [at] 350.org.
There are also a number of other youth climate events being planned by our allies and partners worldwide - check out some of these conferences to find other 350 youth organizers near you. Click here for a sampling of these events.
We're at the UN
Youth delegates from around the world have been part of some of the most important global decision-making moments on the environment. We were there in 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit, where sustainable development was recognized to be the only effective way forward, and we've been involved in international climate negotiations by attending United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) talks. We shook up the system in Montreal, came back to our roots in Nairobi, held our leaders accountable in Bali, and ensured the survival of all nations and all people in Poznan.
This December, the world's leaders are slated to meet in Copenhagen, Denmark to finalize a global agreement on climate change. Millions of young people will take action on October 24 to make sure that it's a good agreement; one that is equitable and ensures the survival of our generation -- one that brings the world back to at most 350ppm, the only safe level of CO2 in the atmosphere.
Last year, 350.org accredited more than 80 youth climate activists to attend the Poznan UNFCCC talks. In Copenhagen, we will take the city by storm. If you're interested in getting involved on October 24 or in Copenhagen, get started by registering an event near you.
We're Everywhere
The past few years have been a time of rapid development for youth climate networks worldwide. In 2005, when many of us took to the streets in Montreal, there were just a handful of strong networks around the world, and most of them represented developed countries. Less than five years later, we are more powerful and more connected than ever -- and we are everywhere. 350.org has more than a dozen paid and volunteer youth organizers worldwide, in places like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Africa, Barbados, Ecuador, Beirut, Budapest, Berlin, Delhi, and in the United States.
Click here for a list of partner networks that we work with. Get in touch with them to connect with your local youth cliamte activists, and volunteer to help plan an action and mobilize for October 24.
Youth on the blog...
"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.
350 at SAYEN's Indian National Youth Meet
The UNEP supported South Asia Youth Environment Network (SAYEN) recently hosted a three day Indian National Youth Meet in Ahmedabad, India. The Meet, called to envision the next five year plan for SAYEN was inaugurated on the 2nd of October; the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the biggest proponent of peace, non-violence and sustainable development.
"Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed", or so declared the Mahatma decades ago. Today, long after he's gone, we are realizing the significance of his statement. "Be the change you want to see in the world", he already gave a message to all of us!
350 was introduced during the Meet to all the youth participating from different parts of the country and was a target setting experience for many.
The UNEP/SAYEN Meet saw participation of Indian youth from over 15 states and all four corners of the country. Participants came with local environmental problems and issues to discuss and were also keen to share and learn about global issues. The concern for global warming and climate change was felt by one and all at the Meet and the need to take action was emphasized time and again.
Climate Change was chosen to be one of the themes in SAYEN’s next five year plan.
350 at the Indian Youth Summit on Climate Change
Photo: Members of the Indian Youth Climate Network (IYCN) performing a body-350 at IYSoCC.
The Indian Youth Summit on Climate Change (IYSoCC) that was held in the cyber city of Hyderabad has been a landmark event in shaping the Indian youth vision for a better world. Not only was the objective of raising awareness and building consensus on climate change achieved but the summit also acted as the catalyst for a chain reaction of launching the different Indian Youth Climate Network (IYCN) chapters all across the country.
350 was accepted and adopted at the summit and also included in the Indian Youth Charter on Climate - a policy paper that was the outcome of the summit.
A Reva Car to 350, a hopeful India Climate Solutions Road Tour!
The India Climate Solutions Road Tour has been on the drive. Starting from the southern IT city of Chennai, the tour has now already crossed Banagalore and Hyderabad while also visiting several smaller towns and villages - and is now on its way to the beautiful city of Pune in Central India. The tour has seen tremendous success and has been received by everyone with much warmth, and affection.
Everyone, right from the village folks, the town and city people, the petrol pumps where the electric cars were charged, to the IT parks and the universities that the Road Tour touched - not only appreciated the efforts made, but also promised to do all in their capacity to bring down their emissions and make others aware of it as well.
Driving in Reva, a hope-giving electric car with 350 painted all over, the road tour has been a successful initiative so far, in that it has been a reassurance to all those who have been tirelessly working to be the solution. At the same time, it has also been an inspiration to many, most of whom were keeping away from initiating action on climate change, simply because they did not see others doing it, or they did not know who to connect to for taking action. The road tour has, on its way, touched base with all those who are working towards climate solutions and also with those who want to work towards the same.
The India Climate Solutions Road Tour will soon be visiting Mumbai - the financial capital of India, Goa, Ahmedabad and will reach New Delhi after driving through the beautiful desert state of Rajasthan! - http://indiaclimatesolutions.com
Action Spotlight: Indian Youth -- Just Getting Started
India is on the 350 action map!
In the last few months a new youth movement has begun to take form in India: the Indian Youth Climate Network. You can read more about their rapidly growing network at their new blog: www.whatswiththeclimate.org.
Already, in their earliest stages, they're charging ahead with action. This 350 action photo was taken at the Teen Murti Bhavan, the home of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and it's just the beginning of the group's ambitions to set India on course to helping the world reach 350 ppm. The action was part of a Delhi Youth Summit outlining first steps for how Indian youth are going to lead a new movement for action on climate change. There are also plans for a national youth climate summit in Hyderabad later this summer. Indian youth are coming together in an incredible new way, and I think it's safe to say we'll be hearing more from them in the weeks and months to come.
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.
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!
Bonn Dispatch - 350 Buzz is Building, but still a long ways to go
One year ago, even 6 months ago, this would have never happened -- getting global CO2 levels below 350 ppm has been raised in the official UN climate negotiations more times than I can keep track of now. We're now on day 3 of the negotiations here in Bonn, Germany. There are some definite ups and downs so far.
Not surprisingly, yet still quite significantly, it is the largely the most vulnerable countries, AOSIS (the Alliance of Small Island States) and the LDCs (Least Developed Countries), who are leading the charge for 350. (And yes, there are more acronyms and jargon within the UN climate talks than just about anyone can handle.) In the photo I've attached you'll see a banner created by the youth present at the meetings saying, "Youth Support AOSIS - 350 ppm". For those of us of the younger generations, it's very heartening to hear AOSIS speak out not only on 350, but also on the need for a treaty that will ensure intergenerational equity.
Much of our time spent here in Bonn is being spent doing what we can to amplify the and support the leadership of AOSIS and LDC countries. They are the countries that have the most to lose in this fight, and it's essential that all world governments can forge an agreement this year that will get the world on track to a safe climate, below 350 ppm CO2.
But it's not just in the main negotiations where the 350 buzz is growing. Unlike the annual UN climate talks in December called COPs (Conferences of the Parties), these Bonn meetings are much smaller and more intimate. The 350 booth (again in the attached photo) happens to be right next to the entrance of the negotiation plenary hall. Country after country of delegates are stepping right up to our table to chat about 350.
What's most impressive to them isn't that we have a few 350.org representatives and active youth present at the meetings (that helps though), it's the stories we're able to share about the growing movement calling for 350 all around the world. Many delegations are now marking October 24 on their calendars and excited to see what might take place back in their home countries.
For that reason later today we are going to construct a physical October 24 action counter on at our booth here in the negotiations (a slightly scrappier version of the counter you can see on the homepage of the website). What we need now is to have that counter continuously rising while we're here (and all the way through October 24). So if you haven't done so already, register your community for an action on October 24 -- don't worry, the details and logistics can come later. And don't stop there, start emailing and calling everyone you know to start an action where they are. We want to show the negotiators not just in October, but now also, that the global climate movement is growing and uniting and calling for 350!
Click here to register an action today.
And in case you are wondering why this is necessary if AOSIS and LDC countris are already speakng out on 350, sadly those countries are also some of the least powerful here in the negotiating process. 350 is certainly popping up more and more in the talks, but many of the most powerful countries of the world, most notably the US and EU countries, are consistently falling short in their statements and commitments.
There is a clear and palpable excitement from having a new US negotating team here at the meetings for the first time since the election. Yet, the US delegation remains one of the primary obstacles here towards moving the talks towards what science and justice really demand. The US is with-holding strong commitments on emissions reductions target for 2020, and largely passing the torch back to US Congress to set the course for US climate policy.
Regardless of what country you are in, we need a massive wave of citizen engagement to let our governments know that we won't stand for a weak agreement. We are already changing the course of the talks, but we have quite some ways to go before world leaders have no choice but to set us on course to 350.
Keep up the great work everyone, and let's get those actions rolling in.
Bonn Dispatch - Climate Talks Haven't Even Started and 350 Already Part of the Discussion!
On Sunday, the first UN Climate Talks of 2009 begin in Bonn, Germany. It's hard to describe just how wonky and boring these talks can be--and equally hard to describe how important they are for the future of the planet.
These talks in Bonn will start to set the stage for the upcoming talks in Copenhagen, which will establish a global treaty that will determine how (or more importantly, if) the world actually solves the climate crisis.
Jeremy and Will, members of the 350.org team based in Europe, will be updating us all on progress (or lack thereof) in Bonn throughout the week. Expect more once the meetings get rolling, but Will just sent us this rather frantic dispatch about an article in Reuters:
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Will Bates <will@350.org>
Date: Fri, Mar 27, 2009 at 10:10 AM
Subject: REQ: Can someone else blog this?
350 is already being talked about in Bonn?!? Check it out:
http://in.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idINTRE52Q2E820090327
Don't know how this happened, but I'll certainly dig up what I can here.
WB
---------------------------------
I just hunted down the source: 350 is called out as a possible long-term target in this summary document here: http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/2009/awglca5/eng/04p02.pdf
According to the author of the document, "There is broad support by Parties for a science-based indicative goal for the reduction of global emissions of greenhouse gases to the middle of the century."
We all know what that should be: nothing higher than 350.
But, he goes on to say: "There is a lack of convergence on the issue of...the long-term goal and pathways to it."
Well, that quote perfectfully illustrates a crucial, strategic leverage point of the international climate movement. If all of us all over the world can create convergence on the issue of the long-term goal, we ratchet up the scale of the global ambition, resources, and effort we devote to actually solving the climate crisis.
More from Bonn soon--have a great weekend everyone!
Bonn Dispatch: Closing in on 350, People Asking Me What's Happening
The close of the first UN climate summit of the year happens in a few days. I'm here in Bonn with our homemade action counter for October 24, telling government representatives and NGOs that the global movement is coming together in unprecedented ways in this historic year.
If you saw our last email, you'll know that we're shooting for 350 actions by the end of these negotiations. As I write this the counter is at 333 - and the closing session happens Wednesday. So close! Anyone care to make a wager? I'll take bets at 350 to 1 that we can make it.
It's making a difference, too, and we're turning heads every time we've got to get up on our chair and pull the old numbers down off the wall.
One NGO campaigner asked me, "How is everything coming together on 350 so quickly?" I can only defer to you all - you're the ones making it happen.
This site will become more and more interactive as this idea grows. We didn't have everything ready when we sent you our invitation (at the top of the site), but we knew the time was right, so we went ahead and invited you anyway. Look for more ways to see what's being planned for October 24 soon.
It's incredibly inspiring to see, and just one of the thousands of positive outcomes that will come from this work we do is that now all the UN negotiators see it too. Thanks for your commitment, and my best from Bonn, Germany and the UN climate summit. Now let's hit 350!
Breaking News: 350 Aerial in Poland
The climate change negotiations here in Poznan, Poland are on pause today in recognition of the Mulsim holiday, Eid al-Adha.
As we await the coming days of crucial negotiations leading towards a new global climate treaty, we are not about to sit idly by. Rather, we joined with over 200 people here in Poznan's Freedom Square to form the beautiful image on the left.
Inspired by the AOSIS and LDC countries' shared vision to reach 350 ppm co2, we created the shape of a human form on a threatened small island raising up the 350 target -- the goal we must set for the sake of many countries' very survival and a safe global climate.
Many thanks to all who joined in the event, braving the cold and wet. Hopefully this photo, along with many 350 photos being displayed here in Poznan, can capture the hearts and imaginations of some more delegates in these negotiations and help move the talks in the right direction.
Aerial art directed and photographed by John Quigley/Spectral Q
Drive to 'Change', India Climate Solutions On the Road to 350!
The Indian Youth Climate Network (IYCN) is on a road trip. Not just an ordinary one, but an India Climate Solutions Road Tour touching 15 cities and traveling across several towns and villages covering a distance of over 3,350 Km. The focus of the road tour is two-fold, to raise awareness and to convert awareness into tangible actions. Envisioned and engineered by star climate solution champions Caroline Howe and Alexis Ringwald, the month long road tour will document climate solutions all throughout the journey, in order to build capactiy for achieving 350!
A ten member group of the Indian Youth Climate Network and a solar powered band are part of this journey, being made in solar plug-in electric cars and alternative-fueled buses. One of the cars, an electric powered Reva - is painted 350! The trip is scheduled from January 2 to February 5, 2009 and will be a month of climate communication – sharing solutions in clean tech showcases, empowering youth in leadership training programs, and using art, dance and music to communicate the message in as many ways as possible.
The road tour is also a 'drive to change' campaign and aims to sow the first seeds of a green change, towards a radical shift to cleaner energy and reduced emissions. The auto industry and the corresponding transport policy needs to reviewed in today's date and we need to shift to more sustainable transport options. The options exist, the political will needs nurturing and that is an underlying objective of the India Climate Solutions Roat Tour, on the road to 350!
India Climate Solutions Project: http://indiaclimatesolutions.com
Earth Day in India Launches Green Generation Youth!
In the nearly 40 years history of Earth Day occurrences that Jamie mentions, this years April 22nd was perhaps the most interesting and most meaningful. For India, it was the beginning of a new movement.
And it was begun by the generation going by, that not only accepted that it over-consumed without realizing the consequences, but also passed on the leadership to the generation that will inherit the Planet from them. And all this happened at the residence of the first Prime Minister of India, who not only loved children but also worked to ensure they would live in a developed nation with a very promising future.
Development Alternatives, an organization that has existed for over two decades and came about to create large scale livelihoods while searching alternate sustainable models for development has been running a successful Clean India campaign across India. On Earth Day, they called around 350 school children to the first PM's residence, at a stone's throw from the Parliament of India - to transfer the leadership of this campaign to children and to the youth.
In launching the Green Generation Youth, the organisation not only committed itself to working for Green Jobs and a greener economy but asked the youth present in the auditorium to take the initiative by using all the creativity and all the energy for ensuring the same. Members from the organisation also discussed the 'global meltdown' with the youth and the abundant 'green' opportunities this has created.
The meltdown - a consequence of the not paying heed to the warning given by Mahatma Gandhi almost a decade ago--"The world has enough for everybody's needs but not enough for everybody's greed"--might just be our last opportunity to save humankind. We should therefore sieze it and use it to not just solve the economic crisis but also the climate crisis. It is time to lay down the foundation stone and start building a global Green Economy.
It is time to get our freedom from the emissions and the commissions. And it is no doubt the youth who will have to take the initiative lest the youth may not be able to 'live' to see the consequences of its own inactions. It is, as Gandhi once said, a do or die situation.
European Youth Forum Supports 350ppm
Ever say to yourself, "I wish the young people today were more active," or ask, "Why is this generation so apathetic?"
Ever stop to think, maybe they aren't apathetic, and maybe they are more active than you've ever known?
The European Youth Forum is one of the largest youth platforms in the world, with over 99 National Youth Councils and youth organizations working in Europe. They work on everything from national elections to United Nations policies, from youth representation to human rights to climate change. If you ever find yourself thinking those insidious thoughts about young people again, check them out.
We've been hanging out more the European Youth Forum crowd recently, and we've been incredibly excited to start linking up on the work pushing the UN for a bolder climate treaty. I was particularly excited when in an email exchange, tidbits back and forth, a young woman there said to me, "by the way, the Youth Forum will advocate 350 as the target."
This is great news, and we're happy to have the European Youth Forum on board. The work this year on climate change is going to be big, but the history made is going to be much bigger. Youth are cool, the European Youth Forum is cool, 350 is cool, so we can only assume that you all reading this are cool too, and want to help us all out. Check out how to get involved on the site and jump in.
New Ally! Roots & Shoots Shanghai
We're pleased to introduce one of our newest allies, Roots & Shoots Shanghai! They're part of the worldwide network of Roots & Shoots organizations founde by Jane Goodall.
I had the opportunity to meet up with Roots & Shoots while on a recent organizing trip to China. They're exactly the type of group we're looking to partner with: grassroots, full of energy, and engaging hundreds of people in positive solutions to global warming.
Read on to learn more about their work and the global Roots & Shoots network:
The following is from the Roots & Shoots Shanghai website:
For over forty years, Dr. Jane Goodall has been working to preserve Africa's chimpanzees in the Gombe National Park, Tanzania. Now, the world's best known primatologist has started a program to help save our planet. "Roots and Shoots" is her international environmental education program for young people. She founded the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) in 1977 and has since been promoting this program single-handedly. The purpose of JGI is to educate people on ways to sustain the environment.
The Jane Goodall Institute ¨C Shanghai was founded in November 1999. It is responsible for administering the Roots & Shoots programs in the area. Our organization became the first foreign-affiliated NPO that was approved by the Chinese government in November 2004.
Roots & Shoots is a positive program that focuses on helping young people find concrete ways to make the world a better place by caring for the environment, animals, and other people. Roots & Shoots stresses empowerment through environmental education. It offers a forum to bring young people together within their school environment while providing the opportunity to explore and understand their connection with the environment, nature, and community. It helps them to find a way to make a difference in these areas by taking action in their own unique way. Students who have become involved in Shanghai have accomplished tremendous goals and have learned much in the process.
Roots & Shoots receives no funding from the JGI organization. Each location must support itself independently. We are a new organization in Shanghai and are counting on corporate support within Shanghai to provide us with the critical funds and resources needed to run this organization. We currently employ four paid staff members and work out of a donated office. Everyone is a potential volunteer for our organization.
The goals of all Roots & Shoots programs are:
- To implement positive change through active learning, caring, and interaction with the environment;
- To demonstrate care and concern for all animals;
- To enhance understanding among individuals of different cultures, ethnic groups, religions, socio-economic levels, and nations through our global communication network;
- To help young people develop self-respect, confidence in themselves, and hope for the future.
Roots & Shoots activities should focus on care and concern for a) the environment, b) animals, c) one's community. Of course, all three of these activities can be combined in creative ways. The underlying creativity and flexibility are what give this program its strength. Roots & Shoots encourages young people to get involved in ways that they think are important. Projects should be directed and managed by the students. Resources, when needed, should be donated or easily affordable and recyclable. Time is the most valued resource. Students come to realize that if they have the inclination to care and give their time, things can change for the better. The scope of the project can be large or small - the JGI philosophy is that every activity to care for animals, people, and the environment is significant, no matter what the size.
It is only through local involvement that this program can become truly sustainable in China. Currently, 100 area schools are cooperating with Roots & Shoots programs.
Please contact us at roots&shoots@zuelligpharma.com.cn with any questions or comments that you may have.
One for the Big Cat: Tiger Fest by Kids for Tiger Calls for 350
Every year Kids for Tigers organizes a Tiger Fest where students from various schools from National Capital Region of Delhi and Gurgaon assemble and express their solidarity towards wildlife protection. This year the Tiger Fest was organized on 11th day of February in one of the leading schools in the capital city, The Shri Ram School. Around 1,000 students from 20 schools of Delhi and Gurgaon participated in this day long festival that calls for a citizens unite for a healthy and living tiger population in the jungles of India.
As is the case in the other parts of the world, the tiger population in India is under a grave threat of extinction as their number has been constantly declining. While habitat destruction and fragmentation are the the most visible and apparent causes of this decline, changes in the climatic patterns especially across the Northern part of India have had direct and indirect impacts leading to the situation. The disappearing tiger is just another of the many red alerts that Mother Nature has been sending our way.
The event's highlight was a talk by the leading 350 messenger and Editor of Sanctuary Asia magazine, Bittu Sahgal. Mr. Sahgal talked about the significance of 350 around 800 students, teachers, parents and a couple of conservationalists who had come together for the cause.
With inputs form Meenakshi Kapoor.
Shake Your Bonn, Bonn
This week, negotiators from 172 countries are meeting in Bonn, Germany to work on the framework for a global climate treaty. While we don't have high hopes for any breakthroughs at this interim meeting, we're following the negotiations closely. As Yvo De Boer, the UN's top climate official, said, "When countries gather for UN climate change negotiations, they meet to respond to what can arguably be described as the greatest challenge ever to face humanity."
350.org organizer Judit Varga is on the ground in Bonn keeping an eye on the proceedings - and enjoying some Radler (beer) and Wurst (sausage) in the meantime! She's been connecting with international NGO's, talking with environment ministers, and making sure the latest climate science that points to 350 ppm is getting out there. It's essential that the agreement being worked on in Bonn is anchored in the most recent science. To quote Yvo De Boer again: "The challenge is now to design a deal that will deliver the type of emission reductions that the scientific community tells us are urgently needed. . . . With hardly more than a year of negotiating time left to design the Copenhagen agreement, there is a great sense of urgency to move forward."
Not urgent enough. Yvo can only do so much in his official capacities. With your help, over the coming months we'll be putting pressure on politicians everywhere to take immediate action to get us back towards 350 ppm. And remember in the midst of your organizing to take time to have fun! If talking about international negotiations are getting you down, make like Judit and slip out to get a beer (or soda for our underage activists). Pass the Radler and wurst!
The Indian Youth Summit on Climate Change 2008
There will undoubtedly be more to share regarding the Indian Youth Summit on Climate Change in the weeks to come -- video and more reflections are still in the works -- but now that some photos are ready I thought I'd share the news of this fantastic event...
From Kerala to Kashmir, Rajasthan to West Bengal, and beyond, over a 150 Indian youth (and a few foreign friends, like me) came to Hyderabad on August 7 - 10 to spark the youth climate movement in India. It worked -- the Indian youth movement is now kicking into high gear with enormous potential and energy.
This was an extraordinary assembly of young people. Everyone among them had stories to share of melting glaciers, struggling farmers, communities already facing the harsh impacts of climate change, and more. Not only did they speak to the realities of the present climate as well as future threats, but they also had countless stories to share of the work they are already doing to create postive change in their communities and countries.
Inspired by one another's energy, knowledge, and hope they envisioned and began plotting for a youth movement strong enough to lead India towards a safe climate and equitable climate. Central to that vision is a world that achieves an atmosphere with no more than 350 ppm CO2 in the atmosphere. The challenge of that goal was not treated lightly. The group understood the real needs of the Indian population to overcome poverty and improve their standard of living. And to achieve that, they recognized the need for equitable finance systems to fund clean development and a comprehensive action plan for both the country and the world -- all put into place in a few short years.
Rather than despair at the daunting task before them, the participants recognized the enormous opportunities for India in the path to creating a more stable climate and just society. The youth of India (some 75% of the population, counting all people below the age of 35), see the potential for a clean economy that will also lift people out of poverty. It will require real commitment from the Indian government, international cooperation, and community involvement, but with the conviction of the youth at this summit and all the many groups involved, there is ample reason to believe we will see this through.
Click here for more information about the event. Video coming soon.
VIDEO: Aerial Art in Poland!
How the time does fly. Way back in December of 2008, some of the 350 crew converged from all over the world in Poland, for the latest round of UN Climate Talks. It seems like ages ago to me.
Anyway, midway through the talks, while the negotiators bickered over the placement of semicolons (joking...sort of), the 350 team decided that it was time for some creative action. To cut through the static surrounding the negotations, we took to the streets with an amazing team of international youth, and we tried to create something beautiful. I'll shut up now, and let the video do it's work--courtesy of our comrades at Young FoE Europe.
It was fun. And cold. And wonderful. Thanks to John Quigley for helping to pull this thing off and the International Youth Delegation for being generally awesome--let's keep the actions rolling in the weeks and months ahead.
Vision for the Future
This piece, written by 350 messenger, Deepa Gupta, was originally posted on Whatwiththeclimate.org, India's new youth climate blog, on July 25. This is what real leadership looks like. Bold in every way. It will be exciting to witness how such vision will soon manifest as youth leaders from across India meet for their first Indian Youth Climate Summit in Hyderabad this week...
Vision of young people is simple – we want to enjoy a stable climate that our parents grandparents have enjoyed, one without hundreds and thousands of refugees, resource scarcity, and natural disasters.
The IPCC has stated that to give us a 50% chance of preventing two degrees warming we will require global emissions to be stabilized at 450ppm. Now, even venture capitalists would agree that 50% chance of return isn’t a worthwhile investment. Imagine the loss of this investment resulting in the destruction of our planet. My vision for the long term is that India makes to the 350ppm target, which gives us a strong chance at preventing runaway climate change. Clean technology will need a very strong presence to make this vision reality.
My vision of the next 12 months, which will progress beyond that, is somewhat Gandhi-an.
The Indian attitude to climate change is changing and it is going to heavily impact the cleantech market. What we’re seeing now, with the Indian Youth Climate Network (IYCN) as a great example is that people have an increasing awareness of climate change in both the urban and rural communities of India. Climate change more than anything is an issue of humanity. When it comes to times of crisis humans often band together. India’s fight for independence is an epic example. Climate change is bringing the global community, and will bring India together. It was not luck that allowed IYCN to expand from 3 to over 300 individual members, harbour more than 10 member groups and have the reach to over 205,000 young Indians nation wide. It is not luck that has allowed IYCN to achieve the support of globally rooted organisations such as Infosys, Greenpeace, Reva, WWF and media houses such as NDTV, times of India, the Hindustan times and the Hindu within 4 months of its inception.
Every Indian I’ve met has hope that India will become a developed nation, will not have millions of people die each year from malnutrition disease, and natural catastrophes. We’re working so hard to build our economy, aiming for superpower status, and becoming a leader in the world in many areas, it seems somewhat ludicrous if India doesn’t take far stronger action on climate change, because if it doesn’t, the malnutrition, disease and natural catastrophes are only going to get worse. Hence I feel, like in our fight for independence, the youth & people of India will unite and take action for solutions.
I have 4 big visions. Firstly, an increase in consumer demand for retail & bulk energy from cleantech, Secondly, innovative cleantech transport solutions, thirdly, strong growth in rural clean tech projects, and finally, clean tech being the next IT.
Vision 1: Increase in consumer demand for retail & bulk energy
With increasing realisation of this problem everyone is looking towards the solutions. Clean technology is the necessary solution. Currently the major emitters of the world aren’t making the investments necessary to give us a more than 50% chance of a habitable future. However, increasing education will see a shift in consumers demanding the retail availability of clean energy to power their households. Bulk purchase of clean technology will rise significantly driven by rising awareness amongst corporations? and tertiary institutions. As illustration, one of our member groups is currently running a campaign on IIT campuses promoting green practices, and this is one of many green university campaigns IYCN is seeing. Tertiary institutions will be one of many sectors to jump on the “green” bandwagon as youth awareness and mobilization increases.
Vision 2: Increase in innovative cleantech transport solutions
In the area of transport, motorbike and electric vehicle purchases are rising in the Indian market. The popularity of electric vehicles will grow due to their clean technology power, alternatively to petrol, whose rising prices is significantly altering consumer behaviour. I can say this with confidence, because IYCN is in the process of launching our climate solutions road tour from Delhi to Kanya Kumari, the southernmost tip of India in six weeks, in 3 solar powered electric cars. This has been a very popular idea, and has found strong support from individuals and groups such as Times of India amongst other organisations. Solutions such as solar-powered electric cars, will make the cleantech industry a source of inspiration and vibrant visions of hope for those feeling despair in the face of the climate.
Vision 3: Strong growth in rural clean tech projects
I don’t think clean tech is only a solution for securing a stable climate, it is also a solution for today’s development, alleviating people from poverty, and providing a stable source of electricity that most Indians are denied. Rural communities face difficulties from lack of electricity and health issues from the burning of kerosene and firewood, which greatly contributes to their poverty. Supporting rural India with clean technology is integral not only because it will mitigate 26% of India’s emissions, but will provide a livelihood to people and assuage communal poverty. Rural India holds vast untapped sources and holds great potential. Many people within IYCN have come together to start IYCN’s own decentralised rural energy project in Tamil Nadu with biogas chulha’s (stoves) and decentralised solar lighting. This is a demonstration that young people along with many others now understand the importance of clean technology.
Vision 4: Clean tech will be the next IT
Personally, I don’t see the Indian government taking the necessary action in the required time frame to lead India into a stable future. This opinion has been reaffirmed by the recently released climate action plan from our Indian government. However I see our people, NGO’s and our companies ensuring this. I see clean technology as the next IT. The IT industry has supported the Indian people in our country’s development and progress and has created a new age of sleek professionals, building a credible image of India on the international front. I see the clean tech as an iconic industry. It will support the Indian future, support development in our rural communities, helping light up homes of those who can’t access electricity. Clean Technology companies are in desperate need for skilled workers, I see it creating a mass job alternative over the next 10-20 years like IT has over the past 10 years. I see the clean tech industry as ensuring stable electricity that for most Indians is a dream, that are respectable, healthy and support our Indian economy. Clean technology is the hope for our countries economy, heath, development and environment.
Most of all, clean technology, and all other SOLUTIONS TO CLIMATE CHANGE WILL BE WHAT ALLOW INDIA TO REACH SUPERPOWER STATUS!
We did it!
This week, we set the goal of sending over 20,000 invitations to Obama and McCain to attend the UN Climate Meetings before tonight's debate. Thanks to your help: we did it! There are a few hours left until the debate begins and we've already blown past 21,000 invites.
350.org supporters will be on the ground at tonight's debates in New York to present Obama and McCain a giant ticket to Poland. Think of it as a prize for the election's winner - like a trip to Disney Land, but way more important (and way colder).
Our team will post updates from the action here on the blog this evening, so check back. In the meantime, keep the invites coming - and if you've already signed, pass on the invite to your friends and family.
Congrats again to all our friends and allies for breaking the 20,000 mark in style!
Youth are leading the charge for survival
A quick update from an exciting morning at the UN climate negotations...
Youth from all around the world have been running around the UN climate talks in Poland for the last 2 days rapidly building support for what has been termed the survival pledge: commiting country delegations to an international climate treaty that will "safeguard the survival of all countries and peoples." That might sound like a very basic principle -- and it is. Youth and many countries, particularly AOSIS (the Alliance of Small Island States who are most at risk from sea level rise), recognize that the negotiations have not been sufficient to guarantee universal national survival in the face of climate change. Pretty nuts, right?
Fortunately, thanks to the hard work of the hundreds of youth dashing around gathering pledges, handing out "survival" cards for delegations, and requesting mention of this new principle in speeches, this morning the COP (Conference of the Parties) president included the survival principle in his presentation of the draft text concluding from the conferece.
We will still await the outcome of the final days of the negotiations to see if the principle is fully adopted in writing. Yet, this morning's speech from the COP president has created a wave of excitement already.
Why is this so significant? It is clear to youth and to the most vulnerable nations that in order to ensure the survival of all countries and peoples we must aim for bolder targets such as 350 ppm co2. The actions taking place here in Poznan are setting the stage for a new year of movement building towards 350. Get ready.
The voices and support from citizens around the world adding important momentum to the work of the young people carrying this message forward here in Poland. Please add your voice and sign on to the survival petition here: http://www.350.org/survival
More news to come soon.
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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