“What is the Day of Action?”
“We’re calling on people around the world to organize an action on October 24 incorporating the number 350 at an iconic place in their community, and then upload a photo of their event to 350.org website,” quoting the 24 October 2009 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CLIMATE ACTION website.

What is the day of action?

“On October 24, the International Day of Climate Action will cover almost every country on earth, the most widespread day of environmental action in the planets history.

There will be big rallies in big cities, and incredible creative actions across the globe: mountain climbers on our highest peaks with banners, underwater demonstrations in island nations threatened by sea level rise, churches and mosques and synagogues and ashrams engaged in symbolic action, star athletes organizing mass bike ridesand hundreds upon hundreds of community events to raise awareness of the need for urgent action.

Every event will highlight the number 350and people will gather at some point for a big group photo depicting that all important message. At 350.org, we’ll assemble all the photos for a gigantic, global, visual petition.

The thousands of events on October 24 will drive 350 and all that it represents into the human imagination, and change the negotiating environment as we head towards the crucial UN Climate Negotiations in Copenhagen in December of 2009. Copenhagen may well be the pivotal moment that determines whether or not we get the planet out of the climate crisis, and your actions on October 24 will help our leaders realize we need a real solution that pays attention to the science.”

For those who want to participate in the 350.org event, but won’t make it to Seattle here is an opportunity to participate in other activities locally, in Olympia. Promoted by Ecobuilding.

A PLANETARY DAY of ACTION
Saturday, October 24

1. Bike and Walk for Climate Change Action
10 am Noon: Chehalis Western Trail, from all directions to Bush Park, Lacey
Bush Park:
11 am: exhibits, children’s activities, music
11:20 am: Program

For a map and information on the event: www.uuvoiceswa.org

SPONSORS: WA State Unitarian Universalist Voices for Justice; Earth Care Catholics; Call to Action; Interfaith Works Earth Stewardship Committee; Olympia Unitarian Universalist Green Sanctuary Committee

2. Blue Line March
1 pm – 2:30 pm

Visualize Olympia under water as we trace the future shore line.
Meet at the Farmers’ Market. Dress in blue, carry blue umbrellas or flags, wear snorkels, swim suits, boots, life vests. Bring beach balls, pails, mock sea creatures, blue chalk, etc. Children are welcome. Walk is approximately 2 miles.

There are no scheduled Climate Action events in Yelm known to this blog.

WHAT DOES 350 MEAN?
“Two years ago, after leading climatologists observed rapid ice melt in the Arctic and other frightening signs of climate change, they issued a series of studies showing that the planet faced both human and natural disaster if atmospheric concentrations of CO2 remained above 350 parts per million.

Everyone from Al Gore to the U.N.s top climate scientist has now embraced this goal as necessary for stabilizing the planet and preventing complete disaster. Now the trick is getting our leaders to pay attention and craft policies that will put the world on track to get to 350.

Is 350 scientifically possible?

Right now, mostly because weve burned so much fossil fuel, the atmospheric concentration of co2 is 390 ppmthats way too high, and its why ice is melting, drought is spreading, forests are dying. To bring that number down, the first task is to stop putting more carbon into the atmosphere. That means a very fast transition to sun and wind and other renewable forms of power.”