Doing a 350

You probably didn't see much on the news about this event, but at least the NYT managed to cover it in their environmental section Some 4,300 demonstrations, from the Himalayas to the Great Barrier Reef were held today, all centered on the number 350.

For some prominent climate scientists, that is the upper limit for heat-trapping carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, measured in parts per million. If the gas concentration exceeds that for long, they warn, the world can expect decades of disrupted climate patterns, rising sea levels, drought and famine.

The current concentration of carbon dioxide is 387 parts per million.

The goal set by the group to reduce emissions back to 350 is said to be probably impossible to reach, but as they say why not set the bar high? Even if you don't reach it, it worth striving for. Shame they're not getting more attention.

I first learned about 350.org this morning from joshlevscnn myself, so at least they're covering it too, but it's a damn shame that the media will go into a saturation frenzy over crazy tea party protesters obsessed with bizarre conspiracy theories, but barely mention this huge international demonstration of concern over the very real danger of climate disruption.

The NYT has some photos, but you really should go to 350.org site and watch the rolling gallery on their home page. It's just mesmerizing, and inspiring.

[More posts daily at The Detroit News]