International Day of Climate Action 24 Oct 09

From: Bill McKibben - 350.org [mailto:organizers@350.org]
Sent: 25 August 2009 08:06 PM
Subject: A breakthrough moment. http://www.350.org


Dear friends,

For once, this email isn't asking you to do anything at all. It's merely sharing the news--the amazing news--that arrived about 45 minutes ago at 350 headquarters.

Rajendra Pachauri is the U.N.'s top climate scientist. He leads the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which every five years produces the authoritative assessment of climate science. Their last report, in 2007, helped set the target of 450 ppm (parts per million of CO2) that many environmental groups and national governments have adopted as their goal for Copenhagen.

As you all know, that number is out of date. When Jim Hansen and other scientists looked at phenomenon like the Arctic ice melt of the last two summers, they produced new data demonstrating that 350 is the bottom line for the planet.

But it's been hard to get that news out to the powers that be.
So today it comes as enormous and welcome news that Dr. Pachauri, from his New Delhi office, said that 350 was the number.

"As chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) I cannot take a position because we do not make recommendations," said Rajendra Pachauri when asked if he supported calls to keep atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations below 350 parts per million (ppm).

"But as a human being I am fully supportive of that goal. What is happening, and what is likely to happen, convinces me that the world must be really ambitious and very determined at moving toward a 350 target," he told Agence France Presse in an interview.

It's your work that has made this breakthrough possible. In fact, Pachauri specifically cited the last big piece of news for 350: the decision of 80+ small island nations and less developed countries to endorse the 350 target.

"I think this is a good development," said Pachauri. "Now people -- including some scientists -- see the seriousness of the impacts of climate change, and the fact that things are going to get substantially worse than what we had anticipated."

This news makes it much easier for all of us to push hard leading up to the International Day of Climate Action on the 24th of October (signup to start or attend an event at www.350.org) , and the UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen this December.

It's clear now that science is powerfully on the side of the 350 target. Now we need the political world to follow suit. You will make that happen in the next two months. Oct. 24 is officially 60 days away, and we're building just the momentum we need to make it count.

Thanks for all you do,

Bill McKibben

P.S. Once you've spread this news around your networks (click here to share it on twitter or here to share it on facebook), please go celebrate. And speaking of celebrations, our friends at The Age of Stupid report that the Global Premier of their new epic climate change film takes place on September 21--you can find details on local screenings here: www.ageofstupid.net
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350.org is an international grassroots campaign that aims to mobilize a global climate movement united by a common call to action. By spreading an understanding of the science and a shared vision for a fair policy, we will ensure that the world creates bold and equitable solutions to the climate crisis. 350.org is an independent and not-for-profit project.

What is 350? 350 is the number that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. Scientists measure carbon dioxide in "parts per million" (ppm), so 350ppm is the number humanity needs to get below as soon as possible to avoid runaway climate change. To get there, we need a different kind of PPM-a "people powered movement" that is made of of people like you in every corner of the planet.

Building a Healthy Home

http://www.copyrightfreephotos.com/gallery/buildings/3/81647527/

A great number of people dismiss the idea of "Sick Building Syndrome" but having worked in a building which was the cause of some health problems, I do believe that this syndrome exists.

There is a plethora of health hazards in and around the building environment. Problems can arise from the products used in construction, so careful consideration is required of the materials that are to be used in the construction.

More and more children suffer from asthma. Breast cancer has doubled since the 1960's. Could these conditions be linked to the buildings we live or work in?

The indoor air quality can be affected from anything from carpets to paint. Other hazards are radon, mold, fungus, mildew, formaldehyde together with the use of chemicals and plastics in and around the buildings add to the pollution of the office or home. Health effects can include allergies, unusual bleeding or memory loss.

Insufficient studies have been conducted and few professionals really understand the full extent of the impact of these substances on the mental and physical health of the human body, net alone the ecology of the planet.

Building Biology looks at this this problem as a whole and provides realistic solutions to create buildings that support the mind, body and soul.

Click the title for a list of 12 building principals to create a healthy home / office.

Paint your roof white

I've heard talk in the last few weeks of the benefits of painting roofs white so as to reflect the heat of the sun back into the atmosphere, in an attempt to lessen the amount of heat being retained by earth.

At first I thought this a joke, then I read that Obama's climate Guru, Steven Chu, the US Secretary of Energy and a Nobel prize-winning scientist, said that painting roofs white and making pavements white or light-coloured would help to reduce global warming by both conserving energy and reflecting sunlight back into space. It would, he said, be the equivalent of taking all the cars in the world off the road for 11 years.

Houses with white roofs, like those found in Greece, would be able to reflect light back through the atmosphere. However, it won't work if you and I just decide to do it. It would need cities to participate to make any impact.

It's like planting a tree - it is still a good idea, but to make any impact, forests would need to be planted and not only that, their locations would need to be worked out scientifically so as to maximize the effect.

However, I have to wonder at how often the roofs would have to be painted especially as white won't stay white for long !

But what about conservation laws and local planning authorities? It seems that flats roofs could be covered with a solar reflective paint, but not roof that are angled. I'm trying to find out why this would be a problem.

How many light bulbs does it take to change a man?

David MacKay is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Cambridge University.

In this video clip he shows what will make a difference at home, but as he says this is not enough. The savings in energy by individuals is minimal. What is needed is national changes to energy production. Can I add... we need Global changes to make a difference.

How Many Light Bulbs? from Cambridge Ideas from Cambridge University on Vimeo.

Go-Green: Pay your bills electronically

Now I don't know about you, but I think paying my bills electronically is a whole lot better than standing in queues.

I'd rather go without cash than stand in a queue at the bank. If there are queues at the Food Market, I make another plan.

Bottom line - I don't do queues !

So, whether you are thinking of saving Dollars, Pounds, Rands or even Kulula Moolah, here is something to think about!

It is reported by newsday.com that for every 38,000 bills paid online in the US, 5,058 pounds of greenhouse gases are avoided and two tons of trees are preserved, according to NACHA -- The Electronic Payments Association, a non-profit organization.

Using direct payment also saves a person about $150 annually in stamp and check/cheque costs and late fees, NACHA estimates, not to mention the cost of fuel and your time.

If your employer pays you by check/cheque, ask them to consider 'Going-Green" and to pay you via a direct deposit to help cut back your paper trail, never mind that of the company.

Going Green can be as simple as considering little things like paying your bills electronically. That's another one I can add to my going list of 'Gone-Green'.

For More Green Tips and Facts click here:
http://www.newsday.com/features/lifestyle/green/stv-green-storygallery-tipsandfacts,0,5974673.storygallery