Youth Prepare for Climate Action Day

350.org is hosting an Asian Youth Climate Workshop this weekend in Bangkok for nearly 100 youth from over 14 countries in the region to introduce vital new voices to the United Nations climate process and prepare for the October 24 International Day of Climate Action. A Jamie Henn letter from Thailand.

Dear Friends,

From where I’m standing, the politics of climate change need a big boost — one we’re in the perfect place to provide.

I’m here in Bangkok, Thailand, at another round of United Nations climate meetings, where negotiators are deadlocked. But I didn’t come here to watch the negotiations, I came here to help change them.

This weekend, 350.org will host an Asian Youth Climate Workshop for nearly 100 youth from over 14 countries in the region to introduce vital new voices to the United Nations climate process and prepare for the October 24 day of action.

And inside the negotiations, as I walk to meetings with my 350 shirt on, I’ve been approached by people from Ghana, Kenya, Lebanon, Germany, Vietnam, China, Australia, and more, who all want to share updates about the events they’re planning for October 24.

As organizers gear up for the big day of action on October 24 (1600+ actions in 130+ countries and rising FAST!), the images and stories from this global movement are just pouring in.

Our combination of creative action mixed with a clear goal is already having a real political impact. We could have submitted hundreds of pages of briefings and reports on 350 ppm and gotten nowhere. Instead, we’ve relied on the power of grassroots organizing and powerful images, and we’re making incredible progress.

Here at the UN meetings, I’ve overheard delegates from countries around the world talking about 350 ppm and how any legitimate global climate treaty must meet the latest science. Yesterday, I tracked down the head of the United States delegation, Jonathan Pershing, to get his perspective. I asked him to tell me what 350.org could do to push the negotiations forward. His reply: “Keep organizing.”

That’s exactly right. As much progress as we’ve made, there is still a long way to go. We’ve entered the final sprint towards the Copenhagen climate talks this December and now, more than ever, we all need to step it up.

If you haven’t started or joined an action yet please do so now.  We have a brand new action map that makes finding a local event easier than ever:

On a personal note, I want to end by saying how thankful I am to be here in Bangkok, meeting 350 action organizers from around the world. It’s an incredible feeling to shake the hand of a stranger from Ghana or Cambodia and have them yell “350!” and launch into a description of their actions and plans for October 24.

Thanks for helping build this incredible movement,

Jamie Henn for the whole 350.org Team

P.S. If you’re ready to join the 350 Movement on October 24, let your friends know–they’ll let their friends know, and they’ll let their…you get the idea.  Thanks a million.

You should join us on Facebook by becoming a fan of our page at facebook.com/350org and follow us on twitter by visiting twitter.com/350.

To join our list visit www.350.org/signup

350.org needs your help! To support our work, donate securely online at 350.org/donate

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.

Editor’s note: I’ll be taking part in a 24 October event for International Day of Climate Action organised by Sustainable Jamboree at Indooroopilly Library, Brisbane.  I’ll be talking about my book “The ABC of Carbon” and provide case studies of what countries and companies are doing as we move towards a low carbon economy. Come along!

Source: www.350.org and www.sustainablejamboree.org