350 Day of Global Climate Action in BeijingOctober 27, 2009

On Saturday, October 24th, Future Generations participated in the most widespread day of climate action in history. Coordinated worldwide by grassroots organization 350.org, the day aimed to raise awareness of the dangers of rising CO2 emissions.

Current atmospheric CO2 levels are 390 parts per million (ppm) and rising. Leading scientists and climate experts believe 350ppm to be the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide (CO2) in our atmosphere.

As citizens from 181 countries coordinated 5200 events around the world, Future Generations co-organized a mass bike ride in Beijing with environmental group Greening the Beige and the China Youth Climate Action Network to support the call for a goal of 350ppm to be agreed upon at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen this December. Scientists claim we must reach the 350ppm target before the end of the century to avoid irreversible climate impacts.

In Beijing, over 100 riders gathered between the Drum and Bell towers and set off on a ride across the city to a "Climate Action Carnival," situated near the Temple of Heaven. The Climate Action Carnival, hosted by Jane Goodall Institute China Roots & Shoots Beijing Office, Conservation International and Greening the Beige (GtB), featured interactive activity booths concerning environmental issues and student projects hosted by local student groups, along with live performances, and a raffle drawing.

For a look at the group photographs 350.org is collating to create a powerful visual petition that can be delivered to the media and world leaders in Copenhagen or for more information, please visit www.350.org.