Thousands gather worldwide on day of climate protests

[cal04]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20091024/sc_afp/environmentclimatewarmingaction_20091024193314

Kicking off with thousands gathering on the steps of Sydney's iconic Opera House, global warming protests took place around the world Saturday to mark 50 days before the UN climate summit.

From Asia to Europe via the Middle East, activists staged lively events addressing world leaders and to mobilise public opinion around climate issues.

Many waved placards bearing the logo 350, referring to 350 parts per million (ppm) of CO2 in the atmosphere which scientists say must not be exceeded to avoid runaway global warming.

France's politicians received a "wake up" call from several hundred Parisians who chose clocks as their symbol.



Campaign to Reduce Carbon Dioxide Picks a Number
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/25/science/earth/25threefifty.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

On Saturday, they tried something new with the goal of prodding countries to get serious about reaching an international climate accord: a synchronized burst of more than 4,300 demonstrations, from the Himalayas to the Great Barrier Reef, 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.




Climate activists form the number '350', representing the atmospheric carbon target of a cut to 350 parts per million, on the steps of the Sydney Opera House on October 24, to kick off an international day of protest about global warming. Similar stunts were planned at some 4,000 locations in more than 170 countries across the globe to mark 50 days until world leaders meet in Copenhagen.
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/world-leaders-global-warming-Sydney-Opera-House/photo//091024/photos_ts_wl_afp/80ec89a764e0107fb7b40715f1702934//s:/afp/20091024/sc_afp/environmentclimatewarmingaction_20091024193314

[slackmaster]

1. I wonder how far those people drove on average to get to the event

:argh:

[kestrel91316]

2. Well, being concerned environmental activists, it's likely that most

took mass transit, or carpooled, or biked, or walked. And I doubt anybody flew from NYC to attend the Sydney event.

[Braulio]

6. Need to tax carbon, that's all

I'm sure everybody would demand mass transit, or car pool, or at least drive tiny very fuel efficient vehicles, if carbon were taxed.

[jimlup]

4. I biked to my local event...

Generally, the important thing is to build awareness. In general environmental activists have lower CO2 emissions per capita than average.

Your "I wonder how far people drove" is a very republican and cynical argument. It misses the point of building awareness to an issue which is misunderstood by a significant portion of the American population.

[Jim Lane]

7. Do you cavil at people who have to drive several miles to vote?

Perhaps everyone who cares about the environment should refrain from driving except when absolutely necessary. That may mean that, in rural areas, only antienvironmentalists will vote, so government will continue to do almost nothing about climate change, but, hey, at least progressives won't be open to snarky attacks on DU.

For the record, I took the subway to the NYC event. Nevertheless, I realize that I'm one of the lucky ones. Most Americans don't have access to good mass transit. Either they drive to demonstrations or they don't demonstrate. I welcome their participation, even if they have to drive.

[Ichingcarpenter]

10. Parking is limited at the Sidney Opera House and expensive however

there are many alternatives:


PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Circular Quay is a five to seven minute walk from the Sydney Opera House. You can catch buses, trains and ferries to Circular Quay. To ensure your public transport needs can be met and for further information please contact:

Sydney Buses
Transport Infoline: 131 500
TTY: 1800 637 500
Fax: [phone]
www.sydneybuses.nsw.gov.au

CityRail
Transport Infoline: 131 500
TTY: 1800 637 500
Fax: [phone]
www.cityrail.info

Sydney Ferries
Transport Infoline: 131 500
TTY: 1800 637 500
Fax: [phone]
www.sydneyferries.info


Complimentary Shuttle Bus

Designed for elderly and less mobile customers. Seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. The bus runs between Circular Quay near Stand E (under the Cahill Expressway) and the Vehicle Concourse. Please note that there is no bus service for any theatres on Sunday evenings.

Vehicle Concourse Parking



A limited number of accessible parking spaces are available on the Concourse near Stage Door, a fee of $15.00 apples. To check availability please call 61 2 9250 7185 Monday to Saturday 9:00am till 8:30pm, Sunday 10:00am till 6:00pm (subject to alteration). Please ensure you have your updated RTA details (current RTA permit number and expiry date) and credit card ready before calling.


http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/visit/transport.aspx

Keep living in your little world ignorant of the rest ..... buddy.

[jimlup]

3. Thanks

This is important. We need to show the politicians that people are paying attention.

[Ichingcarpenter]

5. I changed my sig in solidarity for the conference

I will be there


COP15 – the crucial conference
The ambition of the Danish government is that the COP15 conference in Copenhagen will result in an ambitious global agreement including all the countries of the world.

link to the official site:


http://en.cop15.dk/

edited to fix link

[excess_3]

8. thousands in Europe demand that US should ....

thousands in Europe demand that US should
strangle its economy.
(while Europe profits)


surprise .. surprise .. surprise

[Ichingcarpenter]

9. 170 countries across the globe= Europe......right!

Dumbfuckistan = Texas oil interests

The US has the tech and knowledge to change.........Do you?