On October 24, 2009, relatively small groups of people around the world will create an action that helps to raise awareness about the 350 International Day of Climate Action, and with a long list of events taking part across the country, China’s no exception.
If you’re like me and are wondering what the heck the whole “350” thing is, here’s a good explanation. Essentially:
350 parts per million is what many scientists, climate experts, and progressive national governments are now saying is the safe upper limit for CO2 in our atmosphere. Accelerating arctic warming and other early climate impacts have led scientists to conclude that we are already above the safe zone at our current 390ppm, and that unless we are able to rapidly return to 350 ppm this century, we risk reaching tipping points and irreversible impacts such as the melting of the Greenland ice sheet and major methane releases from increased permafrost melt.
The goal for the events is to raise general awareness about the significance of “350”, while also sending a clear message that change is needed to the world leaders meeting in Coppenhagen this December for the United Nations COP15 Climate Change Conference.
One of the largest actions taking place in China will be the “An Affair in the Forest” in Shanghai. Hosted at China’s first carbon-neutral hotel, URBN, the charity event will both work to raise awareness of the 350 International Day of Climate Action, while also benefiting Shanghai Roots & Shoots‘ Million Tree Project — an ambitious undertaking to plant one million tress in China by 2014.
CONTACT:
Victoria A. Hajjar
URBN Hotel
M: 135 242 68740
victoria@urbnhotels.com
www.urbnhotels.comThe festive and philanthropic evening, which will take over the entire ground level of the hotel, will offer guests a chance to learn about climate change, donate trees, and preview and purchase a bevy of fine art through an exclusive silent auction from such Shanghai artists as Zhang Zongmei, Jeffrey Bleazard, and Chen Yuan Zhen.
Additionally, guests will enjoy a formal 3 course dining experience by RoomTwentyEight, musical performances by New York City jazz musician Steve Sweeting, a string quartet ensemble, and organic wine tasting by Globus Wines. The silent art action will take place through the course of the evening in the penthouse where guests can view the art and enjoy drinks on URBN’s breathtaking rooftop space. The event begins at 6: oo pm.
A quick look at the Map of 350 Actions in China:
View Actions at 350.org
And some photos of actions from last year:
NOTE: If you are planning a 350 Action somewhere in China, please feel free to leave details about it in the comments.
