Join the Goa 350 Campaign- October 24th, 2009

Scientists say that 350 parts per million CO2 in the atmosphere is the safe limit for humanity. Learn more about 350 – what it means, where it came from, and how to get there. Click here

About the Campaign

350 is the most important number in the world -it's what scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. On 24th October 2009, people all over the world will take a stand for a safe climate future. In over 3300 actions covering almost every country in the world, there will be big rallies in big cities, and incredible creative actions across the globe: mountain climbers on our highest peaks with banners, underwater demonstrations in island nations threatened by sea level rise, churches and mosques and synagogues and ashrams engaged in symbolic action, star athletes organizing mass bike rides--and hundreds upon hundreds of community events to raise awareness of the need for urgent action. These events will be photographed with the number 350 in the background and be part of a gigantic visual petition at the UN Climate Negotiations in Copenhagen in December 2009.

24th October, 2009 - Benaulim

Goa's quite aware that to fight climate change and keep below 350 ppm of CO2 we need to turn green.

We want to highlight the 350 Cause via a signature campaign. But we also want to tell fellow Goans that Plastic bags are all over the place, and though alternatives exist, very few use them.

Our canvas is 350 meters of cloth spread across 3-5 cities, colleges and beaches of Goa. Encouraging creativity, a signature campaign on this cloth banner will then help create about 350 or more custom designed cloth bags that we will sell for a nominal Rs. 3.50. (Keeping the '350' number in focus all through! :)

A part of this banner will make it to Copenhagen later this year! Click here

Be a Part of the change!

In Goa

Goa has registered their participation in the worldwide campaign too at http://www.350.org/Goa. We will be raising awareness in 5 cities. The cities are Margao, Vasco, Panjim, Ponda and Maupsa. Volunteers at these cities will stand at a prominent place in the city for the entire day, and talk to the people about climate change. They will also man a table with the rolled out banner. Parts of the 350 long banners will be at each of these cities, and citizens would be encouraged to sign, draw, express their creativity with markers, and fabric paints on one, pre-marked section of the banner. At some cities, we shall arrange to have a bin for collecting plastic bags as well as a sewing machine at the end of the banner, converting the banner itself into cloth bags. The table will also collect details of those that would like to purchase cloth bags, priced at Rs. 35.0/- (for two bags) which could be collected or posted to them later.

Material & Volunteers for the Campaign

We have funds for basic costs and we shall recover other costs through sale of cloth bags, and volunteers donating materials and volunteering for the event. Each city would require a minimum of 4 volunteers at every hour during the day to man the tables, speak to people and manage the location. They shall receive briefing and awareness material on 22nd of October.

Location of the Actions in Goa

Margao: Facing the Bus Stand, along the Footpath around the central garden. For Margao, call Francis Braz 9420685253 or Clinton at 989093828

Panaji: Next to Gujarat Lodge at 18th June Road. For Panjim, Arati at 9822522119 or Talulah 9823362217

Vasco: In front of the Municipal Bldg. For Vasco call Shrinivas at 9423888645. or Jen 9225909002

Mapusa: Near State Bank of India For Mapusa call Roland at 9822180182

Nagpur

Mumbai!

Copenhagen may well be the pivotal moment that determines whether or not we get the planet out of the climate crisis, and your actions on October 24 will help our leaders realize we need a real solution that pays attention to the science. Similar events are happening at other places in India too, some of them are…

Delhi: North Campus at DU is organizing a clean-up rally, There may also be a bike rally around India gate, Reva cars will also participate (Contact Yashita at 9810499946)

Mumbai: Organizing a massive parade down Marine Drive with city leaders, celebrities, and massive 350 banners. (Ayesha at ayesha.kft@gmail.com)

Kerala: Vinu is cycling across Kerala, Andhra, and Tamil Nadu throughout November to spread climate awareness.

Bangalore: Ravi and Suren (IYCN) are organizing a 2,500 person 350 formation at a college in Bangalore, and Infosys should be having a rally on their campus on Friday 23 Oct. (Ravi Theja at ravi@iycn.in and suren@iycn.in) At Infy, contact is Digu (digu_aruchamy@infosys.com)

Goa: Clinton and others are organizing a great event to paint tons of messages to world leaders, some of which will go to Copenhagen and some of which will be made into bags to get rid of plastic (at klintvaz@gmail.com or 9890936828)

Agra: In Agra, Brajesh (9412723023) is organizing a giant rally of school children in the banks of the Yamuna behind the Taj Mahal to spell 350 in the banks. He is attempting to release a banner lifted by helium balloons to float above the Taj!

Chandigarh: Organizers Nisthara (9915586707) and Vivek (9417170356) are organizing cycle rallies in the city. Rishab can be an intermediate contact there (rishab.khanna@gmail.com)

Hyderabad: Chaitanya & Swetha are organizing a series of rallies around Hyderabad, including cycles, clean up drives, etc (chaitanya@iycn.in, swethasb@ymail.com)