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The 350 Buzz
You have likely seen the number 350 pop up when talking about carbon emissions. The number is key to survival of the planet - it represents the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that is safe to have if we expect life to continue to thrive.
As author and activist Bill McKibben noted during Earth Month, top scientist James Hansen and his NASA team have stated that anything above 350 parts per million "is not compatible with the planet 'on which civilization developed and to which life is adapted.'" In other words, we need to be under that number, or else. Right now, we're well above it at 387 parts per million, and that's a problem.
Beyond politics, beyond economies, beyond national boarders, as a species on this planet, we need to change our patterns if we want life as we know it to keep ticking away. And that means studying up on, and living out, 350.
The 350 Science
Where does the number come from?
According to NASA scientist, James Hansen, 350 parts per million carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is the do-or-die number for the planet. Hansen has been studying atmospheric conditions for decades and is one of the most well respected scientists when it comes to climate change. He and his team use real-world observation, computer simulation, and historical data about climate throughout ancient times to calculate atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and determine functional levels. This is the number they've found is what we all have to shoot for.
What happens above 350?
Well, to be a little dire about it, life as we know it eventually ends. Simply put, 350 ppm is the amount of CO2 that our natural systems are able to process without major negative effects. For example, about one quarter of our CO2 emissions is absorbed by our oceans. However, it's too much for the oceans to be able to handle without impacting pH balance. Right now, the oceans are turning acidic, which is causing changes from coral reef bleaching to softening crustacean shells to altering food systems and having a long chain reaction.
Too much CO2 in the atmosphere means acidic oceans with shifted ecosystems, a warmer atmosphere which means melting arctic ice that not only changes the balance of ecosystems at the poles (such as pine beetles moving farther north and killing off whole swaths of pine trees that would normally help to sequester CO2) but also melts tundra, which releases stored methane, another major greenhouse gas. The effects are vast, and the chain reactions long and far reaching. In other words, too much CO2 means a planet we no longer recognize, and may not be able to survive upon. It sounds very doom-and-gloom, and it is. But, that doesn't have to be our future. The 350 Movement There's a movement a'brewin that will help us get back down to 350 ppm. The 350 Campaign is working to educate everyone on the meaning of 350, and prod both the general population and political leaders into serious social changes. The organizers recognize that it is a universal problem, and needs to be encompassed in a universal message. They've developed this creative video to explain: The message gets across clearly, but the group doesn't stop there. It's political leaders that can really help guide us towards change. So they aim to get the attention of our leaders. That includes active political involvement , as well as making big statements 350 and You What you can do to cut carbon NOW There's a lot you can do to help get CO2 levels down to 350 ppm. Here are just a few of the ways to get started: 1. Pledge - Sign up with a promise to reduce your carbon footprint at World Offset. 2. Study - Learn about what your carbon footprint is and how to reduce it, and keep tabs on the (latest news and tips. 3. Travel Habits - If you're traveling, learn how much carbon you emit by moving around, and find easy ways to drastically reduce your impact. 4. Eating Habits - From Meatless Mondays to full vegetarian, you can help bring us back to 350 in a big way through your low carbon food choices. 5. Location - Thinking about moving to the city? It could help cut your carbon footprint in half. 6. The Three Step Program - You can slash your carbon footprint by making three simple changes, and suggesting friends and family do the same.
