Saturday, October 24, was the day of global demonstrations for the number 350. On that day, some 5100 separate community actions in 181 countries were held to appeal for an effective international treaty to curb climate change.
350 ppm
Central to these actions is the call for a ceiling of 350 parts per million CO2 in the atmosphere. Increasing numbers of climate scientists say that this is the upper limit of safety - and we are already above that limit. If we are to prevent catastrophic climate change then we have to aim to get back to 350ppm.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam too had a large-scale community demonstration on October 24 - but this demonstration has a creative twist to it: starting at noon in the Museumplein, climate activist Anna Keenan will instruct and lead a mass 1920's Charleston dance, at the end of which dancers will form a giant 350.
Speeches
Inspirational speakers, including former MP Wijnand Duyvendak and Greenpeace activist Meike Baretta and prof Rik Leemans (Wageningen University) will then fire up the crowd, explaining the historic opportunity of the upcoming United Nations Copenhagen Climate summit, before the third 'Amsterdam Climate March' departs at 2pm, criss-crossing the centre of Amsterdam from Museumplein to the Spui.
Dr James Hansen
We will also read a statement prepared by world-renowned climatologist Dr. James Hansen, who first advanced 350ppm as the safe upper limit for CO2 in the atmosphere.
Leora
"This event is a great opportunity for Netherlands citizens to raise their voices - and move their feet - about climate change, and to make sure that the government hears us," said organiser Leora Rosner. "I have an 18 year old daughter, and I want to ensure that the government acts today, to ensure that her generation has a safe future tomorrow."
"We are calling on Jan Balkenende to show his ‘stewardship’ of the Netherlands by being a strong and effective climate leader in Copenhagen, and we invite all of Amsterdam - young and old - to come out and join us. It will be a great day for the whole family."
Towards Beat the heat now!
The October 24 event is part of a series of climate events planned by the Dutch environmental movement in coming months, which will culminate in the momentous ‘Beat The Heat Now!’ on December 12, to coincide with the Copenhagen climate talks.
