MEDIA RELEASE

Saturday, October 24th is INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CLIMATE ACTION!

Join people all over the world to take a stand for a safe climate future.

What’s 350?
350 ppm (parts per million) of CO2 in our atmosphere is the safe upper limit for humanity. This means if we remain above 350 ppm (our atmosphere currently carries about 390 ppm) it won’t take long for our climate to no longer be hospitable for people. That says nothing about the effects on marine and coastal life, which would surely be impacted. Scientists believe there is still time to minimize the likeliness of an unsafe climate in our future. 350 is the number that will make the difference, so it is the focus of a worldwide campaign to spread the word and send a strong message to Copenhagen to create a global climate treaty that lowers carbon dioxide below 350 ppm.

There will be over 1300 “350 Actions” taking place globally (visit www.350.org and view this video http://www.350.org/video for more info) on October 24th. Here in Hawaii 350 Action efforts will be focusing on the Blue Line Project. The Blue Line will be drawn throughout the Islands (Kauai, Oahu, Maui & the Big Island) on the 24th and represents the expected 1‐meter sea‐level rise if we don’t secure a safe climate future.

Sea‐level rise is a major concern for everyone, but more so for Island communities. Islands are the first to see the impacts of climate change via sea‐level rise and some of the lower islands in the Pacific are already feeling the impact (e.g. soil salinization). As an island community it is important for us to be aware of what we stand to lose as well as what we can do to help.

Join the Blue Line Project nearest you and have some fun while you take a STAND for a safe climate future. In Hilo there will be PRIZES for the MOST CREATIVE LINE drawn and for the 1st ten groups that arrive at the Hilo site. Join us to Draw Hilo’s BLUE LINE:

Saturday, October
24th 11 am – 1 pm
Downtown Hilo

– learn more at www.350.org/hilo Bring a friend, your community group and your ‘ohana – help us draw a line on Climate Change! There will be a signmaking workshop on Monday the 19th & an informational preevent presentation on Wednesday the 21st all building up to the Blue Line Project event on Saturday, October 24th.

Kokua is needed, to find out how you or your community group can get involved please contact Erika for more information at hperry@hawaii.edu or 9697904. The Hilo Blue Line Project has been made possible by The Sierra Club, Blue Planet Foundation, UHHilo

Pacific Aquaculture & Coastal Resources Center (PACRC), Kokua Foundation, 350.org, and Hawaii Interfaith Power and Light.