Grass roots groups from around the world are planning the International Day of Climate Action this October. In response to this movement, the Environment Team of the Parasol Community Collaboration is planning to sponsor a local public event in Kings Beach on Oct. 18.

The goal of the Day of Climate Action is to mobilize citizens around the world to make their voices heard regarding the need for tough action on climate change. The event is timed to send a clear message to world leaders before they convene to finalize the new United Nations Climate Change Treaty in Copenhagen this December.

The rationale for the event is described on the website, 350.org. The site explains that the target for the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the earth’s atmosphere should be set at 350 parts per million. The present level of CO2 in the atmosphere is 389 parts per million (ppm).

The proposed target of 350 was suggested by prominent NASA scientist, James Hansen, in his December 2008 article, “Target Atmospheric CO2: Where Should Humanity Aim?” In the abstract for this scientific article, he states, “If humanity wishes to preserve a planet similar to that on which civilization developed and to which life on Earth is adapted, paleoclimate evidence and ongoing climate change suggest that CO2 will need to be reduced from its current 389 ppm to at most 350 ppm, but likely less than that.”

Heather Segale, of the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center, stated that the event in Kings Beach on Oct. 18, “Will be an opportunity to learn more about climate change and to make a statement to world leaders about the need to act quickly to prevent severe human and environmental consequences.”

Organizers plan to photograph participants holding a banner with a statement of local support for tougher atmospheric standards. The photograph will be taken following the close of the Sierra Nevada Alliance Annual Conference (http://www.sierranevadaalliance.org/conference) at the North Tahoe Event Center. Participants are asked to gather at 2pm, at the event center.

This is a chance for residents of Lake Tahoe to show their support for an equitable global climate treaty that lowers carbon dioxide below 350 parts per million. Similar photos from hundreds of demonstrations worldwide will be published prior to the Copenhagen Conference.

To join the organizers, contact Jill Falman at (775) 881.7566 or jcfalman@ucdavis.edu. To organize an event in your community and to learn more, visit www.350.org.