The other global crisis

Saturday October 24 is the International Day of Climate Action. As the first major time zone to act on the day, Sydney will host live music and speeches on the steps of the Opera House.

Performing live are The Cat Empire’s Felix Riebl, the Beautiful Girls and the 35-strong adult choir, The Cafe at The Gates of Salvation. Robyn Williams, host of ABC’s Science Show, will MC the afternoon. Special guest speaker will be scientist, author and international climate science insider Ann Henderson-Sellers.

The Cat Empire’s Felix Riebl said: “It’s an amazing opportunity for any Australian to sing at the Opera House, and even more so to help add to the chorus call for climate change action. As citizens of the world we want to make the day a huge, positive shout out on the need to solve this problem.”

Globally, the heavy mover for the day is 350.org. According to scientific consensus, 350 parts per million(ppm)carbon dioxide is the maximum safe level of carbon in the atmosphere, at least if we want a planet “similar to the one on which civilization developed and to which life on Earth is adapted”.

Currently, we are at 397 ppm and climbing fast.

350.org CEO Blair Palese said Australians have really taken up the 350.org call with more than 160 events taking place across the country.

“We’re asking Sydneysiders to come out in force to the Sydney Opera House steps at 2pm on October 24 to enjoy the 350 music and help spell out a giant 350 at our most iconic location as part of the global demand for climate action,” he said.

Palese is also looking forward to the contribution of the bell ringers at St. Mary’s Cathedral who have agreed to toll the bells 350 times throughout the day.

More than 2000 events are scheduled around the world on the day, with more than 150 countries signed up already.

Al Gore has endorsed the event and commended the creative proposals of many nations. In particular, said Gore, “on the dying coral reefs of the Maldives where the government’s entire cabinet will don scuba gear and hold an official underwater meeting to pass a 350 resolution to send to the Copenhagen summit.”

So too, “on the shores of the fast-drying Dead Sea, Israeli activists will form a giant human ‘3’ on their beach, Palestinians a ‘5’ on theirs, and Jordanians an ‘0’ – reminding us we need to unite on this vital issue.”

A very timely message for the Australian Parliament, currently dominated by giant egos and tiny visions.

– By Roger Hanney