.::. Fight Climate Change .::.

Admittedly, many Singaporeans don't give a hoot about climate change. We are mostly a practical bunch and honestly, we are too deeply entrenched in the 'rat-race' and strive for the better life that nothing much interests us. Not many of us believe in a cause enough to stand up for it, much less to be passionate about it.

It's not exactly wrong to say that I'm one of them. I try to use less electricity and water and that's about it. I know it, just that I don't take much action.

It's quite enlightening to have a roommate who studies about the environment and sustainability. There are issues and stuff she brings up which I have never thought about, things which I might never have came across. Generally, Europe, or maybe Sweden, is rather into such environmental issues. I'm going to take a module on Corporate Social Responsibility next term. There seems to be quite a few events going on all the time.

Today, 24th October, is International Day of Climate. Did you know that? There was an Earth Day but this is more to bring awareness and to lobby for support I guess.

It is organized in Singapore too - 8am at Hong Lim Park. But I know I definitely wouldn't have went there even if I knew about it. That's the way things are back home, we are too busy, too lazy and nonchalant. *sigh. I guess I can only admire those who bother to go and try to make a difference. I saw many pictures of different events going on around the world today. It appears that there are 181 countries and more than 5200 events going on.

Here are some of the pictures in Malmo, Sweden:

The purpose of this event is basically to lobby for a treaty to cut emissions of CO2 in our atmosphere as world leaders are going to have a conference in Copenhagen in December.

According to its website:

350.org is an international campaign dedicated to building a movement to unite the world around solutions to the climate crisis--the solutions that science and justice demand.Our mission is to inspire the world to rise to the challenge of the climate crisis—to create a new sense of urgency and of possibility for our planet.

Our focus is on the number 350--as in parts per million, the level scientists have identified as the safe upper limit for CO2 in our atmosphere. But 350 is more than a number--it's a symbol of where we need to head as a planet.

To tackle climate change we need to move quickly, and we need to act in unison—and 2009 will be an absolutely crucial year. This December, world leaders will meet in Copenhagen, Denmark to craft a new global treaty on cutting emissions. The problem is, the treaty currently on the table doesn't meet the severity of the climate crisis—it doesn't pass the 350 test.

In order to unite the public, media, and our political leaders behind the 350 goal, we're harnessing the power of the internet to coordinate a planetary day of action on October 24, 2009. We hope to have actions at hundreds of iconic places around the world - from the Taj Mahal to the Great Barrier Reef to your community - and clear message to world leaders: the solutions to climate change must be equitable, they must be grounded in science, and they must meet the scale of the crisis.

If an international grassroots movement holds our leaders accountable to the latest climate science, we can start the global transformation we so desperately need.

So yea..an individual can't do much, but we can always try, in our own little ways. Cumulative actions always make a difference.

Visit 350.org for more cool pictures!