International Day of Climate Action - October 24, 2009

The National Research Council, which is part of the U.S.’s National Research Academies (Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine) has released a report on the hidden health and environmental costs of energy production and consumption. The news release from their office of Public Information says:

The committee that wrote the report focused on monetizing the damage of major air pollutants -- sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone, and particulate matter – on human health, grain crops and timber yields, buildings, and recreation. When possible, it estimated both what the damages were in 2005 (the latest year for which data were available) and what they are likely to be in 2030, assuming current policies continue and new policies already slated for implementation are put in place.

The committee also separately derived a range of values for damages from climate change; the wide range of possibilities for these damages made it impossible to develop precise estimates of cost. However, all model results available to the committee indicate that climate-related damages caused by each ton of CO2 emissions will be far worse in 2030 than now; even if the total amount of annual emissions remains steady, the damages caused by each ton would increase 50 percent to 80 percent.

This is a must-read.

This Saturday, October 24, more than 170 countries will participate in an International Day of Climate Action. There will be greater than 4,000 events with images and stories uploaded over the day to websites and the huge screens on Times Square in New York City.

Why Now?

The current climate talks in Europe are not going well. The U.S. is dragging its feet and so are other large industrial consumers of coal and oil. In December, world leaders will meet in Copenhagen, Denmark and attempt to write the foundation for a treaty on global climate change. They need to know that the planet doesn’t have time for pettiness and selfishness. The National Research Council’s report makes it clear that the energy being consumed now is already causing increased damage to our health, our food, how we live, and where we play. The International Day of Climate Action will provide demonstrable proof of consensus is asking for immediate and adequate action.
Participate by listing yourself as ready for a change on the 350.org site (Sponsors), by adding your blog voice, by creating an event for Saturday, or by going to one.

Don’t Wait

Every day the number of people, animals, and plants injured by pollutants rises. You don’t have to give money. You don’t have to give up a huge chunk of time. You only have to live your convictions. Be part of the solution. Start with adding your name to the list of those who are telling the politicians that we want this climate treaty. Continue by reducing your carbon footprint as much as you can. Global warming doesn’t just affect you; it is you.