"Stay happy and you'll be perfectly fine" - Jack Norris

NORTHERN BEACHES JOIN THE LARGEST DAY OF CLIMATE ACTION IN HISTORY

For example . . .
For example . . .

2000+ EVENTS AROUND THE WORLD

On Saturday 24 October 2009 Northern Beaches residents will join hundreds of thousands of people from around the world in taking a stand for a safe climate future as part of the largest global day of climate action ever witnessed.

The call to action by both Climate Action Pittwater and Manly Warringah Climate Action Group as well as local surf life saving clubs, and hosted by Pittwater, Warringah and Manly Councils, will spell out the numerals ‘350’ (i.e. 350 parts per million, signifying the safe upper level of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere) via human signs on local beaches.

“People are turning out in great numbers in Australia and around the world on 24 October to call on global leaders to hear the public concern about climate change before the UN talks in Copenhagen in December,” said a spokesperson for the Climate Change Groups.

“Scientists are saying that our current greenhouse emissions at 385ppm are at a dangerous level.
“350 sends a clear message to our community and our leaders that we cannot afford to be skeptical anymore and that we need to set a clear and ambitious goal to work towards at the Copenhagen meeting.
“Individuals and families in every corner of the world will be taking similar action from Mount Everest and the Taj Mahal to the Great Barrier Reef and the Sydney Opera House.”
The Northern Beaches climate action groups have the support of local Mayors, Councils, politicians and community groups who will be gathering at three locations (Mona Vale beach, Dee Why beach, and North Steyne beach) at 3.00pm on Saturday 24 October.

The events are three of more than 2,000 rallies in more than 140 nations coordinated by the organization ‘350.org’ and urging world leaders to take fast and effective action on climate change.
“This is the first global campaign ever organised around a scientific data point,” said the climate change group spokesperson.
“It’s also significant that we organize the human signs on our local beaches as increasing sea levels will see our iconic beaches disappear in the future.
“Everyone has a responsibility in combating climate change. We can each make a difference to reducing our own carbon footprints.
“We are encouraging the residents of the Northern Beaches to register their interest and to join us on this day so that we can to get our world back to 350 and a safe climate future.”
To find out more about ‘350’ go to www.350.org/australia.

To register go to:
Dee Why Beach http://www.350.org/node/7325;
Manly Beach http://www.350.org/node/7523
Mona Vale Beach http://www.350.org/node/7327
Spokespersons to contact include:
Iain McGregor (Manly): 0400 481 259.
Kirsten Evans (Dee Why): 0438 177 088.
Linda Haefeli (Pittwater) 0409 815 119.
To make the sign more effective it would be suitable to wear something black, green, blue or red on the day.
For media information contact Ron Krueger on 0418 617 680.
ENDORSEMENTS
“The gathering of world leaders in Copenhagen for the UN Climate Change Conference in December this year offers what may be the last, best chance for determining concerted action to prevent the worst effects of global warming.
Representing a coastal community likely to be profoundly affected by rising sea levels, Manly Council is committed to developing strategies that promote the conservation of the natural environment to benefit current and future generations; including long term considerations of climate change.
Therefore, as the Mayor of Manly, I fully support the objectives of the ‘350’ campaign and encourage all who love Manly to come along and take part on the day.” – Jean Hay, Mayor of Manly
I am proud to support this initiative and encourage Warringah residents to take a stand on the sand on the day.” – Michael Regan, Mayor of Warringah.
“I encourage Pittwater residents to get behind this great initiative and to send a clear message that we need to limit our emissions to avoid runaway climate change.” – Harvey Rose, Mayor of Pittwater.
“This event is a great opportunity for the Northern Beaches community to show their support for more action on climate change. The lack of public transport on the Peninsula means more cars are clogging up the roads and that has to change. Our beautiful local environment is why we love living on the Northern Beaches and it must be protected for future generations.” – Mike Baird, Member for Manly

“Our coastline and particularly beaches are hugely threatened by rising sea levels and the predicted more numerous and potent storms bought on by climate change and here is an unmissable chance to send your message.” -Brendan Donohue, Surfrider Foundation Northern Beaches Chapter.
“Mona Vale SLSC is proud to be hosting Pittwater’s 350 event. Surf Life Saving Clubs, by their very nature, are particularly vulnerable to coastal erosion and the probable implications of sea level rise. Becoming involved in this public display of climate change action raises the awareness of our 700+ members and their families. Surf Lifesavers and ‘Nippers’ all have a role to play in addressing climate change, and this event is another way MVSLSC is taking action”. – Jon Dibbs – President and Life Member of Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club.
ABOUT 350.ORG
Founded by author and environmentalist Bill McKibben, 350.org is the first large-scale grassroots global campaign against climate change. Its supporters include leading scientists, the governments of 89 countries, and a huge variety of environmental, health, development and religious NGOs. All agree that current atmospheric levels of greenhouse gases—385 parts per million—are causing damage to the planet and to its most vulnerable people, and that government action at the Copenhagen climate conference is required to bring the earth’s carbon level swiftly down.