The most important number on the planet: 350

By Michael Fraase

Sunday, 22 June 2008 03:45PM CST

Section: Sustainability

Sustainability wheelThat’s the parts per million (ppm) of carbon dioxide the earth’s atmosphere can sustainably contain. If we cross that line we cause irreversible damage. Irreversible.

350 is a real number backed by real science. NASA’S James Hansen first testified before the US Congress in 1988 that global warming presents a real threat. His team, probably more than anyone else in the world, has used observation, simulation, and data analysis to determine how much carbon the atmosphere can sustainably contain. And it’s not much: 350 parts per million.

Right now, today, we’re at 387 ppm (and rising by about two ppm every year). 200 years ago, we were at 275 ppm.

It’s a balancing act: the developed world has to wean ourselves off fossil fuels while allowing the developing parts of the globe to, well, develop.

When I was working at Utne Reader, I have to admit I just about reached my threshold of Bill McKibben. Actually, truth be told, I was way beyond my McKibben carrying capacity. He’s back. 350.org is mostly his creation and it’s brilliant in its simplicity, clear target, and urgent call to action. And he’s got a smorgasboard of intelligent free-thinkers behind him.

Start with the animation for a clear overview of the situation.

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