Whether or not you’re a maths or statistics enthusiast, from time to time certain numbers become particularly significant in our lives. When my sons were younger and I was spending most of my time home educating them, we had a book called “Curious and Interesting Numbers” into which I would delve every so often to extract a clever numerical pattern or numerical quirk in life with which to play. We also had some posters on the walls of our landing explaining, and depicting visually, interesting mathematical relationships and patterns.

Today, the number 350 has come to my attention. According to 350.org, 350 is the safe upper level, in parts per million, of CO2 in our atmosphere. They continue: “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.”

Whenever I become aware of a campaign such as this, I’m reminded of what Joanna Macy has to say about setting aside some time, energy and affort to be an activist, to engage in holding patterns to halt the machine of persistent economic growth as well as contribute to a new paradigm for a life sustaining society.

So, today’s number is 350 folks. Let’s become activists and spread the word however we can. There are plenty of ideas for action on the 350 website.