Utahns joined countless others from 181 countries around the globe Saturday to call on world leaders and average citizens to take action to address climate change.
In Utah, hundreds gathered at a rally at Library Square in Salt Lake City as part of 350.org's International Day of Climate Action. The idea, in Salt Lake City and at thousands of other events worldwide, was to raise awareness about 350, the number many scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere as measured in parts per million. Organizers also hoped to send a message to U.S. President Barack Obama and other world leaders in time for the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference, which they hope will produce a treaty with 350 as a goal.
The rallies Saturday came just two days after a Pew Research Center poll revealed a drop in the percentage of Americans who believe global warming is occurring -- from 77 percent in 2006 to 57 percent now. But event organizers say global warming is both real and dangerous.
The earth's atmosphere already holds nearly 390 parts per million of carbon dioxide, according to 350.org. But leaders of the movement say it's not too late for change.
"There is a wide consensus that unless we drastically reduce our carbon emissions right now, we won't have another shot at doing it in time to stop all the catastrophic events from occurring," said Ashley Anderson, one of the main coordinators of the event in Salt Lake City. "This is kind of our last shot."
To raise awareness, bicyclists rode through Salt Lake City early Saturday afternoon. Participants then listened to speakers, including former Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson and Tim DeChristopher, who drew attention to climate protection by interfering with a federal oil and gas lease sale toward the end of the Bush administration. The two spoke on the need for action.
"I'm not here to tell you this battle will be easy," DeChristopher told the crowd. "I'm here to tell you this battle is ours."
The event peaked with hundreds standing in the shape of the number 350 in Library Square. Photographers took photos of the display, which they planned to post alongside similar photos taken around the world Saturday. By late Saturday afternoon, similar photos had already been posted online from places such as Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Egypt; London; Middlebury, Vt.; and Monument Valley.
According to 350.org, as many as 17 events may have been held in Utah on Saturday. More than 20 local groups came together to present the Salt Lake City event.
"The only way we're going to be able to influence anyone is to let people know it's not just a few left-wingers or right-wingers," said Richard Andrew of Salt Lake City, who participated in the event with his wife and 5-year-old son. "It's just people, and we want change."
