350 in Tasmania
The global climate action movement 350.org is based on the calculation by scientists that the world needs to reduce the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from its present level, close to 390 parts per million by volume, down to 350 ppm. The 350 ppm target is supported by the chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Rajendra Pachauri.
“Losing Tasmania” was a silent, candlelit walk around Hobart’s waterfront commemorating the precious things in our lives, ending with a “350” at St David’s Park.
Saturday 24 October 2009 was designated the first International Day for Climate Action, and people around the world came together to express their concern about carbon emissions and contribute to a visual petition to the world’s leaders ahead of the UN climate summit in Copenhagen in December 2009.
In Tasmania, eight “350” events were held in six venues: Hobart, Launceston, Ulverstone, Devonport, St Helens and the Styx Valley:
• Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Hobart: Visitors to the Gardens were invited to add supplied plant material to help to create a “350” collage on the lawn near the Floral Clock, to emphasise that time is running out for effective action on climate change.
• Tasmanian Arboretum, Devonport: Plants affect all life, and climate affects all plants. At the Arboretum (46 Old Tramway Road, Eugenana) visitors helped make a 350 collage from waste plant materials collected nearby.
• “Losing Tasmania — A procession of precious things”, Hobart. In the evening of the International Day of Climate Action, people took part in a short procession around the Hobart waterfront, in which each participant carried a symbol of what is precious to them in their lives. The event ended at St David’s Park.
• “Windmill” picnic, Royal Park, Launceston. Participants in this family event made paper windmills and planted them in the ground to form a massive “350”.
• Picnic at The Gorge, Launceston. A family barbecue for the planet.
• Human 350 sign, Styx Valley. In the Styx Valley (a tributary of the Derwent), participants provided a visual reminder of the role of our forests in stabilising greenhouse gas concentrations in our atmosphere.
• Get on your Bike, St Helens. A bike ride ended at St Helens Wharf for a 350 photo.
• Family “Green-Blue” Barbecue, Ulverstone. At Otto’s Grotto picnic area, Shropshire Park, Dial Street, Ulverstone, people gathered for a family-friendly community picnic lunch, games, guest speakers and music wearing an item of blue or green clothing.
The photographs are from the Hobart event, “Losing Tasmania: A procession of precious things”.