Now I know that claiming to be better than Journey, especially in Wisconsin, will leave doubt and tight-fisted Journey lovers at my doorstep... but hear me out. Better yet... hear Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org, out.
"Dear 350.org supporters,
It's been just three weeks since since you organized what CNN is calling the biggest day of political action in the planet's history. Except your actions didn't just make history, they helped change the course of the planet's future.
Please view this special thank you video from a delegate from Palau (a small, low-lying island nation) at the recent Barcelona climate conference. It's a powerful testament to how you've made 350 a reality in the negotiations for a global climate deal - and just in time as the world turns its attention to the pivotal UN Climatetalks in Copenhagen just over two weeks away.
Now, some of you you may have heard some of the frustrating news this week. Here it is if you haven't:
Earlier this week Barack Obama and the leaders of some other large nations announced that they weren't going to reach any kind of legally binding climate agreement in Copenhagen--declaring that they need more time despite the five years of preparation they've already had.
We cannot accept such inaction without taking a stand. With the survival of entire countries is at stake, delay isn't an option. A country like the Maldives, the lowest country on the planet at about 1.5 meters above sea level, may not exist in a hundred years if we don't act now. For millions of people who are the world's most climate vulnerable, getting back to 350 as soon as we can means making it out alive.
So it's time for the next big steps. The world needs your help once more.
Our main hope is you will organize a vigil candlelight vigil at some iconic or strategic place place near you on Friday or Saturday night, December 11th or 12th. Around the world people will gather to lighting lanterns or candles, in solemn solidarity with the citizens of those nations who will be first to face the challenge to their very survival posed by climate change.
Click here to register a Vigil For Survival in your community: www.350.org/vigil
[Note from Jamie: Make them as creative & fun as your 350 events!]
Eventually all of us will be hard-pressed by rising seas, spreading drought, and temperatures too hot for growing food. But right now-this year, this decade-there are countries being pressed to the brink. They're at the forefront of a fight for real change in Copenhagen, and need your help to amplify their voice.
Some of these "Vigils for Survival" will take place at iconic places in communities all over the world. Others will be outside American consulates and embassies, and a senator's offices throughout the United States. Partly this is because the United States is, historically, the country most responsible for the carbon in our atmosphere. But more it's because America, if it chose, could lead the way to a sane global climate policy.
In a very real sense, the short-term survival of many nations, and the long-term health of the whole planet, rests in the hands of Obama and the United States Senate. Their positions, along with the level of leadership provided by the European Union, China and a few other nations, can make or break a global climate treaty. The decisions made by this small group of people will in large part determine whether or not the world forges a deal strong enough to pull us back from the brink of climate catastrophe. Their courage--or lack of it--will help set the future of the planet for geologic time.
You have proven that you know how to organize your friends, your neighbors, your community. You are a leader of a movement to transform our world. As we call on our leaders to show bold leadership, we have a great opportunity to show them how, by example.
We'll soon be e-mailing the entire 350 email list to sign-up for vigils around the world. Will you sign up to organize a vigil so we can connect them with you right away?
Onwards, with hope.
Bill McKibben for the whole 350.org Team
P.S. - The 350 team is busy preparing to go to Copenhagen, to represent and back up the 350 movement in full force. If you have a 350 banner you might be willing to spare (or create!), we would love to display them loud and proud in marches and at the conference center! We can't promise to get your banners back to you - but we do promise to help make sure they get the message across to world leaders.
Please pack and mail your banners to:
350.org
2150 Allston Way
Suite 340, David Brower Center
Berkeley, CA 94704
USA
-- Thank you!"
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