News Detail
The Middle Ground urges climate change through International 350 Action Rally
10.15.09
SUNY Potsdam’s student-run environmental group The Middle Ground will host an educational event and rally on Saturday, Oct. 24, at noon as part of the largest global day of climate action in history.
The event – one of more than 2,000 rallies in more than 140 nations – is coordinated by 350.org to urge world leaders to take fast and effective action on global warming. This is the first global campaign ever organized around a scientific data point: 350 parts per million CO2 is the safe upper limit for the atmosphere according to the latest scientific data.
The Middle Ground event will feature speakers, live music by student group Keeping Wyatt and a march through downtown to Ives Park.
Simultaneously, people in every corner of the world will be taking similar action, from climbers with 350 banners high on the melting slopes of Mount Everest to government officials in the Maldive Islands holding an underwater cabinet meeting to demand action on climate change before their nation disappears.
“We want to pressure leaders to make agreements that include regulations regarding greenhouse gases and emissions,” said SUNY senior Michael Perry of Webster, a member of The Middle Ground.
The Middle Ground is a student-run association whose mission is to research and publicize environmental problems and solutions affecting the campus, the region and the world. Students are welcome from any major or minor degree program.
Their goals are to bring awareness to Earth Day (April 22) and host events, continue participating in the Focus the Nation initiative (www.focusthenation.org) and mitigate the use of bottled water on campus by creating appealing alternatives, among others.
For more information about the 350 Initiative, visit www.350.org/. Additional information about The Middle Ground can be found at www2.potsdam.edu/middleground/.