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“Vigil for Survival” to Support 350.org. & ... |
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Written by GGEC Committee
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Tuesday, 08 December 2009 |
Science-Based Climate Change Treaty in Copenhagen
Fri, Dec 11, 5:00-6:15 pm, Greenfield Town Common
GREENFIELD, MA – A candle light vigil will be held at the Greenfield Town Common on Friday December 11th at 5:00 pm to show support for an equitable and sustainable climate future and the urgency to act now. The vigil, known as the “Vigil for Survival” organized worldwide by 350.org, coincides with the Copenhagen Climate Summit and urges our leaders to craft an ambitious treaty that will reduce climate change emissions to levels that will ensure a sustainable future. Everyone is invited to join for a few minutes to an hour or more, or show support however they can.
“This vigil is a chance to keep our community momentum moving forward in our push for sustainability. A clean energy economy can create jobs for our area and ensure a more safe, healthy, and equal future for us and our children,” says Samuel King, a Greenfield Community College student and co-organizer of the vigil. “Our situation is clear. Climate change is happening, and we as a community can be at the forefront of solutions if we come together.”
“We have known for over thirty years that we need to change our ways. Now is the time to overcome our fears and join in the exciting adventure of exploring new ways of thinking and doing things that are more sustainable and equitable that can also be more personally satisfying,” said Nancy Hazard, co-chair of the Greening Greenfield Energy Committee and vigil co-organizer. “As the richest nation in the world, it is important that we demonstrate that this is possible and share our resolve with words and actions.”
Everyone concerned with climate change is invited to attend the Vigil for Survival. Attendees are encouraged to bring candles, paper cup wind shields, lighters, colorful lights, and signs, but candles and cups will be available at the event at no cost. During the Vigil, the Amandala Choir and singer / songwriter Annie Hassett will provide music and invite attendees to sing with them. In addition, everyone will receive a voucher for a free cup of hot cocoa from Bart’s Café, and the organizers hope everyone will gather in Bart’s Café after the Vigil for their cocoa and a snack.
The Greenfield vigil is one of thousands held around the world during the weekend of December 11th coordinated by 350.org. A photo will be taken and uploaded on the web site to show our support. 350 is the number of parts per million of carbon dioxide that a majority of climatologists believe is a safe level for our atmosphere. They assert this because of the correlation of average global temperature and CO2 in our atmosphere over millions of years. They state that our present level of CO2 is higher than in any point in modern climate history and that continued rise will bring dangerous temperature and climate changes.
President Obama and Senator Kerry will be attending the Copenhagen Summit and representing the United States. At present, it is not clear that a treaty will be signed during the summit, making the vigil even more important. Our leaders need to see that the world is urging them to fulfill their promises to protect the planet now.
“This Summit may well be the most important meeting in history,” said Sandra Boston, organizer of the Climate Action Carnival in October. “Zero hour is here for making the commitments necessary to avert catastrophic consequences to future generations. We have a moral responsibility to put their needs first now."
“Today there is consensus among the scientific community that we must return to at least 350 parts per million to avoid catastrophic climate change,” King added, “We need to start now and advocate for our leaders to do so as well.”
For more information on the vigil or climate change go to www.350.org or call Samuel King at (413)325-4765. |
