Rallying For The Environment
Students gathered October 24 to raise awareness about climate change. Colby's was one of more than 5,200 events globally marking the International Day of Climate Action—“the most widespread day of environmental action in the planet's history,” according to 350.org.
Dozens of students turned out on Miller Lawn despite the weather and formed the number 350 for photos. "The photo in the rain wasn't supposed to be in the rain," said Rachel Baron '11, co-president of the Environmental Coalition.
The organization, called 350, is a global campaign confronting the climate crisis. The number 350 comes from the maximum carbon emissions that Earth can sustain—350 parts per million, according to some scientists.
Three-fifty is such an iconic image,” said Sarah Sorenson '11, co-president of the Environmental Coalition. “It's a great way of involving people so that people can find out what it's all about.”
After the photo session, the students had snacks and a pumpkin raffle. Khoa Nguyen '11, a native of Can Tho, Vietnam, and one of those who won a pumpkin, reflected afterward. “I didn't know about 350, but Rachel Baron explained it well," he said. "My town is among several cities around the globe that will be under water if we didn’t take any action now. It's scary to think about, but, hopefully, it’s not going to happen, not in my lifetime.”
The campaign hopes global leaders will commit to reducing emissions at the December conference in Copenhagen.
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