Kiwis Say '350'

How many of us does it take to make a giant kiwi? How many of us does it take it show that we care? On 24 October Wellingtonians declared they are willing to change so the climate does not have to and that they want New Zealand leaders to take action.

Wellington’s waterfront came to life when over 1000 individuals gathered to form the biggest kiwi Aotearoa has ever seen as part of the 350 International Day of Climate Action.

“The giant kiwi is symbolic of how we can all come together and made a difference. It shows Wellingtonian’s strong support for our leaders to back bold climate protection policies in Copenhagen this December,” said Wellington resident Rhylie Alexander. “The kiwi is vulnerable, like our climate and like our pacific neighbours who are already experiencing the devastating effects of climate change.”

350.org is a global people’s movement: over 5200 actions in 181 countries made this the biggest day of action on climate change the world has ever seen. New Zealanders contributed over 137 actions across the country.

350 refers to the level of carbon dioxide measured in parts per million (ppm) in the atmosphere. Leading NASA scientists have identified 350ppm as the safe upper limit. We are currently averaging at 387ppm and rising every year. On October 24th, kiwis showed they support a global climate treaty that will reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to a safe level - 350ppm - as fast as possible.

New Zealand opened the International Day of Climate Action with a dawn ceremony in Brooklyn at Wellington's iconic windturbine. The impressive sound of the drums was heard all over the city, as New Zealand led the world in a call for action on climate change.

Around the world today—from capital cities to the melting slopes of Mount Everest, even underwater on dying coral reefs—people have held actions aimed at focusing attention on the number 350. New Zealand’s 137 registered actions was one of the highest per capita commitments to the safe 350ppm level and solving the climate crisis. Images of the events in New Zealand were shown at the event and were featured on giant video screens in Times Square in New York as part of a 350 countdown. The photos are accessible at 350.org as part of a online photostream and will be delivered to the United Nations on Monday 26 October.

ENDS

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