A 350 Degree Turn

Bridget Algiere

Finally, we may have a straight answer to the carbon problem: "Solution 350." Descibed as the red line for human beings, it could very well be the most important number of our time. 350.org, an organization founded by Bill McKibben, aims to create awareness about the carbon content in our atmosphere, based on NASA researcher Jim Hansen's assertion that life will stay similar to what we know now if our carbon levels are under 350 parts per million.

Currently our levels stand at 385 ppm, dooming us to weather-related catastrophies even larger than what we've experienced lately. But 350.org provides hope with an international grass-roots effort to change our carbon output individually and in our communities. Three hundred and fifty is a number to strive for, a measure to track our efforts, and a warning to never risk going above again.