SU participates in international environmental rally

Syracuse University students, staff, faculty and local residents took part in the world’s largest environmental rally on Oct.24. The University events were part of more than 5,200 simultaneous events in more than 181 nations worldwide coordinated by 350.org.

SU’s first event took place in the Carrier Dome on the 50-yard line when a human “3” and “0” were formed on each side of the trademarked Syracuse University “S” on the 50-yard line, depicting a “350.”

The second event encouraged individuals from SU to write letters to government officials explaining the importance of the day.

The event marked the largest-ever grassroots global campaign against climate change, urging world leaders to take fast and effective action to combat global warming. According to 350.org, tens of thousands of people gathered to form giant 350s throughout the world.

The number 350 is representative of 350 parts per million of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere–the level at which the Earth can sustain human life. Last estimated in early September 2009, the carbon level in the atmosphere was about 387 parts per million.

The 350.org event was an effective event to show the world the commitment the University has taken to reach climate neutrality, as outlined in its recently released Climate Action Plan.

For more information on SU’s sustainability efforts, visit http://greenuniversecity.syr.edu.