You would think it’s something suited for the Guinness Book of World Records, but Eco-Advocates goals are loftier. In their latest campaign, the group joined millions worldwide who took and submitted aerial shots of people forming “350s” for Unite Now’s visual petition on Oct. 24 for the International Day of Climate Action.”
“Eco Advocates” at Los Angeles Valley College works to create sustainability by promoting awareness of environmental issues. They stand for environmental justice and support and contribute in all ways possible to the cause.
With the help of photographer Ryan Gabriel, Eco-Advocates member, the group added Valley College’s “signature” to the petition. The goal is to lobby the United Nations to make and enforce 350 parts per million of carbon dioxide emissions the global standard. Three-hundred fifty ppm is the maximum emissions the earth can tolerate to sustain human life. Right now, the worldwide output is 387 ppm.
“Action depends on whether or not the UN as a body will accept the petition and see this as a global and as a priority for its member nations,” said Candice Yamaguchi, Eco Advocates president.
Yamaguchi expects to meet with the naysayer, who believes humanity is doomed anyway and the effort is futile. She encourages such individuals not to give up on life and insists there are easier, healthier ways to live and preserve life that have less environmental impact.
The biggest source of CO2 pollution according to Yamaguchi is environmentally unfriendly manufacturing. “A standard needs to be set,” she said. When asked what the group will do if the effort fails, Yamaguchi responded, “We’ll just keep trying through peaceful protests and petitions.
Eco-Advocates activities on campus and within the community include clean-up days and activities that teach sustainability practices that people can use everyday.
Aaron Bobo, who is also a Political Action Coalition member, likes the ideals of the club and the idea of saving the human race. “The way we’re going we’re not going to be able to breathe and that concerns me especially since I have asthma,” said Bobo.
The 350 mosaic is available for viewing at http://www.unitenow.org/350mosaic. The website http://www.350.org has information about carbon dioxide emissions.
Eco-Advocates meet Tues. at 3 p.m. in the Allied Health Sciences Bldg, Room 136. E-mail ecoadvocateslavc@gmail.com for more information.
Be the first to comment on this article!