According to 350.org, "350 is the number that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide--measured in "Parts Per Million" (ppm) in our atmosphere." Scientists generally agree that if we continue to allow the amount of carbon in the atmosphere to top 350 ppm, we can't sustain a planet to which life on Earth is adapted. Currently, the CO2 in the atmosphere measures well above 350 ppm.

But the number 350 represents more than just a scientific benchmark for a safe climate – there are also deeply moral and spiritual reasons for getting the world back below 350 ppm. Environmental justice, social justice, creation care, stewardship, earth community, beloved community -- there are many ways we can name and express our moral and spiritual perspectives related to this issue.

By late fall, the Senate climate bill will have passed or failed. Passage is needed to send an empowered and credible US delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, December 7-18, 2009. The world's leaders must arrive at that conference with the voices of their people ringing in their ears, calling them to take strong action to lower atmospheric CO2 levels to 350 ppm.

Register for a 350 event by going to the UU Ministry for Earth