It’s Getting Hot In Here

Seeing the photo of an October 24 event in Sydney, Australia reprinted in the Wall Street Journal today reminded me why images are such an important organizing tool.

Long after an action ends,  a great photograph can continue to get a message across. The caption on the photo in the WSJ, for example, reads: “Demonstrators form a ‘350′ with umbrellas at the Opera House in Sydney last month. Scientists say the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere should be limited to 350 parts per million.”

That last sentence was nowhere to be seen just 18 months ago when 450 ppm was still the usually quoted target — your work and images on Oct 24 helped strongly shift the debate towards what science demands,  and the pictures continue to reinforce the message that for many people and nations “Survival = 350.”

That’s a message that we’re going to try and make even more visible (literally) during the upcoming Copenhagen climate talks. Over the weekend of December 12, 350.org is working with our allies at Avaaz.org, TckTckTck, and thousands of other partners around the world to host candle-lit vigils at US Embassies, congressional offices, and iconic places across the planet. Hundreds of events are already planned (check them out and organize your own here).

Why vigils? Because a vigil is a strong way to show solemn solidarity with the world’s most vulnerable countries and the millions of people who’s lives are already being impacted by climate change. And because shining a light  is exactly what we need to do for our leaders.

But also, because the vigils will be extremely beautiful. And beauty has power.