350 saw a planet in peril, with solutions stalled by politics. Though they didn’t have all the answers, they knew something was missing – a massive climate movement that matched the crisis’s size​​. (350.org)

Why 350?

You might wonder, why the name “350.org”? It’s not just a random number. It stands for 350 parts per million – the safe level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Beyond this, our planet’s in the danger zone. We are currently at 421 ppm. 350 is a constant reminder of the balance we need to maintain to keep our world safe​

Who Is Bill Mckibben?

Bill McKibben is a cornerstone of modern environmental activism. His seminal work, The End of Nature, published in 1988, was the first book aimed at a general audience to sound the alarm on global warming. Since then, McKibben has authored over 20 influential books and has become a regular contributor to esteemed publications like The New Yorker and Rolling Stone. He went on to co-found 350.org, a grassroots climate activism organization spanning the globe. (Bill McKibben)

What Does 350.org Do?

350.org’s core mission is to end the era of fossil fuels and transition the world to renewable energy sources. They organized days of global action, connecting activists and groups worldwide. Remember the International Day of Climate Action in 2009? Or the Global Work Party in 2010? Those were their doing. 

They mobilize action across every corner of the planet such as challenging the Keystone Pipeline, and sparking the fossil fuel divestment movement​​. They do this through a mix of global campaigns, grassroots organizing, and mass public actions. 

The Meteoric Rise of 350.org

2007-2008: A group of university friends in the U.S., inspired by Bill McKibben’s writings, start to envision a global climate movement.

2008: Official launch of 350.org, focused on creating a united global response to the climate crisis.

2009: 350.org organizes its first global event ‘International Day of Climate Action’, rallying millions in a worldwide call for climate action.

2010: Global Work Party – A day of action where people around the world engage in activities promoting renewable energy and carbon reduction.

2011: Moving Planet – A global rally to demand solutions to the climate crisis, with a focus on moving beyond fossil fuels.

2012: Climate Impacts Day – Events and activities highlight the real-time impacts of climate change on communities worldwide.

2013-Onwards: 350.org expands its campaigns globally, fighting coal power in India, opposing pipelines in the U.S., and advocating for fossil fuel divestment.

Today: 350.org operates worldwide, with local groups in over 70 countries. 

Initiatives And Campaigns

1. Stop Fossil Fuel Projects: Efforts are made globally to halt oil, coal, and gas projects, including significant campaigns against pipelines and coal power plants across various regions, notably the opposition to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline.
2. Halt Fossil Fuel Finance: This includes campaigns like “Tax Big Oil” in Canada, aimed at redirecting funds from fossil fuels to renewable energy solutions, highlighting the financial unsustainability of continuing with fossil fuel investments.
3. Power Up Renewable Energy Campaigns: These campaigns focus on advocating for renewable energy solutions through community-led initiatives, aiming to transition to a sustainable, just energy system.
4. Fossil Free: A prominent campaign aimed at divesting public and private funds from fossil fuels, encouraging investment in renewable, sustainable energy sources instead. This includes pushing institutions like universities, cities, and religious organizations to divest from fossil fuels.
5. Local and Global Mobilization: 350.org mobilizes people through local groups worldwide, encouraging grassroots actions, storytelling to inspire action, and skill-building for activists.
6. Specific Regional Campaigns: Each region where 350.org operates tailors campaigns to local needs and contexts, such as demanding a windfall profit tax on energy companies in New Zealand and advocating for climate justice and relief in Canada.
7. Educational and Skill-Building Initiatives: Beyond protests and campaigns, 350.org focuses on training future leaders in climate activism through fellowship programs, workshops, and educational resources.
8. High-Profile Divestment Targets: The campaign targets high-profile entities for divestment, such as the Vatican and the Gates Foundation, while also supporting divestment movements in various countries like the UK, Norway, and Japan.

Collaborations and partnerships

They team up with a variety of organizations across the globe. From environmental groups to academic institutions, their network is vast and diverse. In Asia alone, they work with entities like Climate Rangers in Indonesia, Climate Watch Thailand, Indian Youth Climate Network and Greenpeace India, etc. Another notable initiative is the Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) focusing on aligning climate justice with financial strategies to drive energy transitions. 

Achievements

350.org’s has a significant role in the global movement against climate change. They were pivotal in the fossil fuel divestment movement, convincing institutions to pull out over $40 trillion in assets from fossil fuels. Their relentless campaigns influenced President Obama to reject the Keystone XL pipeline in 2015. The organization has empowered over 10,000 activists with tools and training every year, building a skilled base for the climate movement. 

Our Collective Course Forward

As the sun sets on today’s discussions about 350’s impactful initiatives and achievements, we’re left to ponder the role each of us plays in this global narrative. Through grassroots campaigning, strategic divestments, and powerful mobilizations, 350 has shown us the strength of collective action in the fight against climate change. Your actions, no matter how small they may seem, have the power to create waves of change. 

For those eager to dive deeper into environmental action and policy, we highly recommend exploring our other insightful articles. Delve into the innovative strategies of Climate Policy Radar, which maps and analyzes global climate policies, providing a comprehensive view of the international efforts to combat climate change. Discover BeeWise, an organization dedicated to revolutionizing beekeeping and ensuring the survival of these crucial pollinators through advanced technology. Additionally, learn about Eureciclo‘s unique approach to recycling and their commitment to enhancing sustainability in waste management. Each piece offers valuable perspectives and solutions, continuing the dialogue on how best to support our planet. Explore these articles to further your understanding and engagement in these critical issues.