350MA Metrowest Node

WAYLAND – TO THE EDITOR:

Thanks to all who brought such enthusiasm to the recent meeting of the 350MA Metrowest node on December 5 at the Peace Lutheran Church in Wayland. 

350MA is a grassroots organization devoted to finding solutions to climate change through reduction in the use of fossil fuels (coal, gas and oil).  At present, there are nine 350MA nodes, Metrowest being one of the most recently formed.  350MA is a volunteer-led local initiative, coordinating closely with the national organization 350.org, though not funded by 350.org.  More information can be found online at www.350MA.org.

Why 350?  The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is now above 400 parts per million (ppm), but must be reduced to 350 ppm or below in order to stabilize the climate.  The effects of increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are legion including more extremes in weather, storms, droughts and floods, sea level rise and ocean acidification with consequent collapse of marine populations.

At present, 350MA is prioritizing two campaigns, divestment and climate legacy.  The divestment campaign encourages individuals, institutions, municipalities and the state to divest from stock in oil, gas and coal producing companies.  Divestment has been an effective tool in the efforts to end apartheid in South Africa and to end tobacco advertising.

The climate legacy campaign calls on Governor Patrick to accomplish three goals as part of the Massachusetts Global Warming Solutions Act:  (1) Ban the worst (no coal burning, no new fossil fuel plants, no fracking for oil and gas), (2) Promote the best (energy efficiency, conservation and renewable sources of electricity) and (3) Implement a carbon tax.

The next 350MA meeting will be December 19 from 7-9 pm at the First Parish Church, 327 Concord Road, Sudbury, MA.  I urge any who are interested to come and see what this is movement is about.  Climate change is an issue that affects all of us.  Lisa Newton, Sycamore Road