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The connection between Fort Wayne during a hot and muggy summer day and Copenhagen, Denmark, as winter descends may not seem obvious, but it is there.
The recent Ozone Action Days in Allen County should compel residents to play an active role in reducing air pollution. We residents need to not only cut our contribution to ozone pollution but to also encourage our elected leaders to adopt laws to protect the world from climate change.
In December, the United Nations Climate Change Conference will meet in Copenhagen. And with luck, world leaders will adopt a plan to reduce the amount of pollution that contributes to global warming.
Scientists warn that rising temperatures caused by global warming will increase environmental conditions that create ground-level ozone, also know as smog. Ozone in the lower level of the atmosphere (the troposphere) is a severe lung irritant that can aggravate asthma and other respiratory problems. If global warming continues, Fort Wayne should prepare for more Ozone Action Days.
Many scientists and climate experts also agree that the safe upper limit of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere is 350 parts per million. The current level of CO2 is estimated at 385 ppm.
About a year ago, a best-selling author turned activist, Bill McKibben, founded an international organization called 350.org. The group’s long-term goal is passing an equitable global climate treaty at the Climate Change Conference that requires the signatories to take action to lower the level of CO2 in the atmosphere to 350 ppm.
The short-term goal of 350.org is getting groups throughout the world to organize events for the 350 Global Day of Action on Oct. 24. The purpose of the events is to increase pressure for a fair global climate treaty. Big events are planned at the Taj Mahal in India, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and a 350 Global Festival in Paris.
There are already a few 350 Global Day of Action events planned in Indiana. According to 350.org, organizers in Bloomington, Crown Point and Goshen are planning community events. And a group at the University of Notre Dame is planning a vigil to pray for effective climate change.
No events are planned for Fort Wayne yet. But local environmental advocates concerned about global warming and the effects on this community should consider sponsoring an event Oct. 24.
