350.org. Global 2C increase means over 3C for Africa: "No to climate genocide"

350.org was founded by US environmental journalist Bill McKibben and, informed by climate scientists, argues for a return of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration to no more than 350 parts per million (ppm): “350.org is an international campaign dedicated to building a movement to unite the world around solutions to the climate crisis--the solutions that science and justice demand. Our focus is on the number 350--as in parts per million, the level scientists have identified as the safe upper limit for CO2 in our atmosphere. But 350 is more than a number--it's a symbol of where we need to head as a planet.” (see: http://www.350.org/mission )

350.org report about African response to the secret, US-, EU- and Australia-backed “Danish text” at Copenhagen and the deadly effects on Africa of its proposed “2 degree C” temperature increase target (December 2009): “Outraged by the content of the text and the fact that the Danish Presidency is abusing its role as Chair of the Conference, the Africans launched a spontaneous march and protest through the middle of the Climate Conference at the Bella Centre. Negotiations are still on-going at the Climate Change Conference, and the Danish text pre-judges their outcome. The “Danish text” includes provision to aim to limit the rise in global temperatures to two degrees, which would mean massive levels of harm to Africa. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change a two degree increase in the global mean temperature will mean a three or more degree increase for temperatures in Africa. Such an increase in temperature would lead to widespread devastation including predictions of a 50% reduction in crop yields in some areas, cutting food outputs in half, more than 600 million people left without adequate water supplies, and massive damage to coastlines, rural communities and cities. Marching through the Conference Center African groups chanted: “Two degrees is suicide” “One Africa, One Degree” and “No to Climate Colonialism, No to Climate Genocide” in response to the proposal.” [1].

[1]. Jamie, “Africa “Refuses to die quietly””, 350.org, “8 December 2009: http://www.350.org/about/blogs/africa-refuses-die-quietly .