Berkshire County Events Focus on Climate Change
 Local cyclists are planning a 350-kilometer ride this weekend to promote action on climate change. |
The activities are part of Take Action for Climate Change, part of the International Day of Climate Action sponsored by 350.org.
The international campaign is named for the 350 parts per million of carbon dioxide that scientists say is the safe upper limit in the atmosphere. Two years ago, after leading climatologists observed rapid ice melt in the Arctic and other signs of climate change, they issued a series of studies showing that the planet faced both human and natural disaster if atmospheric concentrations of CO2 remained above 350. Currently, the atmospheric concentration of C02 is 387 ppm. To bring that number down, they say the first task is to stop putting more carbon into the atmosphere.
Students and faculty at Lenox Memorial and Middle High School will do their part by cutting down on CO2 emissions on Friday, Oct. 23. They'll participate in carpools and by biking, walking and learning about climate change.
Berkshire Community College had a "Green Day" at its Center for Teaching and Learning on Wednesday that included workshops and demonstrations.
The big day is Saturday, which will include a 218-mile (350-kilometer) bike ride
across Berkshire County, northern Connecticut and eastern New York, which will drop in on several other events in the area.
View Actions at 350.org |
You don't have to cycle for miles to participate. In Williamstown, you can join in the Word Play Power Day, part of the local Words are Wonderful literacy festival, at Williamstown Elementary School.
First Congregational Church will toll its bells 350 times as a call for action at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Then organizations from throughout the community will be on hand at the school to explore the power of words and how people to take actions in their own homes and communities to promote a sustainable climate. Activities will include recycling projects, letter writing, poetry, music and bike safety, along with pumpkin carving, all from 10 to 1.
Williams College students will also be holding events on campus.
In North Adams, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts' facilities department and the Campus Sustainability Committee will be sponsoring an e-waste recycling drop off for the campus community and information on climate change will be available in the quad.
In Cummington, "350 Neighbors" is a local project to express how precious the bountiful diversity of life is in the hilltowns. Sponsored by the Hilltown Sustainability Group, it runs from 2 until after dark at the Warner Farm on Route 9. Activities will include kids games, cider pressing, walks, music and a group photo at 3. Bring a dish for the potluck dinner at 6 and stay for the bonfire.
In Monterey, people are encouraged to meet on the steps of the Meeting House at 11 for a photo, followed by lunch at Monterey General Store, then viewing the independent film "Monterey Lights the Way" by Blue Hill Films at 1.
In Great Barrington, young people will lead "Reclaiming our Future" at Railroad Street Youth Project with activities and music by DJ Wade.
Throughout Berkshire County, businesses are encouraged to participate by getting involved with the Berkshire Blackout, an energy-efficiency challenge posed by the Berkshire Leadership Program, a program of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce.
This program is asking more than 100 businesses to begin reducing their carbon footprint — and potentially save a few dollars in the process — by pledging to do a project for next week, such as unplugging a copier, turning off lights or starting a recycling program. For more information, contact Jessica Zaccari at 413-738-5500, Ext. 3020, or BerkshireBlackout@gmail.com.
