HYDERABAD: What is the safe limit of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere? It is about 350 parts per million, a scientific study revealed and with the current CO2 concentration around 387 ppm, volunteers of the Indian Youth Climate Network (IYCN), 350.org, Kids for Tigers and ‘We are the Scene’ organised a Climate Change Drive on Saturday to create awareness among the common people.
The drive was organised as part of the International Day of Climate Action observed across the world on October 24. Over 4,600 events in over 177 countries were held simultaneously, organisers informed. As part of the drive, events were held across the city from Charminar to IMAX. “We chose important landmarks in the city to highlight the significance of this number,” said Chaitanya Kumar, member, IYCN.
One of the events was an art gallery organised on Necklace Road which featured paintings of celebrities such as Shah Rukh Khan and slum children.
“The point we are trying to make through these paintings is that everybody from a celebrity to a businessman to a slum-dweller to a middle-class woman has to get involved in this endeavour,” says Mr. Kumar.
A cycle rally by student-volunteers of T.K.R. Engineering College too was conducted. “We are looking at creating awareness among everybody and a cycle rally is a perfect way to capture people’s attention,” he adds.
A huge banner with the number 350 was unveiled in Charminar with over 300 children from the area making a formation before the monument. Elsewhere in Ibrahimpatnam, saplings were distributed and planted by students.
“We want the politicians and leaders to realise the importance of greenhouse gas reduction,” he says adding that 350.org, IYCN and others want this figure to be made a legally binding.
