What is 350?

• 1. What is 350?
  

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  350 refers to the recommended parts per million of carbon in the atmosphere that scientists believe is de rigueur for the Earth's sustainability as we know it. Today, this number is around 400ppm. As you can see, we have some catching up, or rather, “catching down” to do.
  
  In the last century, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) levels have increased at an alarming rate from decade to decade, thus urging us to reduce our emissions and slow the effects of climate change before irreversible damage is done to our home.
  
  NTUC Income RUN 350 is in support of 350.org - 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 mission is to inspire the world to rise to the challenge of the climate crisis - to create a new sense of urgency and of possibility for our planet.

• 2. Why NTUC Income RUN 350?
  

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  NTUC Income RUN 350 is organized by 350 Singapore, a group started and supported by Young NTUC. Targeted at raising awareness of the 350 movement, 350 Singapore is our local chapter.
  
  Did you know that on average, a single tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide during its lifetime?
  
  We need to lower the carbon footprint of the human populace. So take the first step.
  
  Run 21km and 10km for 350 Singapore. Run for yourself and our future generations to come. Run for tomorrow, RUN 350!

• 3. Where did this 350 number come from?
  

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  Dr. James Hansen, of NASA, the United States' space agency and his colleagues used real-world observation, computer simulation, and mountains of data about ancient climates to calculate what constitutes dangerous quantities of carbon in the atmosphere. The full text of James Hansen's paper about 350 can be found here.

• 4. What is the level now?
  

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  Estimates are between 387 PPM and 400 PPM.

• 5. If we’re already past 350, are we all doomed?
  

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  No. For example, if a patient is overweight, he might have a higher risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. But if he changes to a healthier lifestyle and maintain at a safe zone, his health risks are lowered. Likewise, we need to decrease the carbon in the atmosphere to get back to the safety zone.

• 6. What can I do besides NTUC Income RUN 350?
  

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  • Let your family, friends and colleagues know. E.g. Share with them when chatting at lunch time.
  • Find out what you can do at home to reduce your impact:
     wwf
     Howstuffworks.com
     Love4gaia.com
     Calculate your carbon footprint
  • Making changes at work. Businesses and industrial activities account for the majority of the impact dealt to Mother Nature. The good
     news is, you can make changes at work to improve the situation. Learn about some best practises and tools that may help you with it:
     Measure your organisation’s carbon footprint
     Schemes to aid in your effort
     Case studies
     Eco-office tips
  
  If you care enough about our shared future to advocate, to build a movement, to get involved and want to be heard, .

• 7. Where can I find out more?
  

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  Click here to learn more about 350 and what others are doing and here to learn about the science behind. On another note, notable NGOs in Singapore have convened last year in a public boardroom meeting to discuss what can be done to get to 350, for Singapore and for the world. Information and minutes of the meeting can be found here.