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Called one of the most “intellectually and emotionally deep” authors of American environmental movement, Bill McKibben, Co-Founder and Global Organizer, grew up in suburban Massachusetts. Since graduating from Harvard, Mr. McKibben has published seven books, all with an environmental focus. Beginning in 2006, Mr. McKibben began to organize demonstrations to try to combat climate change on a worldwide scale. Mr. McKibben currently resides with his wife, writer Sue Halpern, and his daughter, Sophie, who was born in 1993, in Ripton, Vermont. He is a scholar in residence at Middlebury College. Prizes and Fellowships Recieved: Guggenheim and Lyndhurst Fellowships won the Lannan Prize for nonfiction writing in 2000.

Problem

The most common greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide. Current CO2 levels in the atmosphere are at 378 parts per million (ppm) up from pre-industrial levels of 275 ppm. Science suggests that in order to avoid the worst effects of climate change, we should stabilize global CO2 levels at 350 ppm, hence the name 350.org.

Innovation / New Solution

350.org is different from other groups because of its global, scientific, and specific call to action. 350.org firmly believes that action to combat global climate change is both a moral and scientific imperative. By providing a common platform with the 350 ppm target in sixteen languages, 350.org can help to stitch together a diverse movement that speaks with one collective voice.

Impact

In 2007, Step it Up, a campaign led by the founders of 350.org, orchestrated 2000 rallies world-wide, including 50 in the US. On October 24, 2009, 350.org organized 5200 actions in 181 countries world-wide in anticipation of the Copenhagen before the climate summit.

Expert Comments

• Because of their strong grassroots capabilities and effective use of social media and technology, 350.org has been able to spread their excellent message across cultures, engaging a younger community member. Their charismatic leader and energetic staff have been able to craft a message that encourages action.
  
  
• In my view, the two most important things 350.org has done are (1) to help articulate a science-based bottom line for climate policy (i.e. an atmospheric concentration of no more than 350 ppm CO2) and (2) helped build a social movement for the real changes that we need.
  
  
• There needs to be a creative, grassroots climate movement, and 350.org connects climate science with hope.
  
  
• 350.org is getting the number 350 (ppm) into the dialogue. They are very focused on this message, and their laser focus has paid off. Most environmental groups are afraid to speak the truth on this (that if we don't get to 350 ppm we may as well not bother) so it's vital that 350 continues to blare this message.
  
  
• 350.org has made an impact on raising awareness for climate change issues and inspiring action. They have been able to motivate individuals to take collective action, which is a formidable task.
  
  

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