Monday, October 1, 2012

Bill McKibben: Actions speak louder than words


“Bill McKibben: Actions speak louder than words” is an interview between Bill McKibben and the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists. Bill McKibben is an author, educator, and environmentalist. McKibben wrote the first book about climate change that was intended for the average person titled The End of Nature in 1989. Other books by McKibben include Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet and Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future. McKibben also used to be a writer for The New Yorker, where he was referred to as “the world’s best green journalist.” McKibben is also the founder of 350.org, an international grassroots climate campaign. 350.org has coordinated about 20,000 events in every country in the world except North Korea since being founded by McKibben. Needless to say, Bill McKibben has earned his place as one leaders of the environmental movement.
            The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists goes on to ask McKibben several questions about his work as an environmental journalist. The central idea behind 350.org is that the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere needs to be reduced to below 350 ppm (parts per million) in order for the environment to survive. McKibben is also asked about his book The End of Nature, and about how he says that the planet is running out of time to fix things. If we start burning the oil from the Canadian tar sands, the amount of carbon dioxide could go from 390 ppm, the current level, to about 540 ppm. If this were to happen, it could result in the end of the world.

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