UNH group and others participate in national actions to cut carbon emissions

To climate experts, the number 350 has special significance. If we continue filling the atmosphere with carbon dioxide at a level higher than 350 parts per million, scientists say, global warming will inflict irreversible damage by century’s end.

That’s why Bill McKibben founded 350.org, which has been organizing worldwide campaigns and rallies aimed at convincing people and policy makers to work toward cutting carbon emissions by 80 percent by the year 2050. On Sunday, Oct. 10, the organization will launch events at locations around the United States to help raise awareness.

At least five 10/10/10 events are taking place on the Seacoast, including one at the University of New Hampshire in Durham. The Student Environmental Action Coalition will gather in front of Dimond Library from 1 to 3 p.m. to share information about energy conservation with UNH students and area residents.

“Our main purpose is to educate the student body about ongoing environmental issues,” said coalition member Claire Stodola. “The main thing is climate change and really working to get UNH committed to getting clean energy and clean electricity in the future.” Specifically, the group is shooting for 100 percent clean energy by 2020.

McKibben, author of 1989’s “The End of Nature”—widely considered the first book about climate change—has detailed some of the science. Prior to the last couple of centuries, the atmosphere contained about 275 parts per million of carbon dioxide. Today, CO2 levels are at 392 parts per million. If arctic warming continues to accelerate, it could result in melting of the Greenland ice sheet and major methane releases from permafrost melt.

At UNH, the coalition regularly holds meetings and discussions, hosts speakers, and helps out with beach cleanups. This semester, they’re trying to get drying racks at all the dorms on campus, thus reducing the need for inefficient and carbon emitting electric dryers.

“We want to get them to purchase drying racks and have them available as an alternative to dryers,” Stodola said. “A lot of students don’t think to not dry their clothes in the dryer.”

During the event on Sunday, the coalition will present information about drying racks and other initiatives to reduce energy consumption on campus. They will also hold a Really Really Free Market, in which people can drop off or pick up old clothes, books and other reusable items for free.

Although sustainability is a buzzword at the school, Stodola said, many students remain unaware of the simple steps they can take to reduce their carbon footprint.

“I don’t know if they realize how easy it is to do little things like drying their clothes and buying their food from the farmers’ market,” she said. “Hopefully, we can change that.”

UNH isn’t the only location hosting an environmental event on Sunday, Oct. 10. A number of local organizations are planning actions in communities around the Seacoast.

UNH Climate Change Campaign  Kick-Off, UNH campus, Main Street, Durham, 1 to 3 p.m.

The Student Environmental Action Coalition will share information about its efforts to combat climate change on campus and urge students to get involved. There will also be a “Really Really Free Market” filled with free goodies. Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Earth Fest and Global Work Party, Phillips Exeter Academy, 20 Main St., Exeter, 1 to 4 p.m.

The Exeter Sustainability Collective will launch its eighth annual Green Cup Challenge. Community partners will host educational booths, food and music, and take an aerial photograph of participants. The group will also plant trees on the grounds of Phillips Exeter Academy. Contact:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

“Cut Your Carbon” Party, Barth Farm, Birch Hill Road, Lee, 12 to 3 p.m.

Barth Farm will host a fresh food drive to benefit the Cornucopia food pantry in Durham and celebrate with food and socializing. Guests will also strategize about ways to cut individual and collective carbon emissions by 10 percent over the next year. Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Brookford Farm Quark Festival, Brookford Farm, 70 Sligo Road, Rollinsford, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Brookford Farm’s harvest festival will celebrate sustainable food, organic agriculture and local culture. Artists, chefs, musicians and farmers will attend, with workshops and educational events on food preservation, beekeeping and cheese-making. Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Paintbrush and Pen Creative Bicycle Ride, Stratham Hill Park, Route 33, Stratham, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Leaving from Stratham Hill Park at 8 a.m., artists and writers will bring their paintbrushes, pens and sketchbooks on a leisurely 57-mile ride around the rim of Great Bay, stopping at two points to sketch, write and commune. Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For more events and information, visit www.350.org.