Bangalore, Oct 24 (IANS) Youth power was at its best in Bangalore to mark International Day of Climate Action Saturday.
Bangalore’s young brigade took part in a series of events to bring into light the need to save the environment before it is too late.

All the events were part of 350.org, an international campaign dedicated to building a movement to unite the world around solutions to the climate crisis.

As a part of the campaign, 350.org has dedicated Oct 24 as International Day of Climate Action.

Indian Youth for Climate Network (IYCN) has been instrumental in observing the day in Bangalore.

“The events are attempts to create awareness among the masses and thereby engage the youth in working to save the environment from further destruction,” Ravi Theja M., national coordinator of IYCN told IANS.

Some of the events where youths took part in large droves included tree plantation drives in various places of the city, distribution of compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs, and cycle rallies and electric car rallies.

Youngsters also made a human formation of the number ‘350′ to highlight the upper limit (in ppm) for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Theja said that it was the most important number in the world.

“It’s what scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Two years ago, after leading climatologists observed rapid ice melt in the Arctic and other frightening signs of climate change, they issued a series of studies showing that the planet faced both human and natural disaster if atmospheric concentrations of CO2 remained above 350 parts per million,” said Ravi.

Some of main points stressed by the youths in the events included use of renewal source of energy in day today activities and reduction of energy wastage.

“To reduce emission of green house gases like CO2, we can adopt simple and efficient steps. We can always use cycle or walk, instead of travelling in cars or buses. We can avoid use of plastic and eat more green vegetables to lower carbon emission,” said Sanju V., a college-goer participating in the tree plantation event.

“Youths are harbinger of change and now when threat to our climate and environment is immense, youths can contribute a lot in creating awareness among the masses,” said Rekha Dutta, another college student.