The Martlet

Mount your bicycles: there’s a party coming on, in the name of climate change.

The inaugural FutureFest Victoria is set to take over Centennial Square on Oct. 24, in an effort to turn up the political pressure for fighting climate change. Organizers hope FutureFest and over 3,700 other International Day of Climate Action events planned in 163 countries will help sway policymakers attending December’s UN climate summit in Copenhagen.

All of the events planned as part of the International Day of Climate Action are being coordinated by the international environmental group 350.org.

350.org derives its numerical name from what is widely thought to represent the number of carbon dioxide molecules per million in the atmosphere which would enable the world to avoid the worst effects of climate change. The average carbon dioxide concentration in the world is currently about 387 parts per million, while the level before the industrial revolution was believed to be around 275 parts per million.

Carbon levels are believed to be increasing by two parts per million per year. The stated goal of 350.org is to reduce global carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050.

“Canada is doing a very bad job when it comes to climate change,” said FutureFest organizer Amy Cousins. “This is a chance to come down, [and] have fun while at the same time showing your concern about this important issue.”

Organizers at each event around the world are also planning to compile photos of their crowds in the shape of a “350,” to be displayed at the Copenhagen summit.

“We’re aiming for a fun festival feel, not just a political rally,” said Cousins. “This is meant to bring the community together to focus on the importance of creating a good climate policy at the UN level.”

FutureFest, which will go from noon until 4 p.m., will include live music, an ask-the-expert corner, a Speakers’ Corner-type box, a kids corner, a pocket market, food and info booths as well as a flash-dance mob.

A group of 350 bikers will also depart from the festival at 3:50 p.m. and weave their way through downtown to the legislature.

The day will be capped off with a showing of Sea of Change at 7 p.m. in the Bob Wright building at UVic, followed by a panel discussion including renowned climate scientist Dr. Andrew Weaver.