Today, Congressmen Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) and Bob Filner (D-CA) articulated a science based benchmark against which climate change policies could be measured.   The Congressmen today introduced H. Res. 865, a resolution calling for a target concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of 350 parts per million.  This goal has the support of James Hansen of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Chair as well as global leaders and Nobel Laureates such as Al Gore and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

“If we are serious about combating global climate change we must agree to set a goal that will represent our best shot at averting the worst effects of climate change.  Scientists tell us that goal should be 350 parts per million; this resolution will provide the goal,” said Kucinich.

The current concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is approximately 390 parts per million, which is higher than it has been at any time in recorded history.  As a result, the effects of climate change can already be seen.  Drinking water sources are drying up or melting, diseases are encroaching on new areas of the world with devastating effect, there is more extreme weather, and food shortages are more common. 

“When the U.S. goes to Copenhagen in December to work with other countries to address climate change, we need to show them we are serious.  A commitment to a science based goal is a necessary first step,” added Kucinich.   

One peer reviewed article making the case for a target of 350 parts per million, which was authored by 10 of some of the world’s most respected scientists found that “If humanity wishes to preserve a planet similar to that on which civilization developed and to which life on Earth is adapted, paleoclimate evidence and ongoing climate change suggest that CO2 will need to be reduced from its current 385 ppm to at most 350 ppm.” 

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