I must say this was a wonderful day. Around 1am GMT -3 (Brazil timezone) I was surprised to see a video from Oxfam in YouTube as a collaboration to the International Day of Climate Action in New Zealand. For me, this was the perfect example of the 350 campaign and the best so far. You can watch the video here:

I already knew we would have a demonstration of this worldwide event in my hometown, Salvador, and I decided I would take some shots, or at least talk to people and, obviously, take part in such overwhelming public act!

Photo taken by Raissa Biriba, from AIESEC, to the 350 International Day of Climate Action in Salvador, BA, Brazil. Can you spot me in this photo?

Despite all the effort of the representatives from AIESEC in Salvador, that also coordinate an interesting project of Environmental Education called Projeto Impactos [pt], we only gathered around 60 people to our demonstration, and formed the "human 350" as a gesture of our participation in this cause like many others did around the world. It was rainy, we were in a tourist sight and just a few tourists were keen to take part in the big 350. Nevertheless, I'd like to point some things we should learn from all of this.

Firstly, I dare to say that we still need understanding from most of the people in the world, especially in Latin America and developing countries when it comes to Climate Changes. I can't actually believe that there are those who still don't know (or don't care) how the climate changes might affect their lives and their children's future. Because such individuals will not be directly affected, this contributes for a fragile sense of world community which results in fragile discussions with regards to climate justice.

Secondly, I would also risk to say that we are not in a good pace. The changes in our lifestyle must be ambitious, but I don't see that happening. Sometimes it looks like that in Latin America we are moving backwards on the discussions and in disagreement of a global awareness on climate change. I agree that demonstrations like today's events worldwide are good and necessary to raise awareness about the global warming, to encourage the adoption of a more sustainable lifestyle and help raising the voices of the most affected people, but as Benno pointed out, shouldn't we rather stick to real politics and effective changes and means of reaching a secure level of CO2 in the atmosphere? Shouldn't we prove this change with acts of sustainability and cut our CO2 emissions?

We already know how to deal with skepticals, with econuts, with politicians, and with businessmen, but what we don't know is how to deal with people that just don't care for the climate changes. How should we proceed? Do we have time for that? Will education of children be effective? But what about the parent's behaviour when it comes to recycling, energy waste, water waste and consumerism? What about all this western culture? Can we change it in 10 years? in 25 years? in 50 years? I'm not so sure.

To see only 60 people taking part in the 350 today in my hometown (the city has approximately 3 million inhabitants) was really depressing. We could have done more. Demonstrations are good and encourage people, but it is already time to demand some real changes and to make sure our words mean something. Nevertheless, at the same time I was filled with joy when I realized that everyone in that place wanted a better future. I felt overwhelmed when I realized that in fact we made the headlines today.

Congratulations to all!