Elgin spruce-up part of international climate event

You've probably seen bumper stickers that urge folks to "Think globally, act locally."

On Saturday, Oct. 24, Elgin area residents will have a chance to do just that as they take part in the International Day of Climate Action to draw attention to proper levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Sigi Psimenos, co-chair of the Elgin Climate Change Organization and president of the Elgin Area League of Women Voters, said activities are being held that day across the world, from the climbers on the slopes of Mt. Everest holding 350 banners to government officials in the Maldive Islands holding an emergency meeting to protest the destruction of coral reefs.

In Elgin, organizers will give away 350 Norway spruce plantings to residents to come out to the Gail Borden Public Library.

"We're just a tiny little cog in that wheel. (Images from) every country and every action in every country is going to be sent to a feed in Times Square (in New York)," Psimenos said.

She said the number of trees is supposed to draw attention to the 350 parts per million of carbon dioxide in the air that is considered safe.

"We're going the wrong way," Psimenos added, noting the world is nearing 390 parts per million of CO2. "And it's just getting worse. We're trying to rally around this number."

The event is being coordinated by the local climate change organization and the League of Women Voters but also has the support from the library. A summary of the activity in Elgin and across the world will be sent to the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in December.

The event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the library, 270 Grove Ave., Elgin.

"We're already seeing climate change and its tipping points," said Sandy Kaptain, co-chair of the local organization. "We're already at 387 and going up two points a year. Nobody knows where were going to be able to stop at."

For details, call (847) 741-7375 or visit ecco-foxvalley.net.