Toronto350 Highlights the Plight of Pandas

Group Welcomes Giant Pandas To The Toronto Zoo And Calls For Canadian and Chinese Governments To Protect At-Risk Species From The Dangers Of Climate Change

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE––13/05/2013

Toronto, Canada—“Toronto350 welcomes the pandas to Toronto” will see concerned local citizens welcoming the two giant pandas on loan to the Toronto Zoo from China by calling on the Canadian and Chinese governments to rapidly implement plans to limit global climate change to under 2˚C in order to protect at-risk species, like giant pandas. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has identified the risks posed by climate change to Earth's biodiversity in their Fourth Assessment Report (2007). In this report, the IPCC concluded that a 1˚C of global temperature increase would see approximately 30% of the world's species at increased risk of extinction. Above 4˚C of warming could result in "significant extinctions around the globe".

At the event, volunteers will offer the public information on how climate change affects pandas and other at-risk species, and will be collecting petition signatures to urge the governments of Canada and China to work aggressively to phase out the use of fossil fuels and to make adequate investments in low- and zero-carbon forms of energy. Volunteers at the event will also be offering face-painting for kids to help them prepare to meet Er Shun and Da Mao, the two giant pandas who will be making Toronto their home for at least the next five years.

WHAT: Toronto350 volunteers will hand out information pamphlets, collect petition signatures and offer face-painting for children to raise awareness about the risk of climate change to the planet’s biodiversity and to at-risk species such as giant panda bears.

WHO: Volunteers from Toronto350 and other environmental groups

WHERE and WHEN: Entrance to the Toronto Zoo, 361A Old Finch Avenue, Toronto, Ontario. Approximately 10am-1pm, Saturday, May 18th 2013.

VISUALS: Volunteers with short information pamphlets, signs, a face-painting station, a welcomer in a panda suit.

This event in Toronto will dramatize that climate change is no longer a problem for the future, but an immediate crisis that is already affecting billions of people and animals around the world. Visit http://to350.nationbuilder.com/ for more information.

Questions? Want to interview an organiser of this event? Contact: Monica Resendes, [email protected]

Toronto350 a local group that is part of the global 350.org network, which has a presence in over 180 countries around the world. “350” stands for 350 parts per million, the safe upper limit of carbon in the atmosphere. We are currently at 400ppm and rising.