On Friday, Aug 22, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jerry Landrum, a NEurekan who is a member of Planet Home, will attempt to ride an electric bicycle 350 laps around the Carroll County courthouse in downtown Eureka Springs on a single battery charge. The purpose of this action is to promote local awareness of the number 350 as in ppm of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. Science has concluded that we must quickly reduce CO2 levels below 350 ppm in order to retain a habitable planet.

“Three hundred fifty is the most important number for the future of humanity and Planet Earth,” Landrum said. “We were at 275 ppm when we started burning fossil fuels. We are at 387 now and climbing 3 points per year. We have to get back below 350 quickly. It’s like an asteroid we have the power to dodge.”

A worldwide campaign has been launched to provide some political cover for the policy makers who must make some tough decisions if we are to have a future.

“Last year I changed over to energy efficient Compact Fluorescent light bulbs, and saved enough to buy an electric bike,” Landrum said. “Now I’m saving enough on gasoline by riding an electric bicycle to buy an electric car when they come out. That’s my footprint reduction plan. What’s yours?”