Clinton Mayor Rodger Holm has proclaimed Oct. 24, 2009, UN Day in Clinton. He will read the proclamation and preside at the raising of the UN flag on the city’s memorial flagpole on Oct. 23 at 11 a.m. The annual observance will be highlighted this year by the presence of Joyce Johnson Rouse. Known professionally as “Earth Mama,” Rouse will be in town for a free workshop and concert on Saturday. She will lead the singing at the UN Day ceremony.
“We hope everyone who is able will join us at the Memorial Flagpole (Fifth Avenue South and the Riverfront) to commemorate the international organization which offers us the best opportunity to address the common good of all peoples,” said Sister Janice Cebula, president of the Sisters of St. Francis, who have organized the local observance since 1989.
“As UN member states prepare to attend the Copenhagen Climate Conference in December 2009, we would like to draw attention to the connection between sustainable economic development and climate change,” stated Sr. Cebula.
The Clinton Franciscans are sponsoring the free workshop and concert on UN Day that features “Earth Mama” as well as displays by local vendors and agencies on how to reduce individual and corporate “Carbon Footprints” and thereby reduce climate change.
“We have linked our UN Day celebration with 350.org, an international campaign dedicated to uniting the world around solutions to the climate crisis,” explained Sr. Cebula.
350.org is coordinating an international day of action on UN Day, with over 1,300 events planned in more than 85 countries. The purpose is to convince climate negotiators in Copenhagen to recognize 350 parts per million (ppm) as the safest upper level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth’s atmosphere and to establish that number as the target for environmental programs. Currently, the level of CO2 is at 390 ppm as a result of burning fossil fuels.
