What Is 350.org

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: 350.org is a global environmental organization founded in 2008 by Bill McKibben and colleagues, aiming to unite a worldwide climate movement. Its name comes from 350 parts per million (ppm), the safe upper limit of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, according to climate scientists.

Key Facts

Founded in 2008 by author and environmentalist Bill McKibken and a team at Middlebury College
Name refers to 350 parts per million of CO₂, the maximum safe level in Earth's atmosphere
Organized over 20,000 global events in more than 188 countries by 2015
Led major campaigns against fossil fuel infrastructure like the Keystone XL pipeline
Uses grassroots organizing and digital campaigns to mobilize climate action

Overview

350.org is a global grassroots environmental movement dedicated to solving the climate crisis by reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels to below 350 parts per million. Founded in 2008 by author and environmentalist Bill McKibben and a team of students at Middlebury College, the organization quickly expanded into a decentralized network of activists across the world.

The group’s mission is rooted in scientific consensus: climate experts, including NASA’s Dr. James Hansen, have identified 350 ppm as the upper threshold for a stable climate. As of 2023, CO₂ levels exceed 420 ppm, making 350.org’s advocacy more urgent than ever. The organization operates in over 150 countries, focusing on public education, policy advocacy, and mass mobilization.

Founding year: 350.org was launched in 2008 following a call to action published in Rolling Stone magazine by Bill McKibben, sparking international interest.
Scientific basis: The number 350 refers to 350 parts per million of CO₂ in the atmosphere, a level scientists say is necessary to maintain a habitable planet.
Global reach: The organization has coordinated climate actions in more than 188 countries, including the 2014 People’s Climate March in New York City.
Grassroots model: 350.org operates through local chapters and volunteer-led campaigns, empowering communities to lead climate initiatives.
Digital strategy: The group leverages social media and online petitions to mobilize supporters, with over 2 million email subscribers by 2020.

How It Works

350.org functions as a decentralized network that supports local activism with digital tools, funding, and strategic guidance. Rather than imposing top-down campaigns, it amplifies community-led efforts to phase out fossil fuels and promote renewable energy.

Grassroots organizing: Volunteers form local groups that plan protests, lobby policymakers, and promote clean energy solutions tailored to regional needs.
Digital campaigns: The organization runs online petitions and social media drives, such as the Fossil Free campaign, which urged universities to divest from fossil fuels.
Global days of action: 350.org coordinates international events like the 2009 Global Day of Action, involving over 5,200 events in 181 countries.
Divestment movement: It helped launch the fossil fuel divestment campaign, leading institutions to divest over $14 trillion in assets by 2021.
Policy advocacy: The group lobbies for climate legislation and opposes projects like the Keystone XL pipeline, which was canceled in 2021 after years of protest.
Climate justice focus: 350.org emphasizes equity, supporting frontline communities disproportionately affected by pollution and climate change.

Comparison at a Glance

How 350.org compares to other major environmental organizations:

Organization	Founded	Primary Focus	Global Reach	Notable Campaigns
350.org	2008	Climate change & fossil fuel divestment	188+ countries	Keystone XL opposition, Global Climate Strikes
Greenpeace	1971	Environmental protection & activism	55+ countries	Anti-whaling, Arctic drilling protests
Sierra Club	1892	Conservation & clean energy	United States	Beyond Coal campaign
WWF	1961	Wildlife conservation & sustainability	100+ countries	Earth Hour, species protection
Fridays for Future	2018	Youth-led climate strikes	Global	School strikes initiated by Greta Thunberg

While groups like WWF focus on conservation and Greenpeace on direct action, 350.org specializes in climate mobilization and policy change through mass participation. Its model blends digital outreach with on-the-ground activism, distinguishing it from older, more traditional environmental NGOs.

Why It Matters

350.org plays a critical role in shaping global climate discourse by uniting diverse movements under a common scientific goal. Its campaigns have influenced public opinion, policy decisions, and investment trends worldwide.

Policy impact: Advocacy by 350.org contributed to the U.S. decision to reject the Keystone XL pipeline in 2015 and again in 2021.
Divestment success: Over 1,500 institutions representing $40 trillion have committed to fossil fuel divestment since the campaign began.
Youth engagement: The organization partners with youth groups to energize a new generation of climate activists.
Global solidarity: Campaigns like Break Free From Fossil Fuels united 7,000 events across 130 countries in 2016.
Media influence: 350.org actions frequently gain international coverage, amplifying climate messaging in mainstream outlets.
Climate justice: The group prioritizes frontline communities, advocating for equitable solutions in climate policy.

As climate change accelerates, 350.org remains a vital force in mobilizing public action and holding governments and corporations accountable for emissions reductions.