Zoos and aquariums from around the globe are calling on world leaders to set targets of atmospheric carbon dioxide below 350 parts per million (ppm) at the UN Climate Change Summit taking place in Copenhagen next month.
Wildlife conservationists and members of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) claim that unless this target is set, the world will see the mass extinction of hundreds of species.
Dr Mark Penning, WAZA president, said: "The urgent protection of ecosystems, which act as natural carbon sinks, is vital if humanity is to avoid the fate of runaway climate change. Our only hope is that world leaders respond to this reality and take the appropriate action."
A petition signed by almost 800 people working in senior management roles in zoos and aquariums around the world calling for a 350 ppm limit on CO2 has been handed to Ban Ki-Moon, UN secretary general.
In 2007, a campaign was launched under the 350 banner and has since organised more than 5,000 rallies and actions around the world aimed at spreading the message that 350 ppm is the upper safe limit for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Posted by Lauren Steadman
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