A Vernon-based initiative wants the federal government to know locals are concerned about climate change.

The Sustainable Environment Network Society has been collecting signatures from local residents at various venues and online recently. Their effort is called the 350 Pledge, taking its name from the number of parts per million of carbon dioxide scientists say is necessary to keep the planet from warming to unprecedented levels.

The group plans to present the pledge to Okanagan-Shuswap MP Colin Mayes Oct. 23 at his Vernon office. So far, more than 100 people have signed the pledge according to SENS spokesperson Mary Stockdale.

“I think there’s a lot of people reading about (climate change) and are deeply concerned. I also see people that are confused so it’s good to be able to explain to them what’s going on.”

Stockdale points to recent record-breaking high temperature in September as proof the planet is warming. Several communities in B.C. establish new maximum temperatures last month

SENS rally is following the lead of a group called 350.org that has designated Oct. 24 a worldwide day for climate action. SENS is holding their event the day before on a Friday because it’s more likely Mayes will be there to hear their message.

The worldwide organization of rallies around climate change is meant to put pressure on governments ahead of the next major international conference on the issue.

“One of the reasons there’s a lot of urgency is (there will be) a major international summit in December in Copenhagen,” said Stockdale, who holds a PhD in forest ecology.

“Unfortunately Canada has a reputation now for going around and weakening these agreements. Other countries are willing to step to the line and we are not.”

Stockdale has contacted Mayes’ offices in Vernon and Ottawa to make it known what SENS’ plans are for Oct. 23 in hopes that he’ll be present. She wants Vernonites to show support as well.

“I hope everyone in Vernon will come on side for our pledge. It’s very important for our children’s sake that we all do what we can to avoid catastrophic climate change.”

To sign the pledge, visit SENS’ website at www.sensociety.org.