Don't Make Us Use This: Greenpeace Rebuilds Noah's Ark

On May 31, Greenpeace unveiled a modern version of Noah's Ark on Mount Ararat. German and Turkish builders spent most of the month of May constructing the 10 x 4 x 4-meter (32 x 13 x 13-foot) wooden boat, using horses to schlepp materials 2,500 meters up the mountain, to the place where the biblical ark is said to have come to rest after floods subsided.

The timing of the ark's construction — just a week before G8 leaders meet in Heiligendamm — is also not accidental. Greenpeace used the occasion to issue the Ararat Declaration, a warning to world governments about the impending impacts of run-away global warming, and a reminder of their responsibility to stop it. The declaration echoes recent demands of climate action from scientists and environmental groups:

"We call on you to urgently co-operate globally to avert this catastrophic climate change, which can only be achieved if global warming is kept below a 2 °C increase above pre-industrial levels. This requires immediate implementation of a radical program to halt the rise of greenhouse gas emissions within the next ten to fifteen years. Furthermore you must resolutely commit to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% from 1990 levels by 2050."

Greenpeace marked the completion of the ark by releasing 208 doves (symbolizing hope for the 208 countries of the world). The structure will stay on the mountain, to serve as a refuge for mountain hikers. (Photo: Greenpeace)