Low rainfall and rising sea levels in Bahrain.
At a United Nations meeting on disaster risk reduction, Bahrain’s Civil Aviation Affairs Meteorology Assistant Under-Secretary Abdul Majeed Isa, described this year’s rainy season as the driest in nearly 40 years, with rainfall reaching only 17.2 millimeters compared to the average of 70 millimeters.

Citing other observations of changing weather patterns, the assistant under-secretary said, “We are certain this dry spell can be attributed to the effects of global warming and climate change.” Meanwhile, Bahrain’s United Nations resident coordinator and representative Sayed Aqa expressed concerns regarding rising sea waters and projections of the island’s eventual submergence.

Both experts highlighted the need for actions to halt these dire effects of global warming. Assistant Under-Secretary Isa and United Nations representative Aqa, we appreciate your conveyed concern regarding the uncertain future of Bahraini brethren.

Our prayers for the protection of the good people of Bahrain as we unite in actions to restore the ecosphere to her more original pristine state.

During these unstable times on our planet, Supreme Master Ching Hai has constantly offered her comfort and insights. Speaking to our Association members in December 2008, she spoke of the fastest and most simple solution to avoid the dangers of the rising seas.


http://www.tradearabia.com/news/newsdetails.asp?Sn=ENV&artid=161527
http://www.tradearabia.com/news/newsdetails.asp?Sn=ENV&artid=161168

US teens recognized for contribution to clean waterways.
In Bay Village, Ohio, members of Ship 41, a local group that participates in the outdoor program Sea Scout, have won a US$30,000 first prize for their “Flotsam Scoop,” a device that removes floating garbage from marina or dock areas. The prize was awarded through the Interlux Waterfront Challenge, a contest supported
by yacht paint manufacturer Interlux, to promote projects that enhance the environment. The approximately five-pound scoop device is a half-bucket made of aluminum mesh attached at the end of a lightweight telescoping handle.

Our green hats off Sea Scout Ship 41 team for your simple and effective innovation to help restore our ocean waters! We look forward to seeing many more such creative eco-ideas from you and your valued peers worldwide.

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/05/22/scoop.invention/index.html?iref=werecommend
http://www.seascout.org/ships/flagships.html

Top 10 new species of 2008.
The International Institute for Species Exploration at Arizona State University, USA has collaborated with an international committee of scientists to create a list of the top 10 newly found species in 2008.
The list was compiled  in honor of the 300th anniversary of the birth of Carolus Linnaeus, a Swedish scientist who initiated what are now the modern naming conventions and classifications of plant and animal species.
This year’s list includes a tiny seahorse, the world’s smallest snake, a pale “ghost slug,” the world’s longest insect, a fossilized specimen of the oldest known life-bearing vertebrate, a caffeine-free coffee plant, a bacteria found in hairspray, a gigantic, flowering palm, a deep blue damselfish, and a snail with a shell that rotates around four axes.

What intriguing discoveries! We are gratefulto the International Institute for Species Exploration and the international scientists for bringing to our attention these unique and novel beings. May we continue to be filled with the wonder at the myriad creations of the Divine.