Move toward vegan dining reflects nationwide shifts

One out of four college students want vegan options. About 25% of university students surveyed by Aramark, a food service provider, said that vegan options were important to them. The reasons given for the vegan choice include health, environmental and compassion towards animals. In response, Amarak has provided purely plant-based dishes. We thank Aramark for conducting this enlightening survey. Kudos students for making choices that herald a kinder and more sustainable future for our planet. May all people of our planet be graced to make a transition to the earth-sustaining plant-based diet.

Six Az bills would promote use of solar energy

State legislators in Arizona, USA consider bills promoting solar energy. Lawmakers in Arizona are looking to capitalize on their state’s abundance of sunny days. They are discussing at least six bills in total, one of which that would require all state agencies and schools to receive 10% of their energy from renewable sources by 2013. Another would give tax relief to power plants producing at least two megawatts of electricity from renewable sources. Great work, Arizona lawmakers! May these eco-friendly bills pass with unanimous support. Heaven bless all nations to exhibit good governance by legislating the use of planet-saving renewable energy sources.

Kaohsiung, Taipower to promote tree-planting

Formosa (Taiwan) proposes additional tree-planting. The Kaohsiung county government and Taiwan Power Co. (Taipower) have recommended the planting of over 40,000 trees in a 30-hectare area in the county. Magistrate Yang Chiu-hsing stated the plan will bring together the county government and local companies for a united goal of reducing greenhouse emissions. Magistrate Yang is also inviting the support of local religious and community groups as well as steel and energy companies. For your endeavors to help stabilize our planet, we thank you, Formosa. May your land truly continue to be a “beautiful island” as lush, verdant forests flourish.
 
Taiwan unveils a tree-planting program

A new tree-planting program sprouts in Taiwan. Recently, Taiwan’s council of agriculture introduced a tree-planting program called “One life, One tree, for a Motherland of Green.” The program, introduced by Agriculture Council Chairman Su Chia-chuan, seeks to raise public awareness of global warming and change public concepts. To make Taiwan greener, every citizen has been called to plant at least one tree in their lifetime. Congratulations, Taiwan, for these lovingly planting seeds to bring a greener tomorrow. May God grace all of your efforts towards positive environmental change with love, abundance, and swift success.
 
People power prepares to fight global warming

Swiss grassroots coalition successfully petitions for parliamentary climate change vote. The 150,000-signature petition submitted by environmental groups in Switzerland to the national parliament is 50,000 more than the minimum required to catalyze a vote. Their petition proposes to decrease CO2 emissions 30% below 1990 levels. Thomas Vellacott, president of the initiative and WWF Switzerland's conservation director, said, “We know that people are getting fed up with a situation where everyone's talking about doing something about climate change but no one's actually doing anything. People are ready to see some action." We applaud your dedicated efforts, Swiss environmentalists, and send our sincere wishes for the success of your Earth-sustaining proposal.
 
Heavy snowfall upsets wildlife in north India

Heavy snowfall affects wildlife in North India. In Kashmir, the heaviest snows in recent history have upset the wildlife in higher altitudes. A number of rare animal and bird species have suffered population decrease, and many animals have migrated to lower altitudes. Displaced animals include wild cats, leopards, small mammals, and several hundred pheasants. May God protect all animals from the effects of human-caused climate change. We pray that all global citizens take every effort to restore nature’s harmonious balance. 
 

 
Amazing solar shingles inspiried by leaves

Solar shingles draw power from sun and wind. Tiny solar shingles developed by Sustainably Minded Interactive Technology (SMIT) not only convert the energy from the sun into electricity but, also take advantage of wind energy as they are moved by the breeze. These tiny panels were inspired by leaves, and are currently being sold as kits through art and design outlets. That’s amazing! Congratulations, SMIT, for your creative innovations inspired by Mother Nature. May the Providence grace our world with many more such sustainable inventions.

Alaska taking steps to deal with warming

The American state of Alaska creates a climate change cabinet. Governor Sarah Palin of the far northern state of Alaska has created a climate change cabinet to provide leadership and direction on problems related to global warming. The subcabinet will develop strategies for adaptation to climate change and mitigation of its severity. In Alaska, adaptation means, among other things, deciding whether to relocate or protect several coastal communities threatened by erosion. Governor Palin, we respectfully thank you for working with the climate change cabinet to attempt to minimize the effects of global warming. May God grant your noble and urgently needed efforts with shining success.

phasing out cars Australian Scientist warns

Australian scientists warn of limited time and options for climate change. Research by Professor Ross Garnaut has suggested that Australia may need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as much as 90% by the year 2050. Monash University Associate Professor Damon Honnery and Dr. Patrick Moriarty say can this only be accomplished by a near total switch from private cars to public transport. They say that governments must focus on phasing out cars, while improving the energy efficiency of public transportation and encouraging other means such as bicycling and walking. We appreciate your forthright call to action, Australian researchers. Blessed be your nation and our world in taking these recommendations to heart and responding with timely action.
 
Icy Province Sees Higher Temperature, Severe Drought

China’s northernmost province of Heilongjiang feels the effects of climate change. Meteorologists with the Heilongjiang Meteorological Observatory said the provincial capital, Harbin, known as the “city of ice,” posted the highest average annual temperatures since records began in 1881. Senior meteorologist at the observatory, Yin Xuemian said, “This record annual average was not incidental. It was closely related to the global warming trend.” The province also faces worsening drought, which has already affected more than 40 percent of its arable land. Thank you Chinese meteorologists for this imperative message. Our sincere prayers go to the people of Heilongjiang. May Heaven protect and keep them safe as we find ways to effectively sustain all life on our beloved planetary home.

Green sports car set for launch

Morgan roadster goes green. The British sports car manufacturer Morgan is unveiling a modern, emissions-free version of its classic Aero-8 roadster at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, which runs from the 6th to the 16th of March. Designated the Lifecar, it has a top speed of almost 100mph and can travel about 250 miles on a tank of hydrogen gas, all while emitting only water and heat. Bravo, Morgan and all who helped create this back to the future beauty of a sports car. May we speed on our way to greener vehicles.
 
Global warming threatens more than just coral

Australian experts warns of dangers to coral attols. Coral attols are small coral islands, only slightly higher than present sea levels. Dr. Marshall Weisler, an expert on the prehistoric use of coral attols at the University of Queensland, states that due to rising sea levels caused by global warming, more than 200,000 people living on coral attols are in danger of losing their homes. He said: “People have shown me where there used to be gardens, are now lagoons. There are coconut trees that are 20 meters off shore, half falling over.” Thank you Dr. Weisler for your efforts in helping us to understand how climate change is affecting the world around us. We pray for God’s grace to help us preserve our precious planet. 
 

Virgin to use GM fuel cell cars as limos

Virgin Airlines’ takes flight towards sustainability. Virgin Airlines announced it will incorporate six General Motors’ Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell cars in its fleet that shuttles VIPs to and from the US airports in Los Angeles and New York. Fuel cell cars operate on hydrogen and only emit water vapor. GM is currently testing 100 of the vehicles on the roads in the US and sees the partnership with Virgin as being beneficial towards the vehicle’s public launch in 2012. The head of Virgin Group, Sir Richard Branson, has pledged to dedicate all business profits from his airline and rail enterprises over the next ten years to curb climate change. Bravo, Sir Richard Branson and General Motors, for your noble initiative and partnership for alternative energies in transportation. God bless your sustainable endeavors with soaring, green success.
 
In Japan, fuel cells turn up the heat

Japanese homes obtain electricity from hydrogen fuel cells. In Japan, some households are beginning to install hydrogen fuel cells right in their own home to provide electricity and heat. Through the process of generating electricity, the fuel cell also heats water for home use. The special generator uses the natural gas already supplied to city homes and produces a fraction of the greenhouse gases from traditional sources. Way to go Japan on this smart innovation. Heaven bless for more homes to discover the power and economy of clean energy technology.

Protected path sought for Wyo. antelope

Motion detection system protects US pronghorn antelope. To keep antelope safe as they move freely across the prairie, the state of Wyoming has installed motion sensors alongside a one-mile span of highway. This section of highway intersects with a migration route used by the animals for thousands of years. The motion sensors will set lights flashing to alert drivers when antelope and deer are crossing the road. One state highway engineer estimated that the system has already reduced accidents by 60 percent. We offer our appreciation, Wyoming for helping thousands of animals cross the road safely every season. May we live in peaceful co-existence with our wild animal friends through such protective measures.
 
Brooks makes eco-friendly sneakers

US shoe company makes biodegradable athletic shoes. Most athletic shoes are made with a synthetic midsole that can last up to 1,000 years! However, US-based company, Brooks Sport Inc., invented a chic pair of nontoxic running shoes that biodegrades after 20 years. It is estimated that the eco-friendly shoe will save hundreds of thousands of tons of landfill space over two decades. What a great concept! A big thank you, Brooks Sport Inc. and companies like you who use ingenuity to help us tread with a lighter carbon footprint on our earthly abode.