MPCB gears up to check pollution
 
Efforts to prevent air and water pollution underway in India. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board is starting a program to set up 46 air quality monitoring systems. They are also making plans for taking action to prevent pollution in 5 major rivers. We appreciate your commitment to a healthier environment, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board. May India be evermore blessed with clean air and water for all to enjoy.

Lankan teen among six voice concern at World Economic Forum

Youth activists speak out at World Economic Forum. During last week’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, six teenage delegates from around the world were selected to address world leaders with their viewpoints on climate change, poverty and other global issues. Their speeches represented the concerns and solutions of their peers in a powerful call for more diligent action. Kudos, shining young leaders, for lending the powerful voice of your generation. May we all work to make the future bright for everyone, especially for the deserving youth of our world.

Ministry to launch Web site to promote green transport

Website to encourage green transport in Formosa (Taiwan). The Ministry of Transportation and Communications in Formosa is establishing a website promoting on environmentally friendly means of transportation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency. The website advocates more use of public transport, walking and cycling. Our thanks, Formosa, for your eco-friendly initiative. May our wonderful planet and all her inhabitants be graced with abundant health and well-being.

World tour to create awareness

Two friends from Tamil Nadu, India drive around the world to raise awareness of climate change. T. Srinivasa Rao and R. Gnanasekaran will cross 30 countries on five continents in 365 days, spreading the message of green living along the way. They plan to meet with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, and US presidential hopefuls Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton. On previous tours, they promoted nuclear disarmament, rainforest protection, and other eco-friendly causes. Way to go, Mr. Rao and Mr. Gnanasekaran! We wish you safety and success on your adventure to deliver the urgent message of addressing global warming.

Ireland's Minister Ryan launches major new Ocean Energy initiative

Ireland announces a program to develop energy from the ocean. Following up on his commitment to making Ireland “a world leader in renewable energy,” Irish Energy Minister Eamon Ryan recently announced a €26 million program to develop best-in-class wave ocean technology. The money will be used to develop, build, test and market technological solutions harvesting the vast energy of the sea. Thank you, Ireland, for your efforts in harnessing the primordial power of waves and tides for a greener world. May your endeavors be graced with great success for the benefit of all.
 

New Techniques Create Butanol, A Superior Biofuel

Scientists make progress on biofuel research. Dr. Lars Angenent is working with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make the biofuel butanol from plant debris containing high cellulose content, such as woody plant stalks, corn fiber, and straw. He uses biomass digesters with a mixed culture of bacteria to produce the carbon-neutral fuel, which burns cleaner and provides more energy than ethanol. What a great advancement! Our appreciation Dr. Lars Angenent and the USDA for your pioneering work with butanol. May it lead to a new era of eco-friendly fuels.