James Hansen: Reduce CO2 in atmosphere or face catastrophe
Top climate scientist Dr. James Hansen speaks of our planetary emergency. Presenting the 2009 Walter Orr Roberts Distinguished Lecture during the Conference on World Affairs held at the University of Colorado, USA, Dr. James Hansen, respected climatologist and Director of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies, spoke of the urgency of addressing climate change. Regarding the current state of atmospheric greenhouse gases, he noted, “We have already passed into the dangerous zone.” Dr. Hansen went on to say that if such gas emissions are not reduced immediately, “We would be sending the planet toward an ice free state. We would … be creating a very different planet, and chaos for our children.”

In an interview with Supreme Master Television on March 19, Dr. Hansen offered two key preventative actions.

VOICE: Our grateful thanks, Dr. Hansen and all brave scientists who are sounding the alarm about our need to act now in caring for the fragile environment. Let us heed your call toward swift actions to protect our only Earthly home.

In July 2008, the videoconference entitled “Climate Change International Conference” was held in West Hollywood, California, USA with experts on health, science and the media. Highlighting the endangered situation of our planet, Supreme Master Ching Hai called on all people to turn to most urgently needed solution of the animal-free diet.

Birds hit hard by scorching heat
Birds threatened by heat stress. In Australia, thousands of wild parakeets were found perished earlier this year from what appeared to be heat stress and exhaustion. More recently, many birds in Indian cities such as Surat in Gujarat state have been found to be fainting from dehydration due to high temperatures. According to Indian environmental organizations such as Prayas and Nature Club, the birds are having difficulty finding drinking water, with at least 30 being rescued daily from heat-induced dehydration. Prayas is encouraging citizens to put a bowl of water outside their residence for the birds.

Our heartfelt thanks, Prayas, Nature Club and all those who are assisting avian co-inhabitants in coping with the extreme conditions of climate change. Blessed be all efforts to restore the lives of our feathered friends and other beings on Mother Earth.

Green Roof 1.0: The Seaweed Houses of Læsø, Denmark
Sustainable seaweed houses on the isle of Læsø, Denmark. This island was once famous for its salt production, with kilns that were powered by regional vegetation and trees. As these resources dwindled, huge sandstorms became prevalent and eventually buried several island communities. Salt production was banned, and the remaining citizens then resolved to build their homes with the available seaweed and driftwood. Although even these found materials are no longer abundant, their salt-laden properties have allowed the buildings to stand virtually unchanged since the 1600s when they were built.

What a marvel, melding humanity’s creations with nature’s resources! May we be reminded by this illustrative example of the need to conserve resources and live in harmony with our surroundings.

CNN turns spotlight on environmental issues
Press expands coverage on the environment. The English language television network, CNN International has scheduled a special report on environmental topics for Earth Day on April 22. Entitled “Going Green,” the program will bring live coverage of Earth Day events from around the world. The network also has environmental specials planned in July and October, as well as in-depth coverage of the Copenhagen Climate Conference in December. In related news, the United Kingdom’s Guardian Unlimited daily news is launching a new website with the latest on green issues. Located online at environment.guardian.co.uk, the website includes articles related to climate change, eco-transportation, ethical shopping and sustainable energy.

Our green salute, CNN and Guardian Unlimited for your focus on these important eco-matters of our time. Wishing your audiences abundant benefit in inspired actions of care and consideration for the environment.