AfDB gives $814 mln for Central Africa forests

The African Development Bank helps protect the forest. The African Development Bank (AfDB) is donating US$814 million to safeguard vulnerable forests in central Africa. African Development Bank President Donald Kaberuka states that 13 separate projects will be funded to enhance the management of these natural resources in the Congo Basin. Safeguarding the Congo Basin is crucial, since it is home to 37% of the world’s remaining tropical forests. A big thanks and Heaven's blessings, African Development Bank, for your generosity and commitment to protecting Africa's vital forests. May all nations be inspired to take positive action in preserving the equilibrium of our natural resources.
 
China, India speed climate change

Australia report calls for stronger international commitment to climate change. The report, commissioned by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, says that the climate is changing faster than expected due to rapid economic growth, particularly in China and India. The report’s author, economics professor, Dr. Ross Garnaut, states that efforts to reduce gas emissions need to go further and the solution is to find clean methods of achieving global economic expansion. Many thanks, Your Excellency and Dr. Garnaut, for delivering this important message to the world. May the Providence grace us with further advancements in eco-friendly technology that encourages sustainable lifestyles.
 
Hydrogen fuel plant to use heat from solar power station

Australian power company develops the first solar hydrogen plant. Solar Systems in Melbourne is developing a plant that will produce hydrogen gas from solar energy. The hydrogen component, a clean fuel obtained through a new electrolysis method, will be used to power the plant at night. The ability to store solar power for later use also represents a significant advancement in renewable energy technologies. Bravo, Solar Systems, for your shining development! May God bless your continued work with sunny prospects as you help the environment while providing clean energy!
 
AP Interview: UN's de Boer says investors tackling global warming while governments spar

Private investments in global warming catching up with government spending. Speaking on the sidelines of a United Nations environmental forum in Monaco, Executive Secretary of the Framework Convention for Climate Change, Yvo de Boer, commended businesses for taking climate change seriously. He observed that more and more companies are investing in renewable energies and making commitments to go carbon neutral. Mr. de Boer also called on governments to reach formal agreements that would further support efforts from the private sector. With gratitude, Secretary de Boer, we thank you for these encouraging observations. Kudos all in the private and public sectors who are actively seeking solutions to the most pressing issue of our times. May God give us the divine wisdom to continue in the right direction for our beautiful planetary home.
 
Cleaner water through nanotechnology

Water purified by using nanotechnology. Scientists at the University of South Australia have developed a method of water purification by placing a nano-thin coating of an active material on silica particles to remove toxins and other dangerous elements from water. Only stirring and filtering the water are required to make the particles, called Surface Engineered Silica, effective in producing clean and safe water. Hearty congratulations, Australian scientists, for this significant discovery that has the potential to help many. May all to enjoy God’s gift of pure and clean drinking water.
 
Chile government hands out water in major drought

Chile in throes of worst drought in decades. The Chilean government is handing out emergency rations of drinking water to help inhabitants through a drought crisis. Almost 90 communities, reportedly comprised of 120,000 people, have been classified as agricultural emergencies. As the rivers and reservoirs dry up, there is huge crop damage and loss of animal lives. The drought is linked to La Nina weather pattern which in turn is believed to be due to climate change. We sincerely pray that Chile and her warm-hearted people may soon experience the blessing of gentle rainfall in the affected areas. May all nations unite in harmonious action to safeguard our planet and her inhabitants.

Merck Pledges To Cut GHG Emissions 12% By 2012

US based pharmaceutical company Merck will reduce carbon emissions by 12% by 2012. Merck is taking the necessary steps to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 12% from year 2004 levels. In order to achieve this goal, Merck realizes it must neutralize 100% of emissions caused by higher levels of production since 2004. This action will be part of Merck’s involvement in the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Leaders program, which the company became part of in 2006. Our appreciation, Merck, on this bold endeavor to preserve our planet! We laud all the efforts of the corporations with similar eco-friendly goals and pray that Heaven will guide them to fruition.
 
TRC Receives Environmental Business Journal Achievement Award in Energy & Infrastructure

TRC Energy Services receives a green award from the Environmental Business Journal. Working with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, TRC Energy Services has helped build affordable green housing in New York, and the first Energy Star-certified multifamily high-rise buildings in the US. Director of TRC Energy Services, Frank Reilly, said, “We’re thrilled that the Environmental Business Journal has recognized our hard work in promoting energy efficiency technologies and practices aimed at reducing energy costs, improving the health and safety of multifamily buildings and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.” A big congratulations, TRC Energy Services, on your Business Achievement Award in Energy and Infrastructure. May Heaven bless you for providing innovative environmental solutions to all.
 
It's not just any dog park - it's 'green'

First green dog park in the US to open soon. In Arizona, USA, the nation’s first fully green dog park will open on March 1. Anthem Pets, a non-profit animal welfare organization, built the park to do something unique for the community and the environment. The 2.5 acre park, which was manually cleared of only weeds, is fully powered by solar energy, with all its metal coming from recycled cars and wood from naturally fallen trees. This certainly is a great way to serve the environment and our treasured animal friends! God bless you, Anthem Pets, for providing dog caregivers a green place to enjoy with their beloved canine companions!
 
U.N. group sets up climate neutral forum

Businesses and governments around the world pledge to go climate neutral. Five countries, as well as other city governments and organizations have inaugurated the Carbon Neutral Network by promising to work towards carbon neutrality in the near future. The United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP)-sponsored organization is also hosting an information exchange web site at www.unep.org/climateneutral. UNEP itself plans to be carbon neutral by the end of 2008, with other United Nations agencies soon to follow. Thank you UNEP and all participating governments and organizations for your forthright commitment to addressing climate change. With everyone doing similarly, we’ll surely be able to save our Earth in no time!
 
Renault, Suez to announce car-recycling venture
 
Carmaker Renault and Sita waste management collaborate to make car-recycling possible. French companies Renault and Sita, the waste management division of Suez, met this week to partner up in vehicle recycling initiatives. This will help encourage environmental protection through reclaiming precious metals and preventing harmful liquids from leeching into the ground. Our best wishes, Renault and Sita, on this meaningful partnership that makes the best use of both of your expertise! May God grant us with continued fruitful ventures that will ensue to help protect our glorious world.

P&G Beauty explores alternatives to animal testing

Procter and Gamble find alternatives to animal testing. During the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Boston, USA last week, the personal care giant Procter and Gamble (P&G), along with researchers at Ottawa’s Eye Institute, Canada discussed research findings that are focused on viable replacements for animal testing. Researchers announced significant improvements to human skin equivalents, which could be used instead of animal testing. Thank you and God bless you P&G and Eye Institute, Canada for sharing your progress in developing effective testing alternatives. May all animals be blessed by Heaven to be given the love and respect they so richly deserve.

28,000 mangrove propagules planted in Caraga, Region 10

Over 28,000 mangrove propagules planted in the Philippines. In Northern and Northeastern Mindanao island alone, thousands of mangrove propagules were planted by community members as part of this years’ World Wetlands Month celebrations. Led by the Northern and Northeastern Regional Executive Directors, many came to the tree-planting activities; afterwards RED thanked them for making the rehabilitation and protection of wetlands possible. God bless the Philippines for inviting members of the community to take part in tree-plantings. Thank you for showing the world that regional tree-planting is possible when the whole community joins in!
 
PETA's Annual Report Shows Landmark Victories in 2007

Top businesses and fashion designers adopt kinder animal practices. A recent 2007 annual report from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) stated that an increasing number of businesses are turning away from activities like animal testing and the use of animal fur, toward more compassionate, humane practices. PETA's president and cofounder, Ms.Ingrid Newkirk, stated, "These victories have a huge impact because they inspire other businesses to sit up and take notice—and realize that we all can do something to make the world a better place for animals." PETA, we thank you so much for sharing the good deeds of major companies and designers! May your continued noble efforts to encourage animal compassion inspire further change around the world!
 
Urge Gore to Add Going Vegetarian to the Global Warming Pledge

PETA urges Al Gore to add going vegetarian to seven point anti-global warming pledge. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has launched a campaign via its website, asking people to email environmental advocate Al Gore to ask him to add going vegetarian as its 8th point of simple steps to take to reverse global warming. PETA cites the 2006 UN Food and Agriculture Organization report which states that livestock produce almost 40% more greenhouse gases than the total generated by all cars, truck, planes and ships. If you are interested to sign-up, please go to http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/algore_global_warming God bless you and good luck with your campaign PETA! May the Providence grace all people to make an enjoyable transition to the life and Earth-saving vegetarian diet. 
 

Aviation makers say CO2 emissions cut of 50% by 2020 possible

Aviation industry to reduce carbon footprint. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) wants to lower CO2 emissions 50 percent by the year 2020. According to IATA, newer planes are 70 percent more fuel efficient than those built four decades ago. Emissions from the aviation industry account for 12 percent of the CO2 pollution from all transportation sources. Way to go, IATA! A big thank you for this good news for the environment. May all modern transportation continue flying high in the green direction to halt global warming
 
Humans may help forests flee warming

Scientist warns of possible need to relocate forests. International forest scientist, Professor Sally Aitken of the University of British Columbia, states the world’s forests could naturally migrate due to climate change conditions. However, the forests may need the speed of human assistance in order to survive. Professor Aitken says this endeavor will require careful thought, planning and monitoring. Our sincere appreciation, Professor Aitken for your insightful guidance about sustaining our world’s forests. May we all rise to do what is necessary to save our beautiful planet and her life-giving trees.
 
Brazil Plans Fund to Help Finance Amazon Conservation
Brazil to set up Amazon conservation fund. The Brazilian government will set up a conservation fund to secure the Amazon forest from unauthorized logging. It should be operative in May. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has appealed to developed nations to contribute to the fund. Brazil herself has allocated $292 million dollars over four years to preserve the rainforest. Kudos, Brazil, for your organizing efforts to preserve the remaining Amazon forest, the lungs of our Earth, for the well-being of ourselves and our planet. May God bless all endeavors to protect our much beloved home. 
 

As South American rivers dry up, miners tap ocean

Water pumped from Pacific Ocean to Andes Mountains. Mines in Peru and Chile that supply the world with minerals such as gold and copper are high in the mountains where water is scarce. Supplies are predicted to dwindle further with the effects of global warming. To preserve water for use in local communities, the mine companies have found a way to desalinate sea water and pump it into the mountains. Cerro Lindo Mine already relies entirely on seawater, and Antofagasta Minerals is soon to follow. Bravo South American mine companies for your enterprising way to alleviate water scarcity caused by global warming. May your noble efforts continue in doing all possible to mitigate the effects of climate change and save precious lives.

Car-sharing cameras to be tested

UK car-sharing cameras designed to reduce congestion. Thanks to a technology developed by Professor John Tyrer at Loughborough University, Britain may soon see more people carpooling. The new camera can detect how many people are actually sitting in a car by analyzing water and blood content. This development not only encourages people to carpool, but could lead to a big increase of car-sharing lanes on British roads. Congratulations Professor Tyrer for this innovative development to encourage the public’s journey-sharing to reduce of carbon emissions. May we all work together for the future of our earthly home.

Japanese FM calls for global cooperation to tackle

Japan commits to global solutions for water and sanitation. Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura recently pledged to share expertise and technology related to water supply and sanitation with less developed communities around the world. He also appealed to the international community to join in the effort. Speaking at a United Nations-hosted symposium in Tokyo, Mr. Komura said that water management issues were closely related to health, education, and sustainable development. Kudos, Japan for your leadership and generosity in helping people around the world have clean water and good sanitation. May Heaven reward your dedicated endeavors with brilliant success.
 
New Zealand signs deal with U.S., Australia to reduce air emissions

Airway services commit to lower environmental footprint. Aviation services in New Zealand, the United States, and Australia signed a landmark agreement this week to collaborate on reducing carbon emissions. Airway New Zealand’s CEO, Mr. Ashley Smout said, “We believe aggressive action to make new concepts of operation a reality and take advantage of innovations in aircraft and air traffic management technology are crucial if aviation is to exercise its proper stewardship of the environment.” We respectfully salute and thank you, Airway New Zealand, Airservices Australia, and the US Federal Aviation Administration, for your dedication to reducing your impact on the environment. Hooray for greener flight!