North Pole could be ice free in 2008

North Pole forecast to be ice-free this year. As the summer of 2007 witnessed drastic record declines in Arctic sea ice, the North Pole is now mostly covered only by a thin layer of new ice formed last autumn. Since new ice typically melts the following summer, scientists predict that the North Pole could, for the first time, be ice-free after summer of this year.

Additionally alarming is that the older, multi-year ice is melting more quickly than it has been accumulating. Senior research scientist at the US National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), Dr. Mark Serreze said, “The set-up for this summer is disturbing. There is this thin first-year ice even at the North Pole at the moment. This raises the spectre – the possibility that you could become ice free at the North Pole this year.” Thank you, Dr. Serreze and fellow NSIDC researchers, for this startling information about the conditions at the northern tip of our planet. We pray that your data will help inspire our world’s citizens toward swift actions to halt further loss of our irreplaceable biosphere.

Germany pledges millions to save forests

Germany to increase funding to safeguard biodiversity. Starting in 2012, Germany will spend €500 million each year towards protecting forests and biodiversity. This represents a generous increase from the current annual expenditure of €200 million. Chancellor Angela Merkel highlighted the loss to extinction of up to 150 different plants and animals every day, saying, “We're ready to take responsibility. We're ready to do everything we can to safeguard the riches of our earth and the foundation of life for mankind.” Our gratefulness, Germany and Chancellor Merkel, for placing the environment at the forefront of your discussions and actions. We pray for the continued survival of our planet’s cherished and diverse species.
Warming seen depleting Great Lakes even more

Global warming jeopardizes US-Canada Great Lakes. A recent report on the health of the five lakes that comprise 20% of the world’s surface fresh water indicates that climate change is posing dangers to both water levels and ecosystems. Last year alone, Lake Superior had receded to its lowest level in 77 years. The report’s authors are calling for federal measures to restore the lakes, which could be funded through a type of carbon trading system.
 
Meanwhile, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is recommending the completion of an accord between the eight US states and two Canadian provinces that border the lakes, to further ensure their protection. We appreciate this timely report and the encouraging suggestions. May the invaluable Great Lakes be preserved as part of our efforts to achieve a healthy global climate.
 
Stark portrait of climate shifts

United States government releases report on climate change. The US federal government on Tuesday released a 203-page report entitled, “The Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture, Land Resources, Water Resources and Biodiversity in the United States.” The report, requested by President Bush and available at www.climatescience.gov, highlights disruptive changes that are forecast as a result of global warming. Two chief concerns are anticipated water shortages and crop failures. We offer our appreciation President Bush and the scientific experts who participated in this report. May it motivate policy makers and citizens alike to respond to climate change rapidly to save our earthly abode.
 
Now you'll be made to recycle your litter in the High Street

Recycling made available on the streets of the UK. The British government has launched a new campaign to reduce waste and improve the environment by replacing street bins with recycling containers. The voluntary “recycle-on-the-go" program will be available on streets, parks, shopping centers and tourist areas. Officials say that this highly visible measure will help create a “recycling culture.” Well done, United Kingdom! May your new campaign show everyone the ease of recycling along with its many benefits to our Earth.
 
Some biofuels may be harmful rather than good for environment

Certain biofuels can be eco-costly. A study headed by US conservation biologist Martha Groom at the University of Washington found that, even aside from considerations such as food displacement, crops like corn that are used to produce ethanol represent inefficient forms of alternative energy. However, crops such as switchgrass and algae require much less energy input to yield fuels. The scientists recommend more comprehensive calculations to determine the carbon footprint of proposed biofuels. We are most grateful, Dr. Groom and colleagues, for your research findings and reminders of overall environmental balance. May we also evaluate fully to make truly sustainable choices that preserve our precious natural resources.

Uncontacted Indian tribe spotted in Brazil

Brazil calls for protection of Amazon tribes. The Brazilian government has released photos of Amazonian tribes living between Brazil and Peru, verifying and making their existence known. Officials have called for the protection of the tribal people’s lands from illegal deforestation. Fiona Watson of the indigenous rights group, Survival International, said, “For these people to survive they must have their land rights recognized and protected.” Thank you Brazilian government and Survival International for your care and concern for the indigenous tribes of the Amazon and their rain forest habitat. May their unique contribution to our world continue in Heaven’s grace and protection.
 
World Bank Approves $1.2 Billion Funding For Food Crisis

World Bank allocates fund for global food support. In an effort to boost global food availability, the World Bank has allocated US$1.2 billion in donations and loans to provide seed and fertilizer to farmers as well as food for school children in less advantaged countries. It is also planning to increase global agricultural and food support by 50 percent next year, to US$6 billion. We extend our appreciation and God’s blessings, World Bank for your generous support. May all the world’s people soon enjoy plentiful sustenance and abundant harvests.
 
Arctic coastal countries agree to cooperate on environmental protection

Five Arctic nations partner to protect the environment. In a meeting of ministers from Canada, Denmark, Norway, Russia and the United States, an agreement was reached to cooperatively resolve any issues regarding the countries’ common interest in the Arctic water’s resources. The ministers further stated: “We will take steps in accordance with international law to ensure the protection and the preservation of the fragile environment of the Arctic Ocean.” Our hats off, Arctic nations, for your commitment to working together. We wish you the very best in upholding the balance of our delicate ecosystem while pursuing your shared noble goals.
 
Central America, Caribbean join hands to tackle climate change

Central America and Caribbean join to halt global warming. At a summit in San Pedro, Honduras, leaders and officials from Belize, Costa Rica, Dominica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama and Salvador all signed The San Pedro Sula Declaration. This agreement gives national priority to global warming, with each country pledging to enact measures to effectively lower greenhouse gas emissions. A big green thank you, participating countries, for taking critical measures to in reduce carbon emissions. May all nations worldwide work together in taking the necessary steps to preserve our global planetary home.
 
Hungarian President in Singapore for first official state visit

Hungarian president calls for united efforts. In a recent speech given at Singapore Management University, Hungarian president Dr. Laszlo Sólyom presented a Hungarian perspective on climate change and sustainability.

Supreme Master Television covered the lecture in which the president described the effects of global warming in Hungary.

Dr. Laszlo Sólyom, President of Hungary: The once reliable patterns of seasons, the cyclical availability of sunshine, water, soils and plants cannot be taken for granted any more. In Hungary, we were reminded of this recently by experiencing devastating off-seasonal frosts and extended droughts which destroyed the livelihoods of rural communities; and by unprecedented heat waves and violent storms that caused loss of life.
 
VOICE: Also in his speech that concluded visits to Indonesia and Âu Lạc (Vietnam), President Solyom said that drastic changes must be made towards an eco-friendly lifestyle.
 
Dr. Laszlo Sólyom, President of Hungary: Our emissions should be cut decisively and without delay through sustainable consumption and production.
 
VOICE: We thank His Excellency Dr. Sólyom for his call to cooperative action on climate change. May all governments take the lead in shaping sustainable lifestyles for their nations’ present and future generations. 
 
Popular Hong Kong singer urges young fans to save the planet.

Lowell Lo is beloved in Hong Kong as a multitalented actor, singer and film music composer. Also a passionate advocate of the environment and sustainability, he is now on a mission to sing and speak to audiences about the need to be green and go vegetarian to save the Earth. (In Cantonese) Lowell Lo (press conference): It’s because we have a mission tonight. We do this show for environmental protection. This show is to spread the message of love.

VOICE: Lowell Lo’s recent concert performed to a full house at the Hong Kong Coliseum, combining lively pop and rock with his earnest message about global warming.

Lowell Lo : A lesson for everyone, the situation becomes grave. Merciless killing and eating other beings, can only cause destruction again and again to human beings.

VOICE: After singing, he asks his audience for permission to share his concern and information about the critical times we are facing.

Lowell Lo:The whole world, all humankind have to do something because the World Wide Fund stated, scientists all over the world also said we only have five years to solve this problem. (in English): Time is running out. (In Cantonese) Hope you spread this message to your friends, to all the schools, to the whole world. Singing soft final song: Live in peace (live in peace) New world (new world) New force (new force)
 
VOICE: Mr. Lo’s work didn’t end with his moving concert. He also met separately with the media: (sitting huddled at table with group of journalists)

Lowell Lo: Eat less meat, it helps the Earth a lot.

SupremeMasterTV: How are you going to convey this message?

Lowell Lo: You write it. The best way is you publish it.

VOICE: The artist also gave an exclusive interview with Supreme Master Television. CAPTION: Lowell Lo, Famous Hong Kong songwriter, film music composer and actor raising environmental awareness (In Cantonese)

SupremeMasterTV: Mr. Lowell Lo is a veteran musician in Hong Kong. Today, he has just finished his music concert to arouse the world’s interest in global warming.
 
Lowell Lo: I hope every one of us can do something to relieve the effects of global warming. What we are doing now is not just for ourselves. It is also for our next generations. It is simple: we just have to eat less meat; then we can help the Earth a lot, a lot. In other words, electricity production causes 11% of the global warming. But cow farming causes 18%. Thus, if you eat meat for 7 days a week you cut it to 3 days only, you have done a lot of good work. If everyone does a little bit, miracles will happen in the worldwide scale.

Lowell Lo ending song/concert: There are no boundaries No boundaries any more. Thank you. (pan out to packed huge stadium)

VOICE: May Heaven bless you Lowell Lo as a celebrity who has dedicated your music to educate and inspire youth toward doing their part to save the planet. We join you in your dream for a peaceful, loving future and wish your noble endeavors further great success!