Bulgaria kicks off national tree planting campaign March 20

Bulgaria prepares for national tree planting campaign. Initiated by the Environment and Water Committee, Bulgaria’s “Lets Plant a Tree” campaign will begin on March 20 to restore and save Bulgaria’s forests. With the help of regional officials, trees will be planted around the country. The program offers the additional benefit of employing 485 people from the municipalities of Silven, Yambol and Topolovgrad. Way to go, Bulgaria! Heaven bless this noble campaign in restoring our planetary lungs so that all other beings can continue to breathe clean and fresh air.

Israel’s separation barrier also impacts wildlife

Israelis and Palestinians cooperate to protect nature. Groups of Israelis and Palestinians have united in an effort to protect the landscape and wildlife in the Wadi Qelt. They are asking for the halt of a barrier construction that would endanger the wildlife and natural springs in the area. Farmer Mohammed Manasra, said "We want the gazelles and the porcupines to wander our land as they always have." On behalf of our animal friends, we send our sincere thanks loving Israeli and Palestinian brethren. May the people of the Wadi Qelt find common ground and understanding to bring peace, comfort and goodwill to all.

GM Announces New Hybrid System

GM to bring out lithium-ion hybrid. US automaker General Motors Corporation announced plans to bring out its first lithium-ion battery powered hybrid vehicle in 2010. The new battery system is three times more powerful than the nickel-metal-hydride batteries now in use. The smaller and lighter lithium ion batteries are considered essential for the mass production of low emissions vehicles operated by standard type or electric motors. Bravo, General Motors, on the development of this environmentally friendly hybrid vehicle! May a new generation of green transportation be cruising our streets soon.
 
Learn “Green” Backyard Gardening Techniques from EPA’s Exhibit at the 2008 Philadelphia Flower Show
 
Philadelphia, USA, opens its 2008 eco-friendly flower exhibition show. The 2008 Philadelphia Flower Show’s theme is an eco-friendly garden that uses less water, fertilizers, fossil fuels, and mowing. This years’ attraction is the “no-mow sod,” an ornamental grass that remains beautiful all year-round. Our appreciation, Philadelphia Flower Show and the EPA, for showing us that we can have a refreshing and lovely backyard without great cost to the environment. We wish your show every success, with many green gardeners emerging as a result! 
 

 
Swedish committee proposes national climate goals

Swedish parliamentary committee puts forth measures for climate change. A report composed by members of the seven parties in the Swedish parliament has proposed, among other things, a 38% reduction in emissions from 1990 levels by the year 2020. The committee’s report states that Sweden is currently set to meet her 4% emission reduction goals for the 2008-2012 period. It also urges other industrialized nations to pass measures for greater emission reductions. Hats off, Sweden, for your national move towards a sustainable future. May the Swedish people continue to be graced with the steadfast courage to reach and exceed these goals for the benefit of our cherished Mother Earth.
 
Study: Swapping for wind power will raise power bills marginally

A US market study shows the cost benefits of switching to wind power. A newly released study by the Kansas Corporation Committee concludes that while wind power would slightly raise the cost of electricity, it is a cheaper option in the long run, particularly if a long-anticipated state carbon tax is imposed. The study, requested by Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, compares the full cost of wind power with the savings to utility companies if they use less fuel. Governor Sebelius and the state of Kansas, we thank you for this valuable study. May the Providence bless our world in making greater use of natural energy sources from wind and sun.
 
Climate change will affect food security: Pachauri

Climate change will greatly affect food security. On Tuesday, head of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri, said that climate change is endangering food security. He stated, “Meltdown of glaciers affects agriculture … and food security is compromised. By 2020 there will be a 50% reduction of agriculture in Africa affecting their people's survival.” Our sincere appreciation, Dr. Pachauri, for calling the world’s attention to this urgent issue that is key to the very sustenance of so many people. We pray that all global citizens will act upon this information to effectively halt global warming.
 
Arctic lakes contribute to global warming 

 US professor says methane from Arctic lakes adds to global warming. In a talk presented at the University of California at Davis, Dr. Katey Walter, a professor of limnology and environmental research at the University of Alaska, stated that methane bubbling up from Arctic lakes is now being released into the atmosphere. This is due to melting of the lakes’ permafrost layers resulting from climate change. According to Dr. Walter, who has personally conducted Arctic lake research in areas such as Siberia, this phenomenon causes further global warming because methane “fuels its own production” by melting even more permafrost layers once released. Dr. Katey Walter, we offer our sincere gratitude for your diligent study that has yielded this urgent observation. May we all act now through small and larger measures to help preserve the delicate balance of our precious biosphere.
 
Record Warm Winter for Northern Europe

Flora and fauna arrive prematurely in warm Northern European winter. Scientists and researchers are saying this years’ winter is the warmest weather ever to be recorded. Due to the early arrival of spring-like temperatures throughout northern Europe, flowering plants such as winter aconite, snow drops and daffodils are blossoming early. Likewise, migratory birds have been spotted returning from the south before their usual time, and in southern regions of Sweden, some birds never left. Biologist Lars-Ake Janzon of the Swedish Museum of Natural History stated, “The birds that have stayed are robins and chaffinches. They stayed because there hasn't been any snow.” You have our thanks, Dr. Janzon and other scientists, for this observation that further alerts us to the warming conditions on our planet. May God grace us with the wisdom to act quickly and effectively to curb these changes and stabilize our precious Earth.
 
N.M. Attracts Solar Manufacturing Plant

Renewable energy plant to be built in New Mexico, USA. The German solar energy company, Schott Solar Inc., has announced plans to build a manufacturing plant in the US state of New Mexico, where it will construct devices for solar thermal power plants to convert solar energy into electricity. Meeting with Schott company officials at the site of the future plant, New Mexico’s Governor Bill Richardson said, “This is historic. It's also the future because what we need in this country is a new energy policy that relies on renewable energy.” Many thanks, Governor Richardson, for actively seeking environmentally-friendly business opportunities. We laud your new international partnership, Shott Solar Inc. and New Mexico! May your shared commitment to clean energy be an inspiration that encourages us all to step forward and create a greener future.
 
Transport tickets should show carbon footprint, says report

UK engineers recommend carbon footprint display for travel. The Institute of Mechanical Engineers in the United Kingdom is proposing that air and train tickets should reveal the environmental impact of a person’s journey. In their report on sustainable transportation, the organization said that trains are one of the most green ways to travel. Our respect and accolades, Mechanical Engineers in the United Kingdom, for your eco-friendly transport recommendations. Our future is surely bright as all we find ways to tread evermore lightly on the planet.

Japan eyes technology upgrades to halve emissions

Japan takes steps to drop greenhouse gases 50% by 2050. In taking strides towards reducing emissions, Japan looks to advance 21 different technologies including solar power, vehicles operating on fuel cells or biofuel, and steelmaking by use of hydrogen. A group of environmental experts has been formed by Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and will be led by former Japan Business Federation chairman Hiroshi Okuda. Kudos, Japan, for helping to mitigate the effects of global warming. We pray your praiseworthy efforts will better inspire the world to act similarly in preserving our fragile ecosystem.
 
Home for athletes, friendly to environment

Beijing builds green Olympic village. The Olympic village in Beijing will house 16,000 athletes and officials during the Olympic Games this summer and become a permanent residential area in 2009. Solar energy and the re-use of waste water will operate the air-conditioning and heat the hot water. The energy efficient design will save five million kilowatts of electricity each year. Rain water from the buildings will be collected and used to irrigate the grounds. A green thumbs up, China, for building the sustainable Olympic village. We wish you and all the athletes from around the world an eco-friendly and enjoyable Olympic Games.

Solar Homes Program

Queensland’s Premier Council on Climate Change announces affordable solar power. The government has announced a bulk purchase of 1,000 solar electric systems to help reduce the cost for householders. The systems will pay for themselves in electricity savings within two years. Premier Anna Bligh also stated that from July, all cabinet proposals must include an assessment of climate change impacts and will be made public. Bravo Queensland, Australia for making it easier to go green! May God’s blessings be with us all in finding creative opportunities such as these for everyone to be able to help the environment.

Oceans' deserts expanding faster than predicted

Global warming is found to cause ocean “dead zones” to expand. US oceanographer Dr. Jeffrey J. Polovina and his team recently published a report on the expansion of vast areas beneath the ocean containing very little life. By studying satellite data, they found that these areas grew by 15% between 1998 and 2007 in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Dr. Polovina said, “The fact that we are seeing an expansion of the ocean's least productive areas … is consistent with our understanding of the impact of global warming.” We are grateful for your important research, Dr. Polovina and team. May the governments of the world unite in concerted action to reduce the effects of global warming as soon as possible.

Strategies for Sustainable Living Beyond Capitalism

Freegans in New York share unique ways of sustainable living. The Freegans are a group of people who practice a consciously ecological lifestyle by sharing and minimizing resource waste. They have designed ways to to collect free quality food, clothing and other goods that are excessively produced and discarded every day. For example, Freegan members collect fresh bread and vegetables that are no longer wanted by a restaurant at 5pm and make them into a delicious supper by 8. In addition, twice a week people are invited to learn how to transform found bicycle parts into their own usable, pollution-free vehicle. You have our eco-salute, Freegans! What you do is wonderfully smart, environmentally-friendly and very neat. Thank you for sharing with everyone the values of sustainability and green cooperation.