Humanity is consuming over 20 per cent more natural resources each year than the earth can produce

Humanity consumes more than planet can produce. According to a report by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) humans are consuming over 20% more natural resources each year than the earth can produce. The Geneva-based organization said the current ‘overspending’ will lead to depletion of groundwater, loss of marine life, desertification, and the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Our sincere thanks, WWF for your vital report. May we cherish Mother Earth through sustainable and compassionate practices to protect and preserve our environment.


No tech cure for oceans 'damned' by plastic

Massive trash accumulation in Pacific Ocean. An area the size of the continent of Africa is filled with plastic trash, according to American oceanographer Charles Moore, who says the amount of plastic in the ocean has increased five fold in the last ten years. The garbage is held in place by ocean currents and stretches 500 nautical miles off the coast of California, past Hawaii, almost to Japan. Because it is translucent and just below the water’s surface, the plastic trash is not visible in satellite photos. Mr. Moore is urging all people not to use plastics, and keep them away from waterways. We are most grateful, Mr. Moore, for this shocking yet essential information. We pray that the world’s people and governments quickly clean up our waterways and greatly reduce the use of plastics to protect our oceans and the life therein.

Yamuna, the aquatic grave

Pollution destroys ecological balance of Yamuna River. Toxic contamination is causing major ecological damage to India’s Yamuna River, a major tributary of the sacred Ganges. Over the past three years the Yamuna has experienced the loss of life to a large number of critically endangered gharial lizards, close relatives of the crocodile. There have also been mass fish deaths in recent months. Ravi Singh, chairman of the Indian Ministry of Environment and Forest’s crisis management group, said, "The problem points towards the ecological degradation of river systems." We pray that the Indian government will act now to stop the pollution of the Yamuna River. May we all work towards restoring the biosphere so that all Earth’s inhabitants can thrive in healthy environments.
 
Sun (power) will rise tomorrow

Scientist says the US could be completely powered by solar energy in 50 years time. American scientist Dr. David Mills says solar technologies are set to make internal combustion engines and fossil fuel power generation obsolete. Improved heat storage capacity and the rising price of oil are making the price of solar thermal power plants competitive with fossil fuel energy. At a recent presentation in Las Vegas, USA, Dr. Mills said, “An almost complete elimination of both fossil-fueled generation and oil usage for transportation in the U.S.A. appears to be technically feasible.” This is wonderful news! We are grateful, Dr. Mills, for your encouraging report. We pray that the world’s leaders will begin the immediate transition to Earth-saving solar energy.
 
Arctic thaw natural and manmade

Combined factors causing Arctic ice cap melt. Scientists from the US National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) say that a natural warming cycle has compounded Arctic ice melt caused by human-induced global warming over the past 20 years. James Overland of the NOAA said: “You have to take the long term global warming trend and then add the natural variability on top of it, and combined they send you to a new climate state that we haven’t seen before.” We extend our thanks, NOAA, for your diligent efforts in sharing this important research. May Heaven bless our world with rapid actions to halt the effects of humanly caused climate change. 
 
 
U.N. Warns Food Shortage Will Continue Up To 2010

UN’s World Food Program warns of shortages. Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Program Josette Sheeran said that millions of the world’s poor could have less to eat and might require food aid because of rising food prices. She cited escalating fuel and grain costs, the impact of climate change and increasing markets for biofuel as the reasons for the soaring prices, which in many nations have gone up by as much as 40%. Currently, the world’s food reserves are at a 30 year record low, good only for 53 days now, compared to 169 days in 2007. With gratefulness, Ms. Sheeran, we express our thankfulness for this alert. May we be guided by the Providence to act wisely in sharing and preserving the Earth’s resources.

Global warming effects tackled in state plan
 
Australian state forms plans to curb climate change effects. The government of New South Wales (NSW) recently accelerated its outline of practical ways to minimize the effects of global warming, particularly in lower-lying coastal regions. Officials also announced that the NSW Greenhouse Advisory Panel will be doubled in size and renamed the NSW Climate Change Panel. Plans include changes to building code standards, a review of the effect of global warming on health and economy, and face-to-face consultations with local citizens regarding their concerns for the environment. Kudos, New South Wales, for quickening your steps towards curbing the effects of climate change. May the light of God speed all leaders in the world toward innovative and effective green actions.
 
Yunnan Invests in Fragile Northwest

China’s Yunnan province sets aside nearly one billion dollars to protect her rich mountain biodiversity. Although Yunnan province accounts for 1% of China, it has a third of the nation’s biodiversity. The US$985 million in funding will be used to turn 13% of the area into natural preserves and to re-forest 60% of the land. It will also go toward new energy development and environmental protection. Hats off, Yunnan province, for pro-actively protecting your nation’s treasures. May Heaven grant you with evermore verdant success.
 
APEC members agree to boost renewable energy

APEC members promote renewable energy. Representatives of the Asia Pacific Economic Forum (APEC) agreed at a recent meeting in Peru to boost renewable energy technologies such as hydroelectric, wind, and geothermal energy. APEC includes 21 member nations and fosters trade, economic and technical cooperation at the regional level. We respectfully laud your support of renewable energy, APEC. Let us soon greet a cleaner and more sustainable future.
 
Queen tells Commonwealth: Rich nations must help poor in tackling global warming

UK’s Queen calls on the world to protect the environment. In her Commonwealth Day address on Monday, Queen Elizabeth II expressed the need for immediate action to safeguard the environment. She urged developed nations to shift to sustainable energy sources, and also to help developing countries in making the transition. Her Majesty said, "Future generations across the world are depending on today's business and political leaders to protect the environment. Our own attitudes to the environment, and the use we put it to, may have consequences for people on every continent and for every ocean and sea.” Our sincere appreciation, Your Majesty, for your care of the wellbeing of all nations. May we all promptly heed your call for positive changes in order to save lives and our planet.
 
Carbon Output Must Near Zero To Avert Danger, New Studies Say

Carbon emissions must come to a halt to avoid further climate change. Newly published studies indicate that greenhouse gas production must virtually end by mid-century to avoid greater increases in the earth's temperature. Ken Caldeira, a Carnegie Institution senior scientist and H. Damon Matthews of Concordia University in Montreal, concluded in their latest research paper that every unit of CO2 emissions must be viewed as contributing to a permanent level of climate change. Oregon State University professor Andreas Schmittner warns that the trend of global warming will continue even after carbon output declines, thus making it even more imperative that emissions cease as soon as possible. Both studies reiterate that higher temperatures will lead to disastrous environmental consequences for our earth. Scientists, we thank you for your forthright statements carrying the compelling message that we must reduce our carbon footprint as soon as possible. We pray for the wisdom and sincerity of all global citizens in making the necessary changes to save our beautiful green jewel, Mother Earth.

Baptist group rethinks climate change

American Baptists accept the reality of climate change. Conservative Baptists in the southern United States have drafted and signed “A Southern Baptist Declaration on the Environment and Climate Change.” An announcement made on behalf of the congregation read, “We believe our current denominational resolutions and engagement with these issues have often been too timid. Our cautious response to these issues in the face of mounting evidence may be seen by the world as uncaring, reckless and ill-informed.” We commend you, Southern Baptists leaders, for raising awareness of this urgent Earth-sustaining matter. May the Most High guide everyone to act quickly to curb global warming.
 
Company maps global warming hotspots

New map demonstrates how global warming could shape the planet. Global Mapping Ltd. has created a map showing how natural events such as earthquakes and tsunamis are affecting global geography. Named “Dynamic World,” the map will help raise awareness of climate change. The concept is proving popular as its makers are already receiving orders from around the world. What a cool idea! It shows that each of us in small ways can bring about rapid planetary change! God bless you Global Mapping Ltd for this small but significant effort to anchor us safely and securely in the Golden Age.

Scientist hits both poles to measure ozone depletion

Canadian scientist travels from pole to pole to study the ozone layer. Dr. Tom McElroy of Environment Canada recently installed an ozone measuring device at the Amundsen-Scott Base South Pole Station in Antarctica. The Brewer Ozone Spectrophotometer will monitor changes in the stratospheric ozone layer, which protects the Earth’s surface from ultraviolet radiation. After his successful installation of the South Pole Brewer, Dr. McElroy went to work at the second northernmost settlement in the world: the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory at Eureka on Ellesmere Island in Nunavut, Canada. We salute you, Dr. McElroy, for your commitment to further research on climate change. May your work contribute to the safety and well being of all the world’s inhabitants.
 
Slaughter of spent dairy cows raises health concerns

Meat from diseased dairy cattle may infect humans. In the US, many of the dairy cattle going to slaughter suffer from the bacterial infection mastitis, foot rot, and Johne’s disease. Speaking of the animals’ condition, expert Michael Collins of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, stated, “Almost by definition, there’s something wrong with them, and in some cases those can be infections that present issues for humans.” Thank you, scientists, for helping us to realize the potentially adverse health effects of consuming meat. We pray that this discussion will culminate in many people’s adoption of a more humane, plant-based diet.