Largest tundra fire in Alaska forecasts climatic threat.
A recent study of the effects of a 2007 fire that scorched 1,000 square kilometers of land found that the area emitted twice the atmospheric carbon that a similar untouched region usually absorbs.

Lead study scientist Dr. Adrian Rocha of the Marine Biological Laboratory in Massachusetts, USA stated that this fire indicated a warming threshold had been reached and that more intensive and frequent tundra fires would be expected, causing permafrost melt that would release further greenhouse gases such as methane.

Meanwhile, wetland ecologist Dr. William Bowden of the University of Vermont in the USA has warned that the fire-blackened land surfaces also heat the soil further, thawing more permafrost and increasing the likelihood of thermokarsts, or regions of collapsed terrain. Thermokarsts cause damage or destruction to homes, roads
and other infrastructure such as pipelines.

Our thanks, Drs. Rocha, Bowden and colleagues, for these findings on the dangerous tolls of global warming.
Let us quickly heed their message and transition to greener, kinder lifestyles for the protection of Earth and her inhabitants. Ever concerned for humanity’s well-being, Supreme Master Ching Hai addressed the dangers of thawing permafrost in a June 2008 videoconference in London, England.


Reference
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn17537-alaskas-biggest-tundra-fire-sparks-climate-
warning.html?DCMP=OTC-rss&nsref=climate-change
http://www.uvm.edu/~wbowden/?Page=Personal/Breck/About_me.htm
http://www.economist.com/sciencetechnology/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14119825

Bangladesh draws up plans for climate change adaptation.
Environment Minister Mustafizur Rahman has announced a list of projects to help offset the effects of global warming, which include raising embankments and roads, constructing shelters, dredging major rivers and planting trees.

The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has already forecast a loss of 17% of the nation’s total land mass by 2050, which would render at least 20 million people homeless.
Minister Rahman indicated that his country would approach institutions such as Asian Development Bank and other developed nations to assist with the anticipated US$4.35 billion funding for this project.

Our respectful accolades, Minister Rahman and Bangladesh for your comprehensive plan to safeguard fellow citizens. May your endeavors be fruitful in protecting the Bangladeshi people as we all strive to better care for our shared global home.
Reference
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Environment/Global-Warming/Bangladesh-plans-to-spend-billions-fighting-climate-change/articleshow/4828332.cms

Organic farming takes root across all continents.
The latest reports from the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM ), the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture and the Worldwatch Institute have revealed that organic fruit and veg agriculture is growing across the globe.

Some 141 countries are reporting the use of organic growing methods, more than half of which are in Africa. Australia, Argentina and Brazil were found to have dedicated the largest amounts of land to organic farming, while Italy, Spain, and Germany account for nearly 40 percent of the 7.8 million hectares of organic cropland in Europe. Diane Bowen, Interim Director of IFOAM, stated that this growth, especially in developing countries, shows that organic agriculture can contribute to simultaneous economic and eco-friendly advancements.

Patrick Holden, Director of the British Soil Association:Organic food is now the preferred choice of more and more people who feel reassured that after all the recent food scares, from BSE (Mad Cow Disease) to genetic engineering, that organic farming best meets their needs as consumers.

Our gratitude, Director Bowen, International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture and Worldwatch Institute, for informing us of this uplifting trend. May it continue leading to a clean and green world, with health, peace and abundance for all.
Reference
http://www.ifoam.org/press/press/2008/Global_Organic_Agriculture_Continued_Growth.php
http://www.worldwatch.org/node/6199

Extra News
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announces plans to create 50,000 green jobs, with training programs for youth as well as apprentice positions for such tasks as installing solar energy panels and water recycling systems.   
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2009/07/31/2003449961

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA has replaced 700 trash bins with solar powered compactors, reducing the number of trash collection trips by 75 percent, a move that is estimated to save both carbon emissions and US$875,000 per year.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2009/07/23/philly_rolls_out_solar_powered_trash_compactors/  

London, UK Mayor Boris Johnson pledges over US$6.6 million for “London’s Green Fund,” planned for a March 2010 launch to retrofit older buildings in England with more sustainable energy sources.
http://newenergyfocus.com/do/ecco.py/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=32&listitemid=2874&
section=On-site%20%26%20Micro

After studying how jellyfish help “stir” the ocean, US-based California Institute of Technology doctoral student Kakani Katija estimates that these small marine animals contribute approximately as much to the oceans’ movement as wind and tides.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/04/science/04obmixx.html