Australia fires release huge amount of CO2 -scientist
Vast amounts of CO2 released by fires. The devastating bushfires blazing across Australia’s state of Victoria have also released millions of tons of CO2. Research by Professor Mark Adams of the University of Sydney, Australia, found that fires in 2003 released 190 million tons of CO2-equivalent, about one-third of the nation’s total greenhouse gas production that year. Southeast Asia saw similar effects after huge fires in 1997 released 6 billion tons of CO2. The concern is that these massive releases could trigger a cycle that further accelerates the heating of the atmosphere.

We sincerely thank you, Professor Adams, for revealing yet another aspect of our endangered ecosphere. With Heaven’s grace, let us all care for each other and the Earth to help protect our world from further potential harm.

Nashville Schools Cut Energy Costs $3M Per Year
 Tennessee city saves money and the environment. The Metropolitan Board of Public Education for the urban region of the US city of Nashville in Tennessee, USA, has just completed the first phase of an eco-project in partnership with Siemens Building Technologies. Implemented initiatives, which have already seen US$3 million in annual savings, include air conditioning improvements, water conservation, and building automation systems to reduce energy use. The emissions reduced thus far are estimated at over 26 million pounds of CO2, 53,000 pounds of nitrous oxide, and 198,000 pounds of sulfur dioxide.

Our eco-salute, Metropolitan Board of Public Education and Nashville for these planet-saving measures! May students and other school systems alike be similarly inspired toward a greener tomorrow.

 He turns dry creek in Gujarat into nature park
Indian environmentalist creates green havens. Indian nature lover and civil engineer, Jitendra Patel, is working to transform a polluted and neglected land into a place of beauty and rich biodiversity. Mr. Patel purchased 68 acres of land in Derol village, Gujarat state, where he plans to plant one million trees, along with fruit, spice and ayurvedic plants, creating a nature park that offers safe haven for migratory birds and other animals, as well as a soothing respite for people. With solar energy as its primary power source, 15 check dams have also already been built to supply the park’s water. Mr. Patel, who already completed a similar project at his Tirupati Nature Park, expressed his love for the environment, saying, “I believe nature is a kind mother and trees are sacred objects.”

Mr. Patel, it is such a pleasure to hear of your devoted green endeavors and your deep love and respect for nature. Let this project remind us all of the need to restore and cherish our wondrous planet.