Ocean temperature highest on record.
According to the US National Climatic Data Center, the average global ocean temperature in July was the hottest since record-keeping began in １880.

Near the Arctic, waters were as much as １0 degrees above average. Climate scientist Andrew Weaver of the University of Victoria in British Columbia also noted that rising ocean temperatures are a more significant sign of global warming, saying, “This is another really important indicator of the change that's occurring.”

Dr. Weaver, University of Victoria and National Climatic Data Center, we appreciate this important warning of our planet’s fragile state. Let us act now through planet-cooling choices to save lives and the environment.

Supreme Master Ching Hai was invited to share her insights at the March 2009 Juice Fast for Peace videoconference in California, USA, where she addressed the tolls and solutions of global warming.

Reference
http://www.therenewableplanet.com/blogs/the_daily_green/archive/2009/08/17/noaa-declares-july-warmest-global-ocean-surface-temp-on-record.aspx
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090814_julyglobalstats.html
http://global-warming.accuweather.com/


Dairy industry adds to rainforest destruction.
A report from Greenpeace Aotearoa New Zealand states that the dairy industry’s use of palm kernel expeller (PKE) as a feed supplement is destroying rainforests and increasing global warming.

PKE is a byproduct of milling palm oil from palm plantations, such as those in Southeast Asia, which are grown on land that was once rainforest.

The report also said that １.5 million hectares of rainforest would have been cleared just to produce the １.１ million tons needed by one country in 2008.

Immense amounts of greenhouse gases are released in the clearing process, not to mention the loss of habitat for critically endangered animals such as the orangutan.
Our sincere thanks, Greenpeace Aotearoa New Zealand for informing of yet another adverse effect of animal product consumption.

In realizing that our lifestyle choices impact all parts of the world, may everyone soon realize the veg diet as the most Earth-saving option.
Reference
http://news.mongabay.com/2009/0822-nz_palm_oil.html
http://www.genvalence.com/raw_material.htm
 
Formosa's Yunlin County promotes low carbon meals in schools.
The Education Department of Yunlin County is calling on all middle and elementary schools to provide vegetarian school lunches in an effort to reduce carbon emissions, save energy and the planet.

The department's survey showed that many elementary schools in Yunlin county have already adopted monthly or bi-monthly vegetarian meals, and Gueiling Elementary school is leading the trend with two vegetarian days a week.

Way to go Yunlin County Education Department, for your encouragement of students and staff to be veg!
Such noble efforts will surely bring ever expanding benefit to both people and the planet.
Reference
http://tw.news.yahoo.com/article/url/d/a/090820/78/1pfxf.html

Extra News
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urges for a meaningful international climate change agreement in December, stating human suffering will be incalculable without such an accord.
http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=201356


US scientists warn that extreme rainstorms will increase 6% for every degree Celsius in temperature rise caused by global warming, bringing more flooding and soil erosion.
http://www.theherald.co.uk/misc/print.php?artid=2526009


A US$１.8 billion mass transit originally designed for the 20１0 Olympics in Vancouver, Canada is launching three months early, with the transportation capacity of a ten-lane highway that can reduce the equivalent of 200,000 auto trips.  
http://globalgoodnews.com/business-news-a.html?art=125053717716721829