Global Biopact on biofuels can bring benefits to both rich and poor nations

Author calls for international bio-fuels accord. A report in the journal Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining says that a trade agreement between developing and developed countries would enable the growth of a sustainable global trade in biofuels. The paper’s author, John Mathews, says that a biopact could bring about sustainable biofuel production in developing countries. Developed countries could then reduce greenhouse gas emissions by importing the product. We convey our appreciation, Mr. Mathews, for this innovative suggestion. A trusting and sharing global community for biofuel production would surely be of benefit to all beings and our beautiful planet Earth.
 
Demand For Organic Food Grows On Campuses

College students in the USA call for organic food on campuses. Concerned about the nutritional quality of the foods they’re eating, college students are requesting that major food-service companies on school campuses serve regional organic foods. Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, which went organic six years ago and provides locally grown food, has increased its college business to 30 percent, reaching 43 schools. Great work, American college students, for standing up for your environmental and nutritional ideals. May your organic meals be both wholesome and delicious! 
 
The United Nations issues warning on permafrost thaw in Arctic

The United Nations issues warning on permafrost thaw in Arctic. On Wednesday at a meeting of 154 nations in Monaco, the UN Environmental Program (UNEP) called for urgent research on the possibility that poisonous methane gas may be released from thawing permafrost accelerated by global warming. Executive Director of UNEP Achim Steiner said, “The unknowns about the amount and rate of methane release from the thawing Arctic makes it a wild card when considering climate change risks.” Our deep gratitude, Mr. Steiner and the UNEP, for alerting the world to this potentially dangerous consequence. May leaders of all nations join together and act now to effectively address global climate change.
 
Zimbabwe: Govt Promotes Solar Energy for Computers

Zimbabwe commences solar power program for school computers. The Zimbabwean government, in partnership with local electronics company Mukonitronics, will be increasing its use of solar energy for computers in schools around the country. The nation’s Science and Technology Development secretary Professor Francis Gudya stated, “This launch is a celebration of two government wishes: the promotion of the use of solar energy and the teaching of computers in schools.” Bravo Zimbabwe, for this renewable and reliable energy source to power your education. We wish all your students great academic success and a brilliant future!
 
Global Warming An Immediate Threat, Says Founders’ Day Speaker

The Earth is in danger and needs action, now. This is the message of Dr. James E. Hansen, climate change expert and Director of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Goddard Institute for Space Studies. In his speech, delivered to students at Wesleyan University in Illinois, USA, Hansen called on the youthful generation to be the agents of change, saying, “Change is essential if we are going to keep the planet that looks like the one we are on now.” With gratitude, Dr. Hansen, we send our thanks for your clear message that immediate action is imperative to the survival of our Earth. We pray your message will be heard and help bring about policy changes to protect our planetary home.
 
South Africa: Govt Budgets R2 Billion to Alternative Energy

South Africa spends a quarter billion on alternative energy. On Wednesday, South Africa announced a new budget of nearly US$260 million for alternative energy over the next three years. South African Finance Minister Trevor Manuel stated that the funds will go toward “encouraging more efficient use of electricity, generation from renewable sources, installation of electricity-saving devices, and co-generation projects.” Hats off and our sincere thanks, South Africa, for your investment in sustainable living practices. May God reward your caring efforts to benefit your country and the world with abundant green returns!
 
Green energy wins over Portugal

Portugal embraces new green sources of energy. In Portugal, the biggest wind farm in Europe is under construction. Off the coast, the first commercial wave farm is about to begin generating electricity and in the south, huge photovoltaic panels follow the sun’s path across the skies. Manuel Pinho, Portugal's Minister for the Economy and Innovation, stated, “The first priority is to get moving very fast because the cost of inaction is tremendous.” Way to go Portugal! May the good you do for the planet shower blessings on all the lovely Portuguese people and indeed, the world.
 
Peru plans renewable energy investment

Peru shifts towards renewable energy. The Peruvian government is putting forth a plan at a cost of US$35 billion over 15 years that will result in the large-scale use of renewable energies. These include hydropower, wind, geothermic, solar and tidal power, as well as the development of a national solar map, which will help locate the locations where higher levels of solar energy could be generated. Deputy Minister of Energy, Pedro Gamio said: “What we want …is to send a clear message: Peru is doing everything to diversify its energy model, taking advantage of the many kinds of energy that we have.” We applaud and thank you, Peru, on your earnest commitment to clean energy. May you be an inspiration to other nations throughout the world to act fast and go green.

New Warning on Climate by Australian Government top adviser

Australian climate change expert calls for immediate reductions in CO2 emissions. On Wednesday, Professor Ross Garnaut, the Australian government’s chief environmental advisor, said that proposed emission reductions of 60% by 2050 would not suffice to slow global warming. He said, "There is a certain amount we should do as part of the developed world but that won't be enough to solve the problem. We desperately need the developing countries to be in an international regime … and if they are in, we should be prepared to do more." Thank you, Professor Ross, for urging more action to address global warming. We pray that all governments heed your advice and do everything possible to save our much beloved planet.

Past Greenhouse Warming Provides Clues To What The Future May Hold

Past geological record may help predict our future. Scientists at the University of California in Santa Cruz state that continuing our current rate of CO2 emissions will place our planet in a condition similar to the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), an extreme period of global warming 55 million years ago. As revealed by sediment cores from the deep ocean floor, ocean chemistry changed drastically during the PETM, with the increased CO2 making the water highly acidic. Many thanks, scientists, for alerting us to the urgency of the world’s current condition. We pray for God’s grace in helping to restore our home ? the precious planet Earth.

Beavers can help ease drought

Beavers have an essential role in sustaining open waters. Research by the Canadian University of Alberta has revealed the alarming effects of drought due to the removal of beavers and their dams as part of urbanized development. Beavers’ dam building activities are known to protect wildlife habitat and replenish groundwater supplies. Our appreciations researchers, for raising our awareness of the vital roles our animal co-inhabitants play in the survival of our world. With evidence such as this and the blessings of Heaven, may we strive harder to preserve our natural habitats and uphold the sanctity of all life.
 
10,000 trees to be planted in Subang Jaya

Malaysia rolls out tree planting program. The Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) is distributing 10,000 trees for planting, 200 to each Resident Zone Committee (JKP) and 65 to every school. Along with the tropical rain forest and fruit trees, the groups will be provided with fertilizers, and compost. President of the MPSJ, Datuk Adnan Mohd Ikhsan, said, “The main objective is to help reduce heat and global warming while making it a community activity.” What a wonderful way to unify your city’s residents through common goals to save our habitats! May Allah send blessed showers for the new plantings to flourish in verdant beauty.
 
Germany to fund 120 mln euro climate fight for poor
 
Germany to help other countries mitigate effects of global warming. Germany has committed to spending €120 million to help developing and transitional countries to create adaptive measures in stemming climate change. German Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel made the announcement at a 154-nation meeting of environmental ministers and delegates held in Monaco. The funding will come from monies raised through the carbon trading plan now in place in the European Union. Many thanks and God bless you Germany for your commitment to global warming solutions that go beyond national boundaries. May all nations be graced by God to work together in attaining our common goal of a sustainable Earth.

New expedition to study mysterious deep-sea corals

Rare study of deep-sea coral begins. Last week, the Trans-Atlantic Coral Ecosystem Study was inaugurated at the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Boston, USA to gather information on deep sea coral. The researchers cautioned that the practice of deep sea fishing has greatly diminished the coral population, some of which is 5,000 years old. The scientists hope that they will reveal how temperature and conditions in the ocean have changed over this time period. Best of luck in your research, scientists! May your discoveries bring great benefit in protecting the plants and animals that grace our oceans with their presence.
 
Massive Beef Recall Spurs PETA to Send Vegetarian Starter Kits To Schools

PETA sends free vegetarian kit to schools across the US. Following one of the largest beef recalls in history, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is urging schools to adopt more plant-based meals in their cafeteria menus. To help, PETA is sending the schools and students free copies of the “Vegetarian Starter Kit.” As PETA campaign coordinator, Lindsay Rajt, stated, “The best way to protect the health of the nation’s school kids is to encourage them to eat more vegetarian foods.” We salute you, PETA, for freely sharing this health-giving information with schools and students! May all schoolchildren soon be offered the choice of a nutritious, vegetarian meal from their cafeteria menus.

Switzerland steps up greenhouse gas control efforts

Switzerland moves for a greater reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. On Thursday, Switzerland announced a plan to lower carbon emissions by 20% by the year 2020, a decision in accordance with the European Union. This is followed by a greater goal of 50% reduction by 2050. Proposed measures include a climate incentive tax, which could help change people’s attitudes towards environmental issues or generate funds to be used in part for programs to reduce CO2. Switzerland, we send our accolades and appreciation for guiding your citizens towards eco-friendly living. May all nations step up the level of commitment for green action.