Two-thirds of the planet’s species may soon be gone.

Dr. Peter Raven, an accomplished US conservationist, professor of Botany at Washington University in Missouri, USA and president of the Missouri Botanical Garden, gave a keynote speech at the 23rd International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB) in Beijing, China, where he stated that because of habitat destruction, climate change and other human related activities, many of the world’s species could disappear even before many of them have been formally discovered. Dr. Raven said, “Currently, several thousand species are lost every year and very soon the number could rise to more than 10,000.”

He encouraged greater public awareness on species protection along with more parks and nature reserves. Dr. Raven and the International Congress for Conservation Biology, your efforts to raise awareness of the plight of all species and our planet are much needed and appreciated.

Let us all join in promoting sustainable living that honors and preserves all life. Ever-concerned for Earth’s survival, during a videoconference in August 2008 with our Association members in Canada, Supreme Master Ching Hai suggested steps that humanity can take to protect our co-inhabitants.

Reference:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-07/12/content_11696924.htm

http://www.discoverlife.org/who/CV/Raven,_Peter.html

Office plants shown to restore indoor environments.

Studies from around the world are confirming the beneficial effects of workplace plants, on not only health but also concentration and performance. Australian research has found that people working in plant-filled offices are less likely to sneeze or cough, are more mentally optimistic and less likely to quit.

US scientists have shown that even in windowless office environments where people were using computers, 12% had a quicker reaction time when plants were present. And in the UK, researchers revealed that stress levels are lower in a plant-filled office, with recovery from stressful events also being quicker.

Many thanks, international scientists, for reminding us of the many gifts of the natural world. Let us strive to appreciate their contributions and live in greater harmony with the ecosphere. 

Reference:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/environment/news/article.cfm?c_id=39&objectid=10585428  

Tibetan Buddhist guru and devotees engage in eco-pilgrimage.

The 12th Gyalwang Drukpa, along with 750 monks, nuns and other followers have completed a six-week, 400 kilometer walk through the Himalayas where they picked up plastic and other waste to raise public awareness on environmental issues.

During their trek, the group gathered some 60,000 discarded plastic bottles and 5000 carbonated drink cans as they visited more than 30 villages, distributing recyclable canvas bags as alternatives to plastic along with talks about the environment.

Your Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa and devotees, we laud your noble efforts to restore the purity of the legendary and life-giving Himalayas. May we all be reminded to care for our beautiful planetary home.

Reference:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS-India-From-Manali-to-Leh-Drukpa-guru-on-walking-
pilgrimage-for-green-cause/articleshow/4770529.cms

Extra News

Claremont Primary School in London, UK has been funded through a national grant to install a greenhouse with raised beds for growing their own fruits and vegetables as well as coordinate with retirement centers for the children to gain gardening knowledge from the elderly.
http://www.newsnow.co.uk/A/355249912?-2669

UK Minister for the Marine and Natural Environment, Huw Irranca-Davies, joins British celebrities, animal advocates, and artists in a boycott of Japanese fish restaurant Nobu, to encourage the removal of the endangered bluefin tuna from its menu.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10585610
http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/ministers/irranca-davies.htm


“Little Greenie,” a solar-powered vacation home in Golden Bay, New Zealand that costs under US$27 a year for heating and water, receives the national Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s highest rating for an energy efficient home.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/environment/news/article.cfm?c_id=39&objectid=10585432


University of Nottingham researchers in the UK discover that single-celled plankton, a plant vital to marine life,
successfully avoided climate change-related mass extinctions by taking refuge on the ocean floor, returning to the surface only after conditions were once again safe.  
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090714124853.htm