Methane emissions play bigger role in global warming.
In a new study,lead author Drew Shindell and other US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) scientists state that methane’s contribution to global warming are considerably higher than previously thought.

They determined that the aerosols released in conjunction with carbon dioxide (CO2) during the burning of fossil fuels create a cooling effect, thus actually canceling the role of CO2 in warming the climate. As a result, Dr. Shindell states that the heat released by methane is 20 to 40 percent higher than previous estimates,
resulting in over 100 times the warming potential of CO2 averaged over 20 years.

This NASA data comes only days after a separate report released by the World Watch Institute corrected previous estimates of livestock-generated greenhouse gases. Those calculations, which used a 72 times warming potential of methane, placed livestock conservatively at generating more than 50% of global warming
rather than the 2006 estimates of 18%. This number would now be even higher based on the NASA findings.

In an interview with Supreme Master Television, Adjunct Professor of Physics Noam Mohr at New York University, USA, explained more about the role of aerosols in offsetting carbon dioxide’s heating effect.

Noam Mohr – Adjunct Professor of Physics, New York University, USA, Vegan (M): (new segmentation)Historically, all the sources of carbon dioxide also emit aerosols, also produce this particulate smog that’s been cooling the Earth. And Dr. James Hansen, who is considered a grandfather of the global warming theory, he pointed out that these two emissions roughly cancel each other out. So historically, we’ve seen roughly zero warming from sources of carbon dioxide so far.

VOICE: Researchers also note that because livestock raising is the single largest source of methane on the planet, becoming a vegan is the fastest way to reduce methane emissions, as stated by UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scientist Dr. Terry Root of Stanford University, USA.

F Professor Terry Root, PhD – Senior Fellow, Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University, USA (M): We need to decrease the amount of methane that we’re putting up. And one way is to become vegetarian. It really truly makes a difference.

VOICE: Our appreciation Dr. Shindell, Mr. Mohr, Dr. Root and all colleagues, for advancing our understanding of methane’s prominent role in global warming along with the benefits of adopting a plant-based diet in cooling the planet. May your research compel policy makers across the globe to seek emission reductions
through the elimination of animal products from our diets.

With tremendous concern for our fragile planet, in an interview with the “Irish Sunday Independent” newspaper in July 2009, Supreme Master Ching Hai highlighted this more potent greenhouse gas, methane, and its largest 3ontrollable source, the livestock industry.


Reference
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/environment/2009-10-29-methane-global-warming_N.htm
http://www.physorg.com/news176058147.html
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/science/earth-environment/article6895907.ece

UN climate change conference in Bali, Indonesia.
With 430 climate scientists from 140 countries in attendance, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concluded its meeting in Bali on Thursday, October 29, held to prepare for the upcoming December global warming conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. The IPCC issued its fifth scientific assessment report at this meeting, with Chairman - r. Rajendra Pachauri 3,suggesting that the report also cover socioeconomic impacts in order to help guide policymaking. 

Indonesia also called for scientists to issue assessments on the key role of forests and oceans in mitigating climate change.

Thank you panel members of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for your participation at this important meeting. May the Providence guide and support all endeavors to achieve meaningful benefit for our ecosphere.

Reference
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/10/27/scientific-accord-crucial039-oceans-forests-carbon-sinks.html
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/10/30/ri-should-focus-adaptation-activities039.html
http://www.environmental-expert.com/resultEachPressRelease.aspx?cid=8819&codi=73777&lr=1
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-10/30/content_12357606.htm

Extra News
US-based Smurfit-Stone Container Corp. introduces new produce packaging cartons which conserve resources by using 21 percent less fiber yet provide equal or greater strength to protect produce during transportation.  
http://www.environmentalleader.com/2009/10/05/new-produce-carton-uses-21-less-fiber/

Scientists warn that climate change in the Himalayas, which is already melting glaciers, affecting snowfall and changing the nature of the monsoon season, must be addressed immediately to avoid disputes and conflicts throughout the region.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/abe79fe0-bce5-11de-a7ec-00144feab49a,s01=1.html

An international team of environmental scientists states that the sea level in North Carolina, USA rose three times faster during the 20th century than during the last 500 years.
http://esciencenews.com/articles/2009/10/28/north.carolina.sea.levels.rising.3.times.faster.previous.500.years.penn.study.says
 
Due to their environmental, health and water hazards, the Pune Cantonment Board in India is working with the state and other local governments  t3,o ban polythene bags.  
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/PCB-to-ban-polythene-bags/articleshow/5174160.cms

The European Commission is encouraging European Union member states to adopt energy-efficient standards that will prepare them for the launch of smart metering, a technology intended to conserve electricity through more efficient use.
http://www.euractiv.com/en/energy-efficiency/eu-promotes-smart-metering-fight-global-warming/article-186268