Earthquakes and Melting Ice
Melting glaciers causing earthquakes. Large melting glaciers in Greenland, Antarctica, and Alaska are not only changing coastlines around the globe as they pour fresh water into the oceans; numerous studies indicate that the speed and magnitude of their melting is also resulting in earthquakes. Finnish scientist, Dr. Veli Kallio reported that unusual quakes in Greenland were observed after ice had broken away from surfaces adhered to for the past hundreds of years. Greenland’s enormous Ilulissat Glacier, the most active in the northern hemisphere, currently moves at an average speed of around 15 km a year towards the sea – a rate three times faster than a decade ago. As glaciers like this retreat, huge loads of weight beneath Earth’s surface shift, leading to potential earth tremors.

We thank Dr. Kallio and all scientists who have participated in bringing this disquieting news to the public’s awareness. May the increasing perils of Earth awaken us all the more to the need for eco-conscious lifestyles to halt global warming.

Concerned for the planet’s critical state, Supreme Master Ching Hai has worked tirelessly to help humanity mitigate the consequences of climate change. At a climate change conference in Thailand in October 2008, Supreme Master Ching Hai reminded us again that potential devastating events, not only natural but also human-made, can be prevented by our conscious choice of actions.

Ontario Bans Pesticides For Earth Day 2009
Ontario to be free of pesticides starting Earth Day. To commemorate Earth Day this April 22, the Canadian province of Ontario is implementing a ban on cosmetic pesticides for lawns, gardens, parks, and schoolyards. This will forbid the sale of over 250 products as well as 30 pesticide ingredients throughout the province. Ontario Environment Minister John Gerretsen stated, “I'm proud to say that when the ban takes effect on Earth Day, we will have eliminated this unnecessary risk to our environment, our families, and especially our children.”

Our respectful accolades, Minister Gerretsen and the people of Ontario, for your eco-measures to improve the health of all beings and the ecosphere. May more and more governments be inspired toward the same for a cleaner and more pure world.

Philippine groups unite to promote organic
At least eight different groups across the country, including the Organic Produce Trade Association and the Organic Certification Center of the Philippines, have come together to launch the One Organic Movement, to encourage the government as a unified voice toward greater support of organic agriculture. Besides being able to save billions by forgoing the use of chemical fertilizers, the group states that the organic movement would also ensure the health of the land and the workers. Organic farming has already been shown to reduce global warming, as the soil can store up to 40% of atmospheric carbon. The group has also drafted a bill to set standards for organic products as well as plans to help farmers convert to organic growing methods.

Kudos, One Organic Movement members, for your noble leadership in encouraging the switch to sustainable growing methods that benefit the Earth and her inhabitants. May organic fresh produce and green living soon become the norm across our globe.