Global warming may trigger carbon 'time bomb', scientist warns
Runaway explosive gas from a warming Arctic. At the Copenhagen Climate Congress this past week, climate researcher Dr. Philippe Ciais of the French Laboratory for Climate Sciences and the Environment warned that just a 2 degree Celsius rise in average world temperature could instigate a carbon “time bomb” in the vast regions of Arctic permafrost. The sustained warming of the soil would initiate bacterial composting, leading to a cycle of accelerated temperature increase and the possibly explosive, fatal release of billions of tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

In a recent phone interview with Supreme Master Television, Dr. Isobel Simpson of the University of California – Irvine, USA, shared her views and concern about the current situation of thawing in the Arctic.

Dr. Isobel Simpson – Atmosphere chemist, University of California – Irvine, USA (F): A lot of the climate change feed back scenarios involve methane. You know there is all this methane trapped in the permafrost in the Arctic, and you already get research coming out saying, these lakes are thawing in Siberia and you’re getting all this methane released from these thawed lakes. There’s so much methane trapped under the permafrost, orders of magnitude more than what’s in the atmosphere now and the concern is, at what point does that methane start being released under melting scenarios?

That is what would keep me awake at night, is thinking about the future and where are the methane reservoirs. How stable are they? How fast is the change occurring in the Arctic? And can we get carbon dioxide under control before something catastrophic happens?

VOICE: Drs. Simpson, Ciais and colleagues, we thank you for alerting us to the dire situation caused by the warming atmosphere to our Earth. We pray that the world’s citizens quickly transition to a kinder, more considerate lifestyle to preserve all life on our beautiful globe.

 
 Part of Lone Star State now driest region in the nation
Texas, USA enduring drought. Despite being doused by several hurricanes in 2008, recent months with the fourth lowest rainfalls on record have left nearly ten percent of Texas experiencing the most extreme stage of drought. Although the state is ranked second in the nation for agricultural output, many farmers cannot plant their crops in the dry soil. Experts say that a continued lack of rain will further decrease lakes and drinking water supplies, and increase the risk of wildfires.

We pray for the blessing of rain and replenishment of life-giving water in the state of Texas. May imbalances such as these be eased by our better stewardship of precious resources and the environment.

Taipei City inaugurates five bike rental kiosks
Formosa (Taiwan)'s capital city launches “YouBike” public bike rental system. Following an initial launch in Kaohsiung City this past January, the capital city of Taipei will soon see the bicycle system known as YouBikes, which starting in April will be available free at five locations for the first month of the service. Sponsored by the Giant Manufacturing Company, the system employs advanced RFID chip technology and automated electronic rental stations for ease of use. Taipei City Mayor Hau Lung-bin said that the city plans to implement the bike rental service at Mass Rapid Transit subway stations as well as major tourist attractions.

Way to go, Giant Manufacturing Company and Taipei, for this launch of the planet-cooling YouBikes! Wishing your many cyclists abundant enjoyment of good health and clean air.

AoL project to tackle global warming
Indian foundation encourages children’s eco-participation. Sponsored by the Art of Living Foundation in Pune, India, the Seed to Sapling Home Nursery Project’s goal is involving some 6,000 students from 60 different schools across the city in planting tree seeds and nurturing them into healthy saplings. The project also hopes the children can share with their families about the importance of protecting the environment and addressing climate change.

Bravo, Art of Living Foundation, for sharing the love for our life-giving trees with young persons! Blessed be the eco-inspired youth in motivating many with the vitality of their expanded knowledge and experience.

Drastic changes in water policy needed, says World Water Forum chief
Water Forum in Turkey focuses on vital resource. The 5th World Water Forum, a conference held every three years to coordinate the management of global water resources, is being held this year in Istanbul. The conference, which began Monday and goes through March 22, welcomed over 20,000 international participants from governments, education and the private sector. Its primary goal is to achieve a framework that create processes to more effectively manage water as a resource, with this year’s participants also placing specific focus on the urgent problems of drought and climate change.

We laud your concerned commitment, worldwide attendees! With Heaven’s grace, may the accords reached at this week’s 5th World Water Forum help ensure the precious blessing of sufficient water for all.