Wetter and wilder: the signs of warming everywhere

Developing nations feel the effects of climate change. Nineteen-year-old Brazilian Joao da Antonio is being forced to move from his drought-stricken homeland to another part of the country where he can still earn wages. His situation is representative of many today in developing countries where life is increasingly dictated by global warming.
 
In Bangladesh, some of the worst cyclones have occurred in the past three years, devastating record numbers of homes and crops. In Zambia, this year’s rains are late, causing the growing season to become shorter with each passing day.

We pray our globe unites to support brethren nations coping with climate change. With the grace of the Divine, may our increased benevolence help ensure a joyful future for all.

Nicaragua turns to wind power, builds 19 windmills

Nicaragua connecting to wind power. With a national goal to reduce fossil fuel use to just three percent by 2013, Nicaraguan Energy Minister Emilio Rappaccioli stated that by the end of January 2009, Nicaragua’s US$90 million wind power project will be running at full capacity, providing six percent of the country’s energy requirements. Besides providing clean energy, the savings in fuel costs will be approximately US$9 million annually. Bravo, Nicaragua, for your wise choice in turning to sustainable energy sources! Blessed be our world in adopting eco-friendly power for a cleaner and healthier Earth.

Project gives points for green steps

Japan inspires consumers to go green. In a partnership between government and private corporations, a new program called the Eco Action Point Project provides consumers with coupons that are assigned points according to the “green” value of the products or services, such as energy saving appliances or public transportation. These coupons can in turn be exchanged for other eco-friendly products and services with any of the participating companies. The Environment Ministry is seeking to expand the project to 50 enterprises and 10 million consumers. What an innovative environmental initiative, Japan! May such green practices inspire the thoughtful Japanese people and indeed all in the world toward evermore sustainable lifestyles in harmony with our planet.

‘Little Ice Age’ hastened fall of Aztecs, Incas

Human-induced climate change has occurred in the past. At a recent American Geophysical Union meeting in San Francisco, California USA, Professors Dennis Bird and Richard Nevle of California’s Stanford University presented evidence of how the introduction of disease caused the loss of some 60 million people in Latin America’s ancient Incan and Aztec civilizations, which in turn precipitated a cycle of global cooling. The cooling brought rainforest growth, resulting in what became the Little Ice Age in northern Europe, where glaciers advanced and harsh winter weather prevailed. We appreciate this insightful look into humanity’s past influence on our global environment, Drs. Bird and Nevle. May we benefit from such understanding to act in saving our precious planet now.