Are pesticides the biggest timebomb of all for British public health?

Updated assessment of pesticide risks ordered by UK court. After a seven-year personal campaign to protect residents from pesticides based on health problems resulting from her own exposure, Ms. Georgina Downs recently won a case in London’s High Court that establishes precedent for a new evaluation of their potential harm.
 
This standard, which adheres more closely to one already in place in the European Union, requires their effect to be measured in human terms and is also based on continual, long-term exposure rather than a one-time application to crops. Ms. Georgina Downs, we laud your fruitful efforts to uplift standards for people’s health. Blessed be our world in adopting safe practices such as organic farming methods to fully protect people and animals alike.

Top U.S. bank phases out loans to dirty coal

Bank of America decides in favor of the environment. Mountaintop mining, which involves stripping away the top of the mountain, accounts for approximately 10 percent of all coal mining in the US and is viewed as the most environmentally-damaging method. Bank of America has announced that it is phasing out financial support of companies that engage primarily in this form of mining. This company also made a previous US$18 billion investment in March 2007 to assist other companies in developing clean technology, with another US$1.5 billion being spent to lighten the financial institution’s own carbon footprint. Bank of America, we sincerely appreciate your leadership in supporting the environment through eco-business practices. May your efforts help lead us all to a clean and healthy planet.
 
Overwhelming support for full protection of Irish hare

North Ireland speaks out for the endangered Irish hare (NFT Lepus timidus hibernicus). A recent poll carried out by the UK-based animal welfare organization League Against Cruel Sports found that 70 percent of the population in Northern Ireland feels the Irish hare should be granted permanent protection status. Hunting and land clearance for cattle grazing are the main cause of decline for this non-burrowing species that spends its entire life above ground.

The Northern Ireland Assembly is currently reviewing a protective measure, which would also halt the cruel practice of hare coursing, where the rabbits are chased in a competitive dog sport. Seventy five percent of the North Irish people surveyed also said this practice should be permanently banned. Our heartfelt commendation, League Against Cruel Sports and the people of North Ireland, for your caring voice and efforts to protect the gentle and unique Irish hare. Our prayers for your beautiful isle to be graced with flourishing wildlife in an atmosphere of harmony among all.

Global warming rise sea level, 43 islands countries for fear of being submerged

Island nations plead for stronger emission goals. At the UN climate conference in Poznan, Poland, where representatives from 187 nations are currently meeting to create a new agreement to replace the soon expiring Kyoto Protocol, 43 small island nations have collectively asked for greater emission reduction benchmarks to save their lands from rising sea levels.
 
As these nations are already experiencing the devastating effects of global warming, they highlighted the need for strong measures to prevent their countries and other low-lying coastal areas such as Bangladesh from being submerged up by the oceans. We appreciate your efforts, island nations, to raise awareness about the dire conditions faced by your residents. Let us all reverse climate change by such simple steps as adopting the healthful and compassionate plant-based diet.

Planet in Peril Battle Lines December 2008

CNN airs new installment of environmental documentary. CNN’s award-winning “Planet in Peril,” launched in 2007 to examine the impact of human populations on the environment, is broadcasting its second annual documentary series on December 11th. The focus is on ecological degradation and threats to our planet, which are often caused by humankind’s actions and thus have potential solutions. Thank you CNN for bringing important environmental issues to the attention of viewers worldwide. With Heaven’s grace, may many be awakened to act in restoring the balance of our irreplaceable biosphere.