Carbon dioxide levels already in danger zone

Atmospheric CO2 already at dangerous levels. According to a study by 10 scientists from the United States, United Kingdom, and France, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels above 350 parts per million (ppm) can lead to climate catastrophes. This is far lower than the 450 ppm threshold indicated previously. Currently, the planet is at 385 ppm and is rising at a rate of about 2 ppm per year.

Report author Dr. Mark Pagani of Yale University in Connecticut, USA said, “How fast ice sheets and sea level will respond are still poorly understood, but given the potential size of the disaster… it's best not to learn this lesson firsthand.” Dr. Pagani and international colleagues, your eye-opening study is much appreciated. May we act now in making changes such as adopting the quickly effective animal-free diet, to save our extraordinary Earthly home.
 
In a telephone interview with radio host Louise Kings of East Coast FM Radio on August 31, 2008, Supreme Master Ching Hai had stated the following regarding the quickest solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions:

Rise in sea level changing Gujarat’s contours.

Rising sea levels submerge India’s Gujarat coastline. Villages in the southern part of Gujarat state are being threatened by eroding shorelines due to global warming-related rising waters. A government-sponsored study being conducted by the Indian Space Research Organization has revealed that the sea has moved inland by up to 80 meters within the last decade. Already 20 years ago an entire village and more recently a number of other families have had to leave their homes and relocate to higher ground due to the advancing ocean.
 
A sea wall has also been covered by water as well as a new road becoming slowly destroyed by the waves. We thank India’s government and the Indian Space Research Organization for these detailed observations of the disturbing effects of global warming. May humanity quickly unite to restore the balance of our ecosphere.
 
Quarter of Atlantic sharks and rays face extinction

Conservationists warn of ocean over-exploitation. Switzerland-based International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports that 26 percent of all shark and ray species in the northeast Atlantic Ocean are facing extinction due to frequent large-scale, unsustainable fishing coupled with the species’ inability to recover due to their slow growth rate. Among the many species affected are the small spiny dogfish and the basking shark, which is the second largest fish in the world. The conservation organization is urging the European Union to immediately restrict fishing to save the sharks and rays. Our gratitude International Union for Conservation of Nature for your invaluable reports. May we all act now to provide more protection for our sea-dwelling animal co-inhabitants.

UN using food aid as lever to lift Afrcan farmers

Small farmers and recipients to benefit from local food security. A recently launched United Nations World Food Program (WFP) project, the Purchase for Progress initiative, provides food for those in need from local sources rather than bringing it in from foreign countries. In so doing, the farmers can join together in cooperatives, assemble the crops at designated points and are paid based on long-term food purchase contracts with each WFP project. The initiative plans to benefit farmers in 21 countries, many of which are in Africa. Our gratefulness, United Nations World Food Program, for this innovative project. Blessed be your shining example of detailed care in fostering a more compassionate world.
 
Australia acts to save 'Alps' from climate change
 
Australia acts to save unique mountain landscape. Australia’s notable Alps in the south-east part of the country have been designated as the largest ever area to be placed on the national heritage register. At 1.5 million hectares, including 11 national parks and reserves, the now-protected region is home to many unique flora and fauna.

Climate change, however, continues to be the greatest source of jeopardy to the landmark, as a temperature rise of just one degree would destroy the area’s unique habitat and cause species such as the mountain pygmy possum to become extinct. Kudos Australia, for preserving this vital area of natural balance and beauty. Our prayers that humanity continues to act together to protect the lovely Alps of Australia and other irreplaceable landscapes around the globe for the survival of all Earth’s inhabitants.