The Real Price of Farmed Salmon

International call for end to salmon farms. The indigenous Canadian group Kwicksutaineuk Ah-kwa-mish First Nation in the province of British Columbia has joined a coalition from Norway, Canada, Chile, Scotland, and Ireland in requesting that the United Nations place a global moratorium on the unsustainable practice of salmon farming. Scientific studies have not only linked disease transmission from the salmon farms to wild salmon and other species, causing significant losses of life, the pollution from the farms creates large-diameter dead zones that are so depleted of oxygen they cannot support any life.

Our sincere thanks, international coalition for your unified voice of concern. With the grace of the Providence, may we join in step together toward a greater appreciation for all life to restore the natural balance of our ecosphere.

Climate change threatens wetlands

Fewer birds visiting Britain’s wetlands. With an estimated 143 sites considered significant as stop-over locations for internationally arriving water birds during the winter, a new Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust report finds that avian species visiting the wetlands had decreased in number during the 2006 to 2007 season. Speaking of the estimated 43 species that are now being less frequently seen, Director of Conservation Dr. Debbie Pain observed that while some were staying longer in the warmer climes produced by climate change, others such as the Greenland white-fronted goose were absent due to their rapid overall decline.

Many thanks, Dr. Pain and Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, for this valued information. Let us all work to renew the conditions that nurture the safety and longevity of our water bird and other treasured co-inhabitants.

Namibia: Country Has Its First Green Charity

Namibia launches first green charity. Non-profit Green Awareness Africa (GAWA) was launched in the capital city of Windhoek. GAWA founder Gareth Amos explained that while the ultimate goal of GAWA would be nationwide, the first mission of the organization would be to encourage green awareness in the workplace settings of Windhoek, in the hope of seeing them integrated into Namibians' everyday activities. Kudos Mr. Amos, Green Awareness Africa and all participants for your efforts to conserve our precious natural resources! May your endeavors be graced with a beautiful and clean Namibia.
 
Freshwater pollution by nitrogen, phosphorous costs U.S. $4.3 bln annually

US fresh water damage from nitrogen and phosphorus. Research carried out by Kansas State University in the US has found that pollution from nitrogen and phosphorus is costing the nation more than US$4.3 billion a year.

This figure, which the scientists say is an underestimate, accounts for costs such as damaged fresh water supplies, additional funds to treat the water, and loss of revenue from decreased recreational activities. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations reports that the root cause of this pollution is synthetic nitrogen and phosphorus applied to crops.

Kansas State University and United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization scientists, we thank you for this quantitative information. May we also consider these chemical effects on the health of all beings and switch to the quickly restorative plant-based fare.