Big trouble for UK and Icelandic seabirds


Seabirds in UK and Iceland greatly endangered. Data from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in the United Kingdom and Iceland’s Fuglavernd (BirdLife) reveals that the Black-legged Kittiwakes, Arctic Terns, and Arctic Skuas are in critical condition as there is little food supply for them. Many colonies are abandoning nests meaning that their populations are no longer being renewed. Evidence shows that increased sea temperatures caused by global warming are behind these worrisome patterns.

Konstantin Kreiser, European Union Policy Manager at the BirdLife European Division, said, “If governments do not take action against overfishing, pollution and greenhouse gases, we will face many more terrible surprises.” We thank Policy Manager Kreiser, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and BirdLife for alerting us about the plight of these treasured avian species. Let us make quick transitions to the environmentally-friendly lifestyle of a plant-based diet to ensure the well-being of the seabirds and indeed all life on the planet.
 
A greener earth

Children’s TV channel launches environmental initiative. International channel Nickelodeon has partnered with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) for “The Big Green Help Project,” featuring eco-friendly themed programs and activities to raise awareness and actions among children, their families and friends.

Starting in Singapore and Malaysia, the project is also available to schools, with top-ranking participants being able to earn a visit from their favorite Nickelodeon character. United Nations Environment Program spokesperson for Asia, Satwant Kaur, said, “By encouraging learning through play we hope to cultivate a new generation of young people who are passionate and committed to protecting the environment.”

A big green hats off, Nickelodeon and United Nations Environment Program, on your new eco-partnership! We wish the young viewers many hours of fun and fulfilled learning for the greater appreciation and care of our beautiful planetary home.

Scientists uncover 1,224 different species in first ever inventory of life at the poles

Antarctic holds rich biodiversity. A research team of 23 scientists from five research institutes has found more than 1000 species, including five discovered for the first time, around the South Orkney Islands near the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. A statement from the participating British Antarctic Survey said, “The work reveals a region that is rich in biodiversity and has more species than the Galapagos or some tropical regions.” Wow, what colorful life unveiled from one of the world's coldest regions! Many thanks international scientists for your efforts to share the beautiful biodiversity of the Antarctic. May the fauna of this area forever flourish and be protected.
 
New rules to cut CO2 emissions

European Union to reduce new car emissions within six years. Members of the European Parliament and the French Presidency have agreed that European car makers must lessen carbon dioxide emissions from new vehicles to 130 grams per km, with an additional reduction of 10 grams/km to be achieved through other technical improvements and alternative fuel use.

The proposed standards, which must still be endorsed by the Council and voted at the December meeting of the European Parliament, would be phased in starting in 2012, with full implementation by 2015. Kudos European Union policy makers for your efforts to address climate change through these new requirements. May humanity’s future vehicles be in harmony with a healthy ecosphere.