Why we can lose sunflowers but not buttercups: Scientists decide which plants to save as mass extinction looms
US researchers race to save the Earth’s plants from extinction. Concerned that global warming may soon claim as much as 50 percent of the Earth’s plant species, scientists at the University of California at Santa Barbara are working quickly to determine which ones will be the best to conserve.

Report co-author and biologist Dr. Todd Oakley stated, “Losing a very unique species may be worse than losing one with a close relative in the community.” Dr. Oakley and colleagues, we are grateful for your efforts to protect our most unique plants. We pray for humanity’s awakening in acting to protect our Earth and all her treasured flora and fauna.

Study highlights impact of mercury on seal immune system
Mercury pollution endangers sea mammals. In an analysis of blood samples collected from harbor seals off the coast of Germany in the North Sea, Belgian and German scientists found large amounts of accumulated mercury as well as other pollutants. Further testing showed that these substances had significantly weakened the animals’ immune systems, damaging growth and reproduction as well.

The findings confirmed previous concerns that human-made mercury, which is known to be toxic in humans, and other ocean pollution has been a large contributor in the sharp decline of certain sea mammals, especially the harbor seals. Our gratitude, Belgian and German scientists, for this important research that clearly shows the far-reaching effects of human activities. With Heaven’s grace, may we all return to more considerate ways of living that honor the natural balance of the planet. 
 
'Extinct' cockatoo rediscovered in Indonesia: researchers
Once presumed extinct cockatoo is rediscovered. Ten Yellow-crested Abbott’s cockatoos (NFT: Cacatua sulphurea abbotti) were recently spotted on the Indonesian Masalembu archipelago off Java Island. With only five birds having last been seen in nature in 1999 due to hunting and capture as pets, the species is now considered to be the rarest in the world. What wonderful news! We celebrate the return of this graceful feathered friend. May Heaven help us to be more compassionate stewards of the planet, for the healthy longevity of the precious Yellow-crested Abbott’s cockatoo and all other beings.

Formosans (Taiwanese) take a stand to rescue planet Earth
Formosans (Taiwanese) take a stand to rescue planet Earth. Last Saturday, hundreds of Formosans in Taoyuan County rallied together to declare their determination and will to save the planet from global warming. A seminar on ways to reduce environmental impact was held by a collaboration among Tung-Hai University, the local government and well-known environmental protection groups. 

Bin-Huang Chen – Professor, Tung-Hai University, Formosa (Taiwan) (M): If we all work together wholeheartedly to rescue the Earth from its crisis, it’s possible to avoid catastrophe.
 
Andreas Gursch – Director, Environmental Science & Technology (M): Saving a little bit of energy every day is not enough. We need the government to make some very clear laws.
 
VOICE: In suggesting ways for the public to reduce their carbon footprint in daily life, local governments have consciously included reducing meat consumption as one of the effective means.
Dr. Stephen Shu-Hung Shen – Administrator of Environmental Protection Administration, Executive Yuan, Formosa (M): For example, we can walk and eat vegetables more often, which will also increase our health.

Director-General Lee Yung-Jaan – Taoyuan County Government Urban and Rural Development Bureau, Formosa (M): We can even try to eat less meat, because (farmed) animals exhaust resources, emit carbon and drain lots of land. Compared to the meat diet, the vegan diet combined with eating local produce will contribute greatly to a reduced environmental footprint.

VOICE: We laud the joining of government and citizens at this lively and motivational public gathering. May more and more Formosans and people throughout the world also be well informed of global warming and the key solution of the vegetarian diet.
 
Bees Dying by the Billions, Teens Protect Pollinators
Teens build houses to protect butterflies. As a collaborative project, youths from the northern Michigan city of Marquette and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) spent this summer building dozens of white cedar houses lined with bark to protect the hundreds of thousands of Monarch butterflies that land in the region on their way to Mexico.

Todd Warner, KBIC Natural Resource Director commented on the vital role of the butterflies, stating, “If the pollinators disappear, then vegetation systems are disrupted and begin collapsing, some plants will disappear, many or most fruits and vegetables disappear, and the ripple of impact moves outward in ways we can't predict.”

We are touched, Mr. Warner, Marquette city, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and all participating teens, by your caring initiative to protect and preserve our Earth’s winged beauties. Through noble efforts such as yours, surely we will be able to enjoy the beauty and benefits of the lovely Monarchs for years to come.