Amazon deforestation increases 69 percent due to demand for meat. 

The National Institute for Space Research, which monitors Amazonian deforestation, has reported that in the one year period between August 2007 and August 2008, over 4,820 square kilometers of the Amazon have been lost. The main causes were cited as being an increased demand for beef and soy. The US Department of Agriculture reports that 74 percent of global soy crops are used as feed for animals. 

We appreciate the efforts of Brazil and elsewhere to curb deforestation.  We also pray that people the world over recognize the destructive effects of meat production and change to a planet-saving, plant-based diet. 
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080830/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/
brazil_amazon_destruction;_ylt=AjW4IcXhL6t.gWtVjWCyBYpvaA8F, http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/usda/current/OCS-yearbook/OCS-yearbook-06-18-2008_Special_Report.pdf


Rising sea levels threaten thousands on a south China island.
Throughout the 25-square kilometer Weizhou Island, beaches, coastlines, and buffer forests are being submerged. The State Oceanic Administration's environment monitoring agency shows high tides have now even risen to window level outside some of the 15,000 residents’ homes. Experts attribute these events to global warming and human activities such as nearby underwater coral reef destruction. Government officials have thus initiated preservation efforts, including a ban on coral harvesting as well as certain fishing practices.

State Oceanic Administration, China and local officials, many thanks for your careful observations and protective endeavors. With Heaven’s grace, may citizens quickly adopt eco-saving lifestyles to benefit the future of Weizhou Island and the globe.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/29/content_9737577.htm