Critical mass for new course could be within reach.

Based on updated findings, global warming scientists have shortened the timeframe of irreversible changes such as the loss of sea ice. It seems the rate of change in nature surpasses that of our own response. Yet fortunately, tipping points that lead to transformation don’t belong to nature alone. The following is another excerpt from the recent videoconference of our Association members in Seattle, Washington, USA with Supreme Master Ching Hai.

Supreme Master Ching Hai’s Video Conference with
Seattle Center, Washington, USA -  July 6, 2008

(F): There is a theory about critical mass that if we reach it then the movement will kind of self-propel itself. And I wonder how far we are to reaching this critical mass point, or have we reached it yet?

Supreme Master Ching Hai: Okay, no, we haven’t. I am sorry. But maybe we will reach it soon. Within half a year maybe, if we work hard, if everyone else works hard, if the governments help, if the media helps, if all the other organizations really diligent in working about this, spreading the urgency, and spreading the vegetarian solution to help sustain the planet. Then maybe we can make it in half a year. Just to reach that critical mass.

(F): Yes.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: Not to completely change the whole planet.

(F): Yes. Thank you Master.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: All we can do is just keep working at it.

VOICE: We appreciate Supreme Master Ching Hai’s valuable insight and encouraging message to continue our sincere efforts to at this time. Indeed, with Heaven’s grace and each person’s perseverance, a truly bright future for our planet awaits us on the horizon.

Please tune in to Supreme Master Television at a later date for the broadcast of the videoconference with Supreme Master Ching Hai, with multi-language subtitles.

Antarctic ecosystem affected by global warming.

 According to three US researchers who have specialized in studies of Antarctica, the 30 million year old, virtually isolated continent is the most affected in the world by climate change, with over 10 degrees Fahrenheit temperature increase since 1950. The Antarctic Peninsula’s ecosystem is thus quickly shifting due to warming waters and melting sea ice, which in turn is distressing many forms of life such as phytoplankton, tiny shrimp-like krill and the Adelie penguin. Hugh Ducklow of the Marine Biological Research Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA said, "We're seeing things happen rapidly there. It's a good wakeup call for us."

EPA report connects smog to global warming.

A recently published report from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that in many parts of the US climate change is playing a major role in the increasing levels of smog in the atmosphere, including highly damaging near-surface ozone. This ozone smog especially affects children, the elderly and those with respiratory problems. President Frank O’Donnell of the US-based non-profit Clean Air Watch, said, “This report addresses the fundamental question that global warming is a threat to public health.”

We are grateful for this information, EPA. May our collective efforts to halt climate change will yield the fruitful results of a clean, safe atmosphere for all beings on Earth. 

 http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSN1041605320080710?sp=true


Namibia feels the heat of climate change. 

Demand for water in Namibia is expected to exceed supply by 2015 in this driest country of sub-Saharan Africa.  A report from the country’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Institute states, “Recent analysis of the country's climate data, which stretches over a hundred years, shows an observable increase in temperature of approximately one to 1.2 degrees Celsius.  In recent years, hot temperatures are getting hotter, hot days of above 35 degrees Celsius are becoming more frequent and the number of cold nights decreasing."  Namibian farmers have already experienced the rainy season starting later and ending earlier, thus threatening food supply. 

Our gratitude, Namibian researchers for documenting these severe effects of global warming.  We pray our planetary community will quickly adopt the clearly water-conserving and carbon-free plant-based diet to cool the earth and to ensure enough water for all. 

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5i2Q8OxnASIyAciQMm7K0umyx_7iA 

Fish populations declining as global oceans warm.

The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) reported at a four-day scientific symposium held in Rome, Italy, that climate change-related changes in sea temperature are adversely affecting fish metabolism, growth rate, reproduction and susceptibility to illnesses. Near-surface waters, which are prone to evaporation, are also increasing in salinity and acidity, causing the deterioration of coral reefs and other calciferous organisms.

United Nations FAO, we thank you for this information about the alarming state of the world’s oceans. Blessed be our quick adoptions of efficient and effective actions to protect all life on our precious globe.

http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jul2008/2008-07-10-02.asp, http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Earth/Warming_trouble_for_fish/articleshow/3223175.cms