Vanishing central African glaciers threaten water supplies of millions

Africa’s Rwenzori glaciers are quickly disappearing. A team of 27 alpinists affiliated with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) recently explored the high-altitude glaciers of the Rwenzori Mountains bordering Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They found that the glaciers have receded an alarming 50% in area over the last 50 years, and 75% over the last century. At the current rate of recession, the glaciers will be gone within 30 years. This is an imminent danger for millions of people, plants, and animals who depend on fresh water from the glacier for their survival. We are grateful, WWF, for your concerned efforts that have revealed the depleted condition of the Rwenzori glaciers. We pray that this evidence will help catalyze the actions needed to preserve life-sustaining ecosystems while we still have time.
 
Envisat makes first ever observation of regionally elevated CO2 from manmade emissions

Scientists observe regionally elevated levels of human generated CO2 for the first time. A team of researchers from the University of Bremen in Germany have detected elevated levels of carbon dioxide over the most populous area of Europe that they say is attributed to human activities. The scientists are using data collected by the European Space Agency’s Envisat satellite, which is able to distinguish between natural and human-generated CO2 gas. You have our sincere thanks, researchers, for your important findings. May they lead to swift international action to minimize CO2 emissions for the sake of our beautiful planet.

Sweden helps Viet Nam develop recycled energy

Sweden provides Au L?c (Vietnam) with green energy assistance. On Wednesday, at the opening ceremony of Viet Nam-Sweden Sustainable Energy Week, Swedish Ambassador Rolf Bergman announced a donation of US$2.3 million to Au L?c’s Sustainable Energy Fund. Sweden will also continue to provide technical assistance for sustainable energy projects throughout rural Au L?c, which currently power 98% of Au L?c’s communities. A warm thank you and God bless, Sweden, for your compassionate green generosity towards our Aulacese brothers and sisters. We wish the best for your continued cooperation in aiding both people and our Earth.
 
Icy start, but 2008 may be in top 10 warmest years

2008 could be among the top ten hottest years in history. Finland just had its warmest winter on record and NASA satellite data shows the thickest and oldest ice around the North Pole is rapidly disappearing. Climatologists at the UK’s Climatic Research Unit at the University of East Anglia say that the warming trend will cause heat waves, droughts, and floods. Thank you, weather experts, for your timely information showing our great need to adopt sustainable energy practices and a plant-based diet to save our planet. May God bless us all with the wisdom and strength to quickly make the necessary changes.
 
Global warming rushes timing of spring

American scientists worry about the increasingly early arrival of Spring. Satellite images show that forests in the northern USA are greening up more than a week earlier than they did in the early 1980s. Last year, the US Geological Survey created a National Phenology Network to examine changes in the timing of seasonal shifts. Jessica Hellmann, a biology professor at Indiana’s University of Notre Dame, said that the changes caused by warming temperatures are likely to be too much for endangered species in particular to be able to handle. We very much appreciate this important research, US scientists. Through our appropriate actions and Heaven’s grace, may all Earth’s flora and fauna be protected from these and other global warming effects.
 
Blair: China makes big efforts on climate change

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair urges international support in addressing climate change. During his visit to the Asian country, Mr. Blair highlighted the goal of rapid industrialization while at the same time reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing representatives of the developed nations, he stated, “We have got to accept the responsibility of the problems we created and help China, India and other countries to develop in a more sustainable way.” We salute and thank you, Mr. Blair, for your earnest efforts in calling attention to the need for worldwide support in addressing global warming. May all countries work together to immediately find and implement the best sustainable practices in saving lives and our planetary abode. 
 
Gore uses videoconferencing to make point on global warming

Former US Vice President Al Gore encourages teleconferencing to reduce global emissions. From a distance of over 2,800 miles across the United States, Nobel Laureate Al Gore in Tennessee and Cisco Systems’ CEO John Chambers in California recently used Cisco’s Telepresence video conferencing system to address an audience in Florida. Kudos, Mr. Gore, Cisco and all technology companies, for reducing travel emissions through virtual meetings! May all companies rapidly embrace such innovative and green ways to conduct business.

Idea man behind “virtual water” awarded 2008 Stockholm Water Priz

Idea man behind “virtual water” awarded 2008 Stockholm Water Prize. British Professor John Anthony Allan of King’s College at the University of London has been recognized for his conceptual work on “virtual water.” Virtual water, or the water footprint, is the amount of water it takes to make a product. This concept brings attention to the fact that water scarcity is not only due to personal consumption but also results from agriculture, manufacturing and other practices. Congratulations, Professor John Anthony Allan, for your well deserved honor. May the notion of “virtual water” help to remind everyone that sustainable living requires treading lighter on our planet and wisely conserving our resources.

Extra cash for green energy projects

Scottish government rewards sustainable improvements. The government of Scotland is setting aside US$6.9 million every year for three years to give grants and loans to households and local groups for their adoption of green technologies. Households can claim up to US$7,900, and local business will be given up to US$19,800 for implementing enhancements like solar panels and heat pumps. Hats off, Scotland, for offering your citizens more reasons to adopt greener lifestyles. May this initiative provide a leap forward towards your goal of zero emissions.