NW province expected to be China's largest wind power generation base in 10 years

Gansu to become China’s top province in wind power supply. Already accounting for 7.3% of China’s wind power reserve, Gansu province in the Northwest is set to become the country’s largest wind power supplier in 10 years time. Aside from the seven existing wind power generation stations of 500,000 kilowatts in total installed capacity, the new station will have an installed capacity of 5 million kilowatts. Way to go, Gansu! And thank you for boosting China’s development of wind power! May Heaven bless your nation with abundance and success in renewable energy development.
 

HRH Prince Andrew, The Duke of York, Joins BT to Announce Solar Energy System for BT Americas' Headquarters

Duke of York supports new solar energy system for British Telecom (BT). On Friday, the global communications company BT announced plans to build a new solar power system for its North American headquarters in California, USA. The solar array will reduce BT America’s carbon emissions by 300 metric tons per year. The project has won the support of His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, The Duke of York, who is also the United Kingdom’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment. We thank Your Royal Highness the Duke of York for furthering renewable energy efforts around the world. And bravo, BT, for working to slow climate change by committing to green power.
 

Hawaii is at the Forefront of Energy Independence Movement

For Hawaii, clean energy is top priority. Hawaii governor Linda Lingle has announced a partnership with the United States Department of Energy, to implement 70% renewable energy within one generation. Methods to be adopted include wave energy that will power 2,700 homes in Maui and byproducts of local crops for fuel and electricity. Alexander Karsner, Assistant Secretary for the DOE, said, “With an abundance of natural resources and environmental treasures, Hawaii is the ideal location to showcase the broad benefits of renewable energy at work on an unprecedented scale.” Hats off and many thanks, Governor Lingle and the United States, for your leadership in adopting energy practices to preserve the planet. Blessed be the natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands and her people as reflected in such noble intentions.

At 6pm GMT on February 27, Energy Saving Day (E-Day) begins in the UK.
Grassroots energy saving campaign gears up in Great Britain. At 6pm GMT on February 27, Energy Saving Day (E-Day) begins in the UK. E-day organizers are promoting energy conservation by asking everyone in the UK to turn off any household electronic devices that do not need to be on and leave them off for as long as possible. National energy savings totals will be updated hourly on the E-day website: www.e-day.org.uk. What a fantastic idea! E-day organizers, we wish you the very best success. May your campaign inspire millions of people throughout the UK to voluntarily conserve energy.
 

City's two-wheel transformation

London proposes bike transformation. With an initiative to increase the number of people biking in the city by 400% over the next two decades, London plans to build 12 bicycle “superhighways” for a greener capital. The city will also introduce a bike sharing system as well as a €537 million cycle network to connect 15 suburban town centers over the next 10 years. London Mayor Ken Livingstone said, “We are announcing the biggest investment in cycling in London's history, which will mean that thousands more Londoners can cycle in confidence, on routes that take them quickly and safely to where they want to go.” Bravo Mayor Livingston for these eco-friendly and health-enhancing measures! May many Londoners soon enjoy the exercise and fresh air in their local travels throughout your country’s beautiful capital city.
 

G-7 says nations will work to steady volotile global markets

G-7 nations cooperate to stabilize global markets. At a recent meeting in Tokyo, Japan, finance ministers and central chiefs from the G-7 nations agreed to work together for a smooth-running global economy. Officials from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States issued a joint statement saying, “we will continue … to take appropriate actions, individually and collectively, in order to secure stability and growth in our economies." A fund to help developing nations address global warming was also discussed. Congratulations, G-7 ministers on your fruitful meeting. May Heaven endow all your countries with prosperity and peace.
 

Lawmakers hand out million for projects

USA state legislature approves funding of green programs. The State House and Senate in New Mexico, USA unanimously approved over half a billion dollars to support projects that include alternative technologies. A $4.5 million allocation has been made to build an electronic car and $7.5 million will be spent to build a solar energy equipment manufacturing plant at Mesa Del Sol in Albuquerque. Kudos and many thanks, New Mexico, on your forward thinking decision to include funds for green technology. God bless your state with success in your eco-friendly endeavors.
 

JICA to reduce greenhouse emissions in Iran

Japanese greenhouse gas expert to assist Iran. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is sending a Japanese expert to Iran to assist in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions at thermal power plants. Upon the request of Iran’s Ministry of Energy, the JICA expert will advise on technologies for energy conservation, as well as methods to minimize the carbon footprint at power plants in Tabriz and Isfahan. We salute Japan and Iran for your friendly collaboration on this very important project, which will help preserve our amazing planet. May the future hold many such inspiring examples of loving cooperation among the world’s countries.
 

Like or it not, global warming is beginning to hit close to home

USA’s Pennsylvanian outdoor writer encourages fellow citizens to protect the environment. In writing about global warming, Centre Daily Times journalist Mark Nale highlighted that it was very rare for so many scientists to agree on one fact: the reality of climate change and the need to act quickly. He also presented visible evidence of global warming in the local community, including diseases among wildlife, low water levels in streams, and longer autumns and earlier springs. He encouraged his community to individually take all measures possible, to protect the planet. Thank you Mr. Nale and Centre Daily Times for your reminder of the immediate actions needed to curb the effects of climate change. May God bless us all with the will and the courage to act decisively to save precious lives on this planet.

Eating and the Environment

Singaporean group publishes recommendations on reducing the carbon footprint created by our diets. The Asian Food Information Council, which publishes science-based information of food, health, safety and nutrition, is providing consumers with information about how food affects our environment. Its recent Food Facts Asia publication includes suggestions to buy local, seasonal foods with minimal packaging, and to avoid using plastic shopping bags. The article also draws attention to the fact that eating meat is estimated by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization to account for 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Thank you Asian Food Information Council for providing simple, everyday suggestions for reducing the emissions produced by our eating habits. May we begin with simple, small steps toward a maintaining a life-sustaining Earth.
 

More homeowners gain access to cleaner energy

Homeowners can support green power. US homeowners can now pay for clean energy through the use of renewable energy credits (RECs). This way, people can easily support renewable energy companies in a convenient manner. We extend our appreciation, power companies, for providing a way for all householders to promote sustainable living. May we all go green for a bright future.

Sea level along coastal China to rise 0.032 meters in 10 years

China’s State Oceanic Administration issues report on rising sea levels. In a recent bulletin, China's State Oceanic Administration said that sea levels had increased an average of 2.5 millimeters per year over the past 30 years. Over the next decade, it is predicted that China’s coastal sea level will increase an average of 3.2 millimeters a year. China’s scientists are calling for actions to protect coastal cities and regions. We are grateful, State Oceanic Administration and Chinese scientists, for this wake up call regarding rising sea levels and climate change. May it motivate us to work as a global community to protect our generous planet.

Bolivia expecting rising water levels

Bolivia evacuates the city of Trinidad as rising floodwaters threaten to engulf the town. The flooding has caused the loss of 50 lives, while thousands are homeless and millions of dollars of agriculture has been destroyed. The United Nations says that the floods may continue through April. Scientists believe that global warming has caused the La Nina storms, now inundating Bolivia, to become more intense in recent years. We pray for the safety of the people of Bolivia. May God watch over our Bolivian brothers and sisters and provide them with comfort and security at this time.
 

Dubai Chamber goes green

Dubai Chamber, a model for workplace greening. The United Arab Emirates’ Dubai Chamber has shown that green businesses do not have to come with new buildings. Between 1997 and 2003 alone, the Chamber’s existing 18-story building, which now hosts more than 600 events per year, reduced its energy consumption by 33% and water by 60%. Bravo and our respectful thanks Dubai Chamber for your inspiring example of a green workplace. May the great Allah grant abundant blessings on your future endeavors and all who enjoy your building’s lovely atmosphere.
 

Green fuel, sky-blue dreams

US-based Swift Enterprises develops greener fuel for aircrafts. During recent testing, the plant-based aviation fuel being developed by Swift Enterprises lasted 15-25% longer than regular aircraft fuel. It also decreased carbon emissions by 10%, with no sulfur emissions. Company head John Rusek said, “Our background is practicality. I don't want to study something. I want to make something that's going to make the world a better place.” Great job, Swift Enterprises! We applaud your forward thinking and diligent research efforts in bringing the world cleaner and more efficient aviation fuel. We look forward to celebrating our air travel as green travel!

Auto-makers rev up to launch green vehicles

Auto-makers step into the “Green Vehicle” era. Soaring fuel prices, concern about pollution, and consumer demand are driving automobile manufacturers in India to develop green vehicles. Automakers Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M), Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, Bajaj Auto, and TVS Motors are all working on either battery-operated or hybrid models. A big thank you, India auto-makers, for these energy efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles. Heaven smiles upon your eco-car projects.
 

Council predicts strong growth in green industries

Formosa (Taiwan) anticipates growing renewable and green technologies. The Formosan Council for Economic Planning and Development has predicted strong growth in areas such as power conservation, solar opto-electricity and biofuels. In a report published on Thursday, the Council said that the US$221.8 million spent in 2007 on research and development in the sector would likely generate a value over 20 times the original investment and be a key source of employment. Many thanks Formosan Council for Economic Planning and Development for informing us of the current green trends in the economic sector. May our planet benefit greatly as we invest in the environment.