Gates donates $20M to help rice farmers -- IRRI

Gates foundation funds rice research for global warming. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation pledged US$19.9 million for research and advances in agricultural technologies to adjust to climate change. Most of the money will go toward assisting 400,000 small farmers in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Gates Foundation, we admire and are grateful for your generosity in helping these farmers cope with global warming. May God bless them with abundant and nourishing harvests!
 

U.S. Wind Power Generation Grows by 45 Percent in 2007

US growth in wind power blows past records. During 2007, 5,244 megawatts of green energy were added to US power supplies, accounting for 1% of total energy generation and powering 4.5 million homes. For 2008, wind turbine suppliers have already sold all they can manufacture, with new providers expected to enter the market, making for another year of stellar growth. Congratulations and our thankfulness wind power industry! It is a wave of fresh air to hear of the greening of our world through such sustainable means.
 

Europe's first fair trade expo takes place in France

First European Fair Trade Fair. On February 2, thousands of people attended a unique exposition in Lyon, France to learn about the future of international fair trade. Over 180 exhibitions were offered by fair trade groups who noted that their networks have been rapidly expanding, and highlighted the importance of sustainable development through considering the environment and respecting workers’ rights. This is great news for our global world of trade. We thank all involved who are working to make responsible consumption, the dignity of producers and environmental protection the norm in our activities.
 

Singapore To Reduce Vehicle Population To Ease Congestion

Singapore takes measures to ease road congestion. As a country that has seen considerable increase in the number of cars on the road, Singapore is acting to prevent any further rise in traffic congestion. Along with raising tolls for highway usage, the government will allow only 50% of the normal annual increase in vehicles, and the pace of road expansion will also be reduced by half. Hats off Singapore for these progressive transportation measures. Blessed be your clean and green island nation in evermore natural beauty.
 

Amazon rainforest to shrink 20% by 2030

Amazon rainforest will diminish 20% by the year 2030. Two Brazilian research groups say that due to farming, deforestation and road construction, the Amazon will continue to reduce in size. Researcher Britaldo Silveria said that if the decline continues, its effects would cause irreparable damage to both the rainforest and planet. Brazilian researchers, we appreciate this careful accounting of the detrimental effects of our actions. May God grace the world with quick and appropriate change to save the life-giving Amazon for the benefit of all beings on the Earth.
 

Citizens say WOW to garbage

Garbage brings wealth and saves planet in Bangalore. Residents of Yelahanka New Town have realized that by recycling 1 ton of garbage, they can save 17 full grown trees and 7,000 gallons of water. They are partnering with corporate giant ITC, which collects recyclable waste from their doorsteps, and pays them market prices for it for the Wealth out of Waste (WOW) program. Kudos and thank you ITC and Yelahanka New Town for creating an innovative program to protect our planet’s resources and brings prosperity at the same time

Viet Nam to help Sierra Leone grow more food

Âu Lạc (Vietnam) shares farming expertise with Sierra Leone. In 2006, Dr. Võ Tòng Xuân, head of the Southern Water Conservation Institute, initiated a pilot project in Mange Bureh, Sierra Leone to increase rice production. The goal of the project is to apply farming techniques that have been successful in Âu Lạc to Sierra Leone. Our gratitude, Âu Lạc, and may Heaven reward you for your loving concern to farmers in Sierra Leone. We send our warmest wishes for the well-being, happiness and abundant harvests of the Sierra Leone people.
 

Air pollution harms unborn babies

Research shows that rising levels of carbon dioxide increase human mortality. A report issued by Stanford University in California, USA has confirmed a direct link between rising levels of CO2 in the air and increased human mortality. Professor Mark Jacobson who led the research clarified, “This is a cause and effect relationship, not just a correlation.” We appreciate your study, Professor Jacobson and Stanford University researchers. We pray these findings will help usher in new and immediate action for clean air and reduced emissions.
 

Corporate emissions to be published on the internet

Australian businesses to publish greenhouse gas emissions online. Starting July 1, Australian businesses will be required to report their energy consumption and carbon emissions to the Department of Climate Change on the internet. Australian Conservation Foundation’s climate specialist Tony Mohr said the public has a right to know the greenhouse gas emissions that “companies are adding to the atmosphere we all share.” Thank you, Australia, Australian Conservation Foundation and other participants, for bringing an open corporate emissions gauge to the trading world. May your endeavors inspire many businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and protect the lives of all beings on our precious planet.
 

Major shipping nation accedes to two UN marine pollution treaties

Bahamas ratifies anti-pollution treaties. With the third largest number of registered ships in the world, the Bahamas recently signed two international shipping treaties. The first, known as the AFS Convention, prohibits the use of certain harmful materials. The second, which is the Bunkers Convention, ensures that ships responsible for an oil spill will provide prompt compensation to the affected parties. The Bahamas is the 28th country to ratify these two shipping treaties. Bravo Bahamas! We are overjoyed and grateful to hear of your participation in helping to keep our seas clean and green.
 

UN launches global effort to predict climatic changes

United Nations organization sets goal for better forecasting of climate change. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), an agency of the United Nations, is holding a three-day meeting to advance forecasting methods for global warming. Over 20 organizations are attending the Geneva event to find ways to improve the delivery of forecast reports to governments, businesses, and farmers about patterns such as droughts or floods. A big thank you, United Nations World Meteorological Organization. We deeply appreciate your efforts to prepare for climactic changes and thus alleviate suffering around the world.
 

Earth Hour 2008: turn off your lights for one hour, 3/29/08, 8 pm

Global launch of Earth Hour 2008. In affiliation with the World Wildlife Fund, Earth Hour 2008 will commence on March 29, 2008 at 8pm, where individuals, companies, schools, and cities all over the world will turn off their lights for one hour. It is hoped millions of people in the world’s major cities will exercise this energy conservation action. For more information, visit www.earthhour.org! God bless you, World Wildlife Fund and all involved, in this inspiring movement to reduce our impact on climate change. May Earth Hour 2008 continue to catalyze trends of conservation and protection of our planet Earth.
 

Acting on ship emissions can save lives say NGOs

Non Government Organizations (NGO) say reducing maritime emissions may save 80,000 lives per year. NGOs and environmental groups are calling upon the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) to adopt stronger measures on reducing pollutants from ships. A senior lawyer for the US-based Clean Air Task Force stated, “The IMO cannot continue to ignore mounting evidence that action to reduce air pollution from ships could avoid tens of thousands of premature deaths each year.” In addition, the groups believe that US$275 billion will be saved annually by changing to greener fuels. With heartfelt gratitude, NGOs and environmental groups, for voicing your concern about the health of our biosphere and its inhabitants. May the world’s ships take to heart your advice to save lives.
 

Major Magazines Launch Recycling Initiative

More major US magazines to be printed on recycled paper. Building on a trend started by retailers like Barnes & Noble and Wal-mart, a new program has been launched in New York City to encourage the use of recycled paper in magazines. The program, called ReMix-Recycling Magazines, represents a partnership between major magazine publishers and the city of New York. Advocacy group Co-op America estimates that 1.7 billion pounds of green-house gas emissions would be saved if magazines used even 30% recycled paper. We applaud your great idea to inspire others to be green, ReMix-Recycling Magazines. May all magazines soon be printed on recycled paper, with consumers continuing the green process by recycling them after reading!

Rolls-Royce Wants to Commercialize Fuel Cell

Rolls-Royce eyes green power generation market with fuel cell. Rolls-Royce has been working on fuel cell generators, which are expected to be produced by 2010 for use in stationary power generation at hospitals, universities, and small factories. CEO John Rose has indicated that the company is also looking into ways to bring in investors to help the company expand into an estimated US$50 billion power generation market. Congratulations Rolls Royce on creating a line of business which can reduce global emissions and provide jobs for many people! Best of luck in rolling out your energy efficient project.
 

NEW BUILDING MATERIAL – for Green Building Solutions

Advanced building materials for our future homes. Renewable energy sources combined with ultra-efficient building and insulation materials and waste heat recovery will be the focus for green buildings of the future. Germany-based Orange Depot Systems has developed a new building material that aids in heat transfer and serves as a long-term thermal storage unit, which is environmentally friendly, maintenance free, and cost effective. We extend our thanks for your visionary work, Orange Depot Systems. Under Heaven’s blessing, may all our future buildings be energy-efficient and eco-friendly.
 

Bush budget proposes $1.2 bln in global food aid

US President’s budget contains US$1.2 billion in food aid. The 2009 budget proposal submitted by President Bush allocates almost one and a quarter billion dollars for emergency international food aid programs. The United States is the largest provider of food aid worldwide and the biggest supporter of the United Nation’s World Food Program. We respectfully salute you, President Bush, and God bless the United States’ big-hearted generosity in providing the basic needs for so many people. We pray that everyone in the world may enjoy the comfort of peace and plenty in their lives.
 

Climate Code Red Launched

Australia’s Friends of the Earth calls for labeling climate change an emergency. The group released a report titled “Climate Code Red: The Case for a Sustainable Emergency,” in which it estimates that current government policies are not sufficient to overcome a 3 degree rise in temperature. The report called for urgent action, stating, “It is likely that soon there will be ice at only one pole during the northern summer, and there is a high risk that a quickly warming north polar region may trigger the melting of the Greenland ice sheet, whose total disintegration would raise sea levels by as much as five meters in a century.” We thank you, Friends of the Earth, for your dedicated actions to preserve our beloved planet! May God bless your diligence with greater awareness and action to save our Earth.
 

Polish ponies arrive to help protect our wetland wildlife

Polish ponies protect our wetland wildlife. Nine konik Polish ponies arrived in Ireland to protect Ulster’s wildlife by grazing the reserve in order to keep down areas of scrubland that could be harmful to certain species. The konik ponies have an essential role in delivering conservation goals and are the only ones in Northern Ireland. What a blessing to have our pony friends help us protect our beautiful Earth! May we all respect and preserve the ecological diversity of the planet’s flora and fauna.

Church advocates carbon fast for Lent

Bishops invite Christians to give up carbon for Lent. The Bishops of London and Liverpool are calling upon Christians to go on a Carbon Fast for the 40 days of Lent. During this period, participants will be conscious of their carbon footprint and take one simple energy-saving action a day to help reduce it. Our sincere gratitude, Your Eminences, for calling for this meaningful act to help save our world. May the all-giving spirit of Christ continue to reveal itself in the hearts of humanity through our altruistic deeds.
 

New initiative gives green aircraft research a boost

European industries are partnering up with the European Union for eco-friendly airplanes. The €1.6 billion public-private partnership will help develop greener airplanes that will help to lower the industry’s climate change contributions. Congrats Europe on your “clean sky” initiative. May your endeavors be blessed with soaring success.
 

UM biologist works to help reefs survive global warming

Marine biologist experiments to save coral reefs. Dr. Andrew Baker of the University of Miami has been awarded a US$150,000 by the Pew Institute for Ocean Science. The funds are to be implemented on an experimental technique that he hopes will help the world’s remaining coral reefs survive the ocean’s rising temperatures. The technique involves giving the coral a dose of heat-hardy algae. Dr. Baker says, “There are several coral reef biologists who say … that we have gotten past the tipping point. It's time for us to try to do something with our scientific research.” Our deepest gratitude, Dr. Baker and the Pew Institute for Ocean Science. May God bless your notable endeavors to protect the ecological diversity of our oceans.

EU, aviation industry to finance research into greener aircraft

European industries are partnering up with the European Union for eco-friendly airplanes. The €1.6 billion public-private partnership will help develop greener airplanes that will help to lower the industry’s climate change contributions. Congrats Europe on your “clean sky” initiative. May your endeavors be blessed with soaring success.
 

London pledges to be 'greenest' place to film

The British film industry is initiating “Green Screen London”. The purpose of this plan is to reduce greenhouse gases during film production. Backers of the initiative include London’s Mayor Ken Livingstone, Film London CEO Adrian Wooton and many other film studios. The goal is to make London the greenest place in the world to make a film. We tip our hats in gratitude, British film industry and all supporters, for setting a great example to the world. May a greener environment be realized quickly through united and earnest efforts.

Professors join to educate students on global warming

Professors unite to teach about global warming. At the University of North Carolina in the US, global warming and the action needed to address it, are regularly discussed. Professors of biology, economics, sociology and other disciplines realized that all fields of study can contribute to the dialogue on climate change. The students have responded positively as they come to appreciate the interrelatedness of nature and their daily lives. We salute the noble professors and your dedicated efforts to educate student about climate change. May your discussions lead to the best, most intelligent solutions for the planet

Ottawa urged to expand green energy program

Canada’s federal government considers renewable energies. A broad coalition of Canadian energy companies and environmental organizations is asking the federal government to apportion US$2.2 billion for a renewable energy program. The already existing program gives a 1-cent-per-kilowatt hour subsidy to providers of renewable energy such as hydro, wind, geothermal, tidal or biomass energy. Canada has seen its rating for renewable energy investments go from 18th to 8th place in the world, largely due to the help of the federal incentive programs. Kudos and many thanks Canada for your smart energy program. Our best wishes for your continued development of alternative energies.

WD(R) Joins The Green Grid

Western Digital seeks to improve energy efficiency as member of The Green Grid. Leading data storage manufacturer, Western Digital (WD), recently joined The Green Grid, an association seeking to improve energy efficiency in data networks and computing environments. WD’s Vice President Tom McDorman, said, "Our membership in The Green Grid demonstrates our continued commitment to advancing greater energy efficiency in data centers worldwide." Our gratefulness, Western Digital and all the members of The Green Grid, for recognizing the need for energy efficient technology. May God grant you the creativity to find more ways to improve our planet.