'Catastrophic' One-Metre Sea Rise Predicted
Sea levels predicted to rise to catastrophic levels. During this week’s gathering of some 2,000 participants at the International Scientific Congress on Climate Change in Copenhagen, Denmark, revisions in anticipated sea level rise were among the concerns expressed by scientists. The latest figure, which accounts for quicker warming oceans and a faster-melting Antarctica and Greenland, now anticipates what could be more than a one meter rise before the century’s end. More than 600 million people could be affected by the submergence of lands such as the US state of Florida and island nations like the Maldives, with an additional number who would be more vulnerable than ever to natural disasters such as storms and floods.

Supreme Master Television was present to speak with the participants, where scientists indicated that present human efforts could and must be faster.

Dr. Rajendra Pachauri – Chair of United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), VEGETARIAN (M): We have an enormous amount of inertia which we should be aware of. And that only requires us to take much more vigorous action to bring about change.

VOICE: Political leaders present at the meeting joined in the scientists’ call for urgent change.

Connie Hedegaard - Danish Climate and Energy Minister (F): If we don’t act now, we will stay hostage to outdated energy systems. If we don’t act now, we risk catastrophic changes to our climate causing destabilizing conflicts, and massive migration of refugees due to water and food shortages in many parts of the world. And consequently, if we don’t act now, we ultimately bring our natural security in danger
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VOICE: We are grateful to the scientists and leaders from countries worldwide for revealing these critical insights on the perilous state of our planet. Let us quickly take heed and make the necessary eco-adjustments to save our beautiful and irreplaceable world.

In her response to panelists during the live videoconference for the SOS! International Seminar on Global Warming in Seoul, Korea in May 2008, Supreme Master Ching Hai likewise urged for rapid action, while reminding us of the priority we must place on our food choices.


 scientist says health of planet and people are linked
Vegan diets require less land. Dr. Pamela Martin, a geophycisist at the University of Chicago in the USA, recently appeared on the Earth & Sky radio program to speak about the findings of a 2009 study of the American diet, which she co-authored. Having evaluated a comparison of land requirements for a meat-based versus meat-free diet, she stated, “You need about four-and-a-half times the amount of land to grow feed that you feed for cattle, versus using that land directly to grow food that we would directly consume.” Dr. Martin went on to encourage people to make food choices that ensure a beneficial impact on both health and the environment.

Her discussion of this important topic can be found at www.earthsky.org /radioshows.

Our sincere appreciation, Dr. Martin, for providing yet another of the manifold benefits of a meat-free diet. Let us all turn towards the veg lifestyle to most quickly restore the balance to our Earth.

Sustainable forest management could net 10 million new jobs, UN agency says
Sustainable forest management creates jobs. Ahead of next week’s UN Committee on Forestry meeting in Rome, Italy, a report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has stated that sustainable forestry practices could create 10 million green jobs globally. Activities would include forest management, development and management of trails and recreation sites, expansion of urban green spaces, restoring forests and planting new ones. In many cases, the improved management could help halt deforestation and reduce carbon emissions while benefiting economies at the same time.

Our respectful accolades for your innovative green suggestion, United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Such eco-friendly investments in humanity will surely benefit nations and our life-giving trees in every possible way.

Singapore awards Dutch scientist with Water Prize 2009
Dutch scientist awarded for eco-friendly water treatment. Dr. Gatze Lettinga was honored with Singapore’s Lew Kuan Yew Water Prize 2009 for his environmentally sound and affordable water treatment invention. The method employs oxygen-free anaerobic technology, prevents pollution and actually produces sustainable energy. The 73-year-old scientist deliberately did not patent his innovation so that everyone could benefit from it, resulting in its wide adoption for both industrial and municipal use. The Lew Kuan Yew Water Prize 2009 is sponsored by Singapore’s Millennium Foundation and will award Dr. Lettinga a cash prize of over US$193,000.

Our respectful accolades and appreciation, Dr. Gatze Lettinga, for not only your eco-water treatment innovation, but also your selfless deeds. Heaven bless your dedication in bringing fellow countrypersons and people the world over the opportunity to enjoy and cherish abundant clean water.

Tasmanian women tackle climate change
Women in Tasmania initiate climate change awareness program. The “Tas Women Cooling It!” project is seeking to reach 10,000 women on the Australian island within the next year to inform them of the warming of the planet and to encourage them to make changes to green their households and better the environment. Sharon Davis of the Tasmanian Women’s Council said, “Our objective is to contact as many women in Tasmania as we can, who can make a small contribution, which leads onto a larger contribution towards their ideas of reducing their own carbon footprint."

Tasmanian Women’s Council, our green hats off for your efforts to inspire women in coming together in eco-conscious action! Such supportive and unifying projects surely help put our world on the path to sustainability.