Disintegrating ice sheets could alter Earth’s gravitational fields
Research by Professor Jonathan Bamber of Bristol University in the United Kingdom has suggested that the loss of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet due to human-caused global warming could result in significant ocean level rises. Moreover, the loss of such a vast ice mass from the southern hemisphere would cause a stronger gravitational pull in the north. Calculations predict that due to this shift, North America’s east and west coasts would experience a 25 percent higher sea level rise compared to the world average. This would lead to obviously perilous effects for residents of either coast.

Professor Bamber and colleagues, our appreciation for your work to reveal this concerning scenario, which we pray prompt action from all caring citizens to restore the natural order of our environment.

During a videoconference during the March 2009 Juice Fast for Peace seminar in California, USA, Supreme Master Ching Hai expressed her concern for humanity once more as she emphasized the importance of turning to a compassionate lifestyle to avoid the harmful consequences of such Earth changes as rising sea levels.


C40 climate meeting yields accord for change.
Named for the founding 40 cities that established the conference in 2005, this year’s 3rd C40 Large Cities Climate Summit drew representation from 80 cities throughout 41 countries worldwide. Participants this year emerged with the accomplishment of the Seoul Declaration, which calls on major municipalities to do their part in becoming “low-carbon cities” to halt global warming. The declaration also encourages the upcoming United Nations climate conference in Denmark to recognize the city’s important role in alleviating climate change. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said, "The declaration states members' consensus as to the seriousness of climate change, cities' responsibility and the need for collective actions."

C40 summit representatives, we laud your commitment to cleaner and greener changes for the world in which we live. Surely with such united agreements as these, we will all be able to rise and act swiftly as concerned citizens to save our Earthly abode.

Gujarat city given number one ranking for going green.
As the largest city in India’s western state of Gujarat, Ahmedabad headed a list of 15 municipalities from throughout the country for being environmentally friendly. This distinction is especially meaningful, as the city in 2003 was deemed the most polluted. The eco-list is published as part of a campaign by the United Nations Environmental Programme entitled “Green Cities -Plan for the Planet.” Some of Ahmedabad’s green measures include tree planting, cleaner mass transit systems, infrastructure development that facilitates use of surface water, and energy efficient street lamps and water station pumps.

Our green hats off, Ahmedabad, for your green transformation and meaningful eco-gains! Blessed be measures such as yours that inspire us all toward a more beautiful future.