Warning of wildfire threat to tropical forests as planet heats up
Global warming accelerating faster than predicted. According to Dr. Chris Field, co-chair of the Nobel Peace prize-winning United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the current rate of temperature increase from rising greenhouse gas emissions may set tropical forests ablaze and cause widespread melting of northern tundra. Saying that the IPCC’s 2007 report had underestimated global warming for this century, the senior scientist stated that the events catalyzed by these rapidly accelerating temperatures could trigger runaway CO2 releases. He warned, “We don't want to cross a critical threshold where this massive release of carbon starts to run on autopilot.”

Dr. Field, we are thankful for this reminder of the fragile state of our environment. Let us all unite in taking swift and caring measures to conserve our planetary home.

 
 Efforts to save wetlands in Kashmir
India-administered Kashmir acts to restore vital wetlands. A partnership between India, several concerned non-governmental organizations, and India’s state government of Jammu and Kashmir, is seeking to restore disappearing wetlands in the Kashmir Valley and elsewhere in the region. Three main wetlands areas are receiving funds for rehabilitation activities, which include the removal of weeds and silt.

Our sincere appreciation, Chief Warden Srivasatav India and all other government leaders and organizations for your work together to revive the vital wetlands. May they soon flourish once again for the beauty and benefit of all life.

 Sleeping Policemen wake up to global warming
UK speed bumps to generate energy. Designed by former sustainable energy advisor to the United Nations, Mr. Peter Hughes, these new road structures generate electricity as they slow traffic, by harnessing energy through a mechanical device installed beneath the road’s surface. Planned for eventual use throughout the nation, the ‘electro-kinetic road bumps’ are being installed in London initially and will be used to power street lights, traffic lights and road signs, with any surplus being transferred to the national grid.

Bravo Mr. Peter Hughes for this innovative green invention! We look forward to seeing cities and towns worldwide enhancing safety while creating sustainable illumination at the same time.

 “2 Minutes to Change” to raise awareness of global warming
“2 Minutes to Change” to raise awareness of global warming. This coming Sunday, February 22, our Association members in more than 25 countries around the world will launch a worldwide event to raise awareness on the best solution to climate change. Many centers are hosting their own unique activities, from skits performed in downtown Seoul, South Korea to group-hugging an inflatable planet in Sao Paolo, Brazil’s Paulista Avenue, to famous musicians and the city mayor appearing at the Culture Plaza in the capital of Costa Rica. The highlight of the event will be a 2-minute “freeze” at a designated time, to bring attention to the current global climate destabilization. The public will be invited to find out more about being veg and going green to save the planet. In addition, many local and national radio, television and newspaper groups will be covering our Association’s activities to raise awareness about the effects of climate change.

The event takes place on February 22, coinciding with Supreme Master Ching Hai Day. Fifteen years ago on that day, 6 United States governors jointly declared their recognition of Supreme Master Ching Hai’s humanitarian works and spiritual leadership. For this year’s event, everyone is invited to participate in the “2 Minutes to Change” on Sunday February 22 and join hands in the peaceful global activity to help save our precious planet. For more information, locations and times, please visit www.feb22event.com.

We thank our Association members worldwide and all supportive organizations, government officials and media for being part of this exciting and meaningful event. We are grateful to Supreme Master Ching Hai, whose guidance at this time in our history is not only inspiring but invaluable. With our days to make a difference numbered, may all humanity unite to Be Veg, Go Green, and Save the Planet!