Climate Change Complicates Ozone Recovery
Greenhouse gases could interfere with ozone recovery. Scientists at the US National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) and Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, USA have reported the finding that greenhouse gases limit the circulation of ozone in certain regions of the upper atmosphere. The effect of this is that the healing of the ozone layer, whose depletion was caused by previous use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other chemicals, may be much slower in tropical zones. The scientists note that although greenhouse gases actually cool the upper stratosphere, allowing the ozone layer to heal more quickly, these recently discovered circulation changes appear to offset that benefit in tropical areas, thus limiting or even delaying the healing effect indefinitely. Professor Feng Li of NASA stated, “Most studies of ozone and global change have focused on cooling in the upper stratosphere. But we find circulation is just as important. It's not one process or the other, but both."

Our sincere appreciation, Professor Feng Li , National Aeronautics and Space Agency and Johns Hopkins researchers, for helping us to understand the multiple challenges the planet faces from greenhouse gas emissions. We pray for rapid Earth-saving actions to preserve all life across the globe.

In December 2006, during a retreat with our Association members in Germany, Supreme Master Ching Hai shared her concern and insights about the possible consequences of a destabilized atmosphere.


 Overfishing 'annihilating' Uganda's Nile Perch
Fishing devastates number of Uganda’s Nile Perch. Nile Perch populations once flourished in Uganda’s Lake Victoria. However, their numbers decreased by 81 percent between 2005 and 2008 due to fishing. With the aid of funds from the European Union, Ugandan representatives say that efforts will be stepped up to end illegal fishing on the lake, which is shared with Kenya and Tanzania, so that the species can recover.

Many thanks, European Union, for your offer to help save the Nile Perch, and we appreciate Uganda’s actions to address the tragedy that this fish is facing due to human activities. Let us join in changing to a plant-based lifestyle, so that these and other cherished aquatic co-inhabitants may flourish once more.

 AIA releases its top 10 list of green building projects
AIA top 10 green building projects. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment has released its Top 10 List of eco-friendly architecture and design. Included is the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation in Evanston, Illinois, which has conserved 25 percent of the original building’s space while providing natural light and ventilation.

 Another is the Portola Valley Town Center in California, USA, constructed using recycled materials and obtaining 40 percent of its energy from solar power. Other honorees are the Charles Hostler Student Center on the seafront of Lebanon; the Chartwell School in California, USA; Great River Energy Headquarters in Minnesota, USA; the Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in Texas, USA; the Terry Thomas building in Washington, USA; the International Fund for Animal Welfare World Headquarters in Massachusetts, USA; Gish Apartments in California, USA, an affordable housing development situated next to a light rail line with a solar rooftop array, and the Synergy at Dockside Green of Canada.

Hats off, all green winners, for being a shining example of tasteful surroundings through responsible planetary stewardship. We look forward to the day soon that all establishments are as eco-friendly as yours.