Ice samples show no new accumulation on Himalayan glacier.


Glaciologists from Ohio State University in the US report that the latest core ice samples taken from the over 6,000-meter-high Naimona’nyi glacier reveal that no new ice has accumulated on its surface since 1944. With major rivers such as the Ganges dependent upon seasonal Himalayan runoff, many of which are already severely reduced in flow for several months each year, nearly half a billion lives could be threatened by a further loss of water.

Ohio State University researchers, we appreciate your diligent efforts and the sharing of your Himalayan findings. Let us act now, and effectively, by adopting the water-minimizing plant-based diet to better ensure our future on this cherished planet.
 
On November 26, 2008, in a videoconference with Supreme Master Television staff, Supreme Master Ching Hai had answered the following question regarding the rapid melting of the Himalayan glaciers.



Flocks of starlings over Brighton Pier may soon disappear

Starlings’ “aerial ballet” may face final curtain. The sight of some 40,000 starlings flying home to the Brighton Pier in England every evening is long-familiar to some. However, the numbers today are literally nothing compared to even 30 years ago, having dropped 90% in just that time due to changes in farming methods and loss of habitat. Conservationists are thus concerned that the intricate flying formations, or living kaleidoscope, formed by the birds could be lost to humanity forever if intervening steps are not taken. We give thanks for the beauty of the flocks of starlings in flight and pray that humanity adopts harmonious actions for these avian friends and all beings to flourish.
 
Iraq to revive dead farmland by sucking out salt

Iraq to revitalize farmlands through salt removal. In central and southern Iraq, land that was once a part of the region known as the fertile crescent has become increasingly salt-laden over time and is no longer arable. To restore the approximately 2.5 million hectares of affected soil, the Iraqi government has announced plans to resume a project begun some years ago of removing excess soil salinity through groundwater pumping.

As this method has already been successful in Australia, its application in Iraq is viewed as having the potential to restore the water quality of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers as well as the region’s soil. Kudos Iraq for these initiatives to help restore your agricultural lands and waters. With Allah’s blessings, may the farmlands soon be fertile for many to enjoy its fruitful offerings.
 
White possum said to be first victim of global warming 

 Mammal lost to climate change in Australia. The white lemuroid possum is more than likely the first mammal to have become extinct entirely due to human-caused global warming. The species, which now has not been seen for over three years, resides only above 1,000 meters in the forests far north of Queensland and cannot endure temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius, even for short periods of time. We are deeply saddened at the loss of this precious possum. We pray that with Heaven’s mercy, our caring actions will lead to the restoration of the Earth and her inhabitants.