Tens of thousands face food shortage in Burundi due to drought – UN aid agency
Climate-related crop failure in Burundi. Nearly 17,000 Burundians in the northern portion of the country are facing a severe food shortage following prolonged drought in September and October 2008. The United Nations World Food Program has already contributed over 350 metric tons of food to these and almost 60,000 people in other parts of Burundi where there is a lack of food as well. Despite releasing the smallest amount of emissions responsible for global warming, the African people are now enduring three times as many food emergencies as in the 1980s. United Nations World Food Program and all donors, Heaven bless your loving efforts to meet the nutritional needs of the gentle Burundi people. May our world recognize and act on the real impacts of climate change to assure a brighter tomorrow for all Earth’s inhabitants.


U.S. Senate Passes Sweeping Conservation Measure
Proposed laws to protect millions of hectares of US land. The United States Senate has passed a number of conservation measures consisting of almost 170 land and water bills so as to safeguard millions of hectares of parks, rivers, streams and trails in the nation. The key proposed law in the package is the National Landscape Conservation System Act, which would permanently protect 10.5 million hectares of government land. The bills are awaiting approval by the House of Representatives, with signature that could be among some of President Barack Obama’s first acts of office. We are gladdened to know of the United States’ efforts to preserve our treasured flora and fauna. We pray all nations join this noble movement towards a more sustainable abode for all.

New satellite monitors level of greenhouse gases.
The Japanese Space Agency’s new orbiting satellite, GOSAT (Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite) was launched from Japan on Friday for a five-year mission to measure carbon dioxide and methane on the Earth’s surface. Circling the globe once every 100 minutes, the satellite determines the density of the two gases through the use of optical sensors that will record over a million measurements each week. Japanese Space Agency, we applaud you for your brilliant technological advancement. May developments such as these bring expanded understanding for our better care of the planet.

Ottawa Boy's Invisible warns birds about deadly windows
Bird-saving invention formulated by 8th grade boy. After finding that some 500 million birds perish each year from collisions with building windows throughout North America, student Charlie Sobcov of Ottawa, Canada wanted to do something to save them. With the understanding that light in the ultraviolet spectrum is visible to avian species, Charlie formulated a removable window decal employing a special ultraviolet paint that is transparent to humans but signals a solid object to be avoided to the bird. He is now working with a group of volunteers on testing the decal and is also considering marketing the invention. Great job, Charlie! Heaven surely smiles on such a kind heart and noble spirit as yours. Blessed be your innovation in preserving the lives of our precious avian co-inhabitants.