Arctic warming leading to 'regime change' in North Atlantic ecosystems

Climate changes in recent decades outdistance the past 5,000 years. Researchers at Cornell University, USA have found that warming Arctic waters and increased fresh water from melting glaciers is altering marine life and oceanic currents. The fresh water melts over the past 10 years have led to microscopic Pacific Ocean algae being found in the North Atlantic for the first time in 800,000 years and North Atlantic plankton being found further south, indicating substantial shifts in the ocean circulation.

Oceanographer and study lead Professor Charles Greene stated that the disruption caused by these shifts could bring abrupt changes to the Earth. Dr. Greene and colleagues at Cornell University, we appreciate knowing of these changes that are affecting all life beneath the seas. Through our ready willingness and Heaven’s grace, may our ecosphere flourish in restored balance. 

Agreement to protect migratory birds

Migratory birds to be protected. At a gathering in South Korea, 2000 people from 165 countries agreed upon the newly named Ramsar Resolution on Flyways. This accord promises to safeguard habitats where birds spend the winter or summer and to monitor populations. Birds of Australia president, Ms. Alison Russell-French said, “No country can act alone to protect migratory waterbirds.

If we don't collaborate internationally we will push more and more … to the brink of extinction.” International signatories to the Ramsay Resolution on Flyways, we welcome your forward thinking and caring actions. May countries continue to cooperate in bringing about constructive changes to save the Earth’s amazing flora and fauna.

New permafrost study reveals larger global warming problem

New permafrost study highlights the threat of runaway global warming. Professor Chien-Lu Ping and colleagues at the University of Alaska, USA have released the results of a 10 year study that analyzed over 100 one-meter deep samples of North American frozen earth, or permafrost. They found that Alaskan and Canadian permafrost alone contains 137 billion tons of greenhouse gases, which is about twice the amount previously thought. A two- or three-degree Celsius increase in Arctic temperature could melt the permafrost, releasing its stored gases into the atmosphere and leading to devastating runaway global warming.

Dr. Chien-Lu Ping and associates, we appreciate your efforts to quantify the threat presented by melting permafrost. With Heaven’s grace, may we move swiftly toward sustainable lifestyles that support all life on our cherished planet.

Supreme Master Ching Hai spoke about the effects of the melting permafrost in a videoconference with Seattle Center, Washington, USA on July 6, 2008:

Commission mobilizes 1.5 million EUR in support of the most vulnerable Palestinian communities hit by severe climate conditions in 2008

European Commission increases aid to Palestinians. With global warming-related droughts having caused water shortages and complete devastation to crops in certain areas of Palestine’s West Bank, the European Commission is donating a further €1.5 million for water assistance to 100,000 vulnerable Palestinians.

The aid, which is in addition to €64 million donated earlier this year, will be used to distribute water and enhance its storage through the construction of water-harvesting cisterns. Heaven’s blessings and our sincere gratitude, European Commission, for your generous and meaningful assistance to brethren in need. We pray for the comfort of the Palestinian people as well as an easing of conditions such as these through humanity’s gentler approach to all life.

Legal battle over forest is victory for Paraguayan Indians

Paraguay protects rainforest for indigenous people. Paraguay’s Secretary of the Environment announced cancellation of a permit that had been issued to a company that clears the rainforest for cattle ranching following legal action taken by environmental advocacy groups to preserve the forest as home to the indigenous Totobiegosode people.

The Totobiegosode are a nomadic people with almost no contact with the outside world. Approximately 6000 hectares of the land they live within has been lost this year alone, causing families to be separated. Secretary of the Environment and Paraguay, we applaud your fair decision. May we all strive to preserve the balance of such treasures as the rainforest and the sanctuary it provides to indigenous persons and other wondrous beings of our planet.