Cooling phenomenon is part of global warming.

While the Arctic North has seen a dramatic loss of sea ice due to the warming atmosphere, scientists have found that the Antarctic region on the opposite pole is cooling. This may appear contrary to evidence of what we call “global warming.” Professor Jennifer Francis of Rutgers University in the US has been comparing the climate changes of both regions, and states that both Poles’ phenomena can be explained by human activities that affect the atmosphere.

Dr. Jennifer Francis, Atmospheric researcher, Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA

Dr. Jennifer Francis, Atmospheric scientist, Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA: Global warming is kind of a misnomer because overall on average, the planet has gotten warmer but that average is what it says: it’s an average over the entire globe and some places have gotten much, much warmer than the global average and some places have gotten cooler.

VOICE: In the southern Antarctic, Dr. Francis and her team are looking particularly at the ozone layer, which warms the atmosphere naturally by absorbing ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Dr. Jennifer Francis: There are several factors going on, but really the most important one that is causing the cooling in the Antarctica is the ozone hole. Now because the ozone has been reduced because of chlorofluorocarbons and the chemicals that we have been putting in the atmosphere, there has been less ozone. And that means that that layer has not warmed as much as it normally would. So we have a cooling, a net cooling effect happening up high in the atmosphere.

VOICE: The cooling air is in turn affecting the jet stream high above Antarctica, which behaves like a strong river current circling the region.

Dr. Jennifer Francis: The cooling that is happening because of the ozone strengthens the storm track. It means there are more storms, there are stronger storms, and also you end up with cooler temperatures at the surface as well.

VOICE: We thank Dr. Francis for her research and insights on the polar climates and how they affect global weather patterns. As we appreciate the Earth’s complex systems more and more, may we avoid unfavorable impacts by acting swiftly and surely to stabilize conditions on our planet.           
                                                                                                                                                    

Government and media have power to lead co-citizens out of crisis.

The “2008 Critical Moments to Save the Planet: What Can I Do?” Seminar held in Taipei, Formosa (Taiwan) on Sunday focused on specific responsibilities that are optimal for each member of society to uphold in halting global warming.

Lin Hong-Chi, Formosan (Taiwan) legislator: So the government should be responsible for stopping global warming. Of course the government should make changes to many energy policies including industrial policy. But, I especially want to urge that we should truly stop global warming by going vegetarian.

VOICE: Giving frank, thoughtful solutions as well as her heartfelt support for the vegetarian, meaning animal-free diet, was the seminar’s honored guest Supreme Master Ching Hai, who spoke with the participating dignitaries via live videoconference.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: We only have this one home, the Earth. If it is destroyed, another one can’t be built. Unlike a house, which can be rebuilt if it’s destroyed, we can’t build another Earth if it’s destroyed. Therefore, the most important thing for the governments to do is to spread the information to the public. Also, all media should fully support the effort. Otherwise, it will be too late.

VOICE: We thank Supreme Master Ching Hai who has offered her genuine concern and advice for humanity, as a true friend who cautions from unconditional love. We urge world leaders and media to join in promoting the benefits of the vegetarian diet. For citizens’ health and humanity’s survival, it’s time for us all to go veg!

Please tune in at a later date for a full re-broadcast of the “2008 Critical Moments to Save the Planet: What Can I Do?” Seminar with multi-language subtitles, here on Supreme Master Television.