'Food Miles' Hard to Digest

Food miles oversimplify environmental effects. Speaking at a conference in Brussels, Belgium, Oxford Institute for Energy Studies Director Benito Muller highlighted that food flown from Africa often produces less total green house gas emissions than if it is grown in Europe. Dr. Muller went on to say that we should also take into account the average carbon footprint in a country like Kenya being 50 times lower that a country like Great Britain. He thus recommended the continued support of produce from Africa. A big thank you, Dr. Muller, for shedding light on the different ecological aspects of our food consumption. May our precious world be graced with abundant wisdom and the most beneficial means for creating a truly green future.
 

Millionaire investment in geothermal energy in Nicaragua

Nicaragua invests in geothermal electric facilities. With the largest geothermal power station in Latin America already in place, Nicaragua plans to invest another US$5 million to further develop geothermal energy from her volcanoes. Iceland, which has the world’s largest geothermal facility, is donating tools and equipment, as well as technical assistance for the 5 year project, which has an estimated value of $4 billion. Experts believe that the steam from volcanoes could more than cover the country’s internal demand, allowing Nicaragua to export the emissions-free electricity. Hats off, Nicaragua and Iceland, for your fabulous collaboration that will reduce the use of pollution-causing fossil fuels as you continue to tap into the power of volcanoes.
 

Research paper confirms suspected hurricane activity link

Increase in sea temperature linked to greater number of hurricanes. Studies carried out at the Hazard Research Centre at the University College of London show that an increase in ocean surface temperature of only ½ a degree Celsius is linked to a 40% increase in hurricane activity in the Atlantic. Tropical storms are the biggest cause of severe losses and are therefore monitored closely by the insurance industry. Trevor Maynard, Manager of Emerging Risks at the insurance company, Lloyd's, stated, “This study is the latest in a long chain of research that quantifies the impact of sea temperatures on hurricane frequency.” Hazard Research Centre, we are highly appreciative of your very important study signaling the dangers of climate change. We pray all people can take immediate steps to work towards restoring our perfect planet to her harmonious equilibrium.

Tupelo, Mississippi: Cool City

US city of Tupelo may become the next Cool City. Environmentalist and outdoorsman Travis Hunsicker appealed to Tupelo, Mississippi’s Mayor Ed Neelly to get the City Council’s support for his hometown to become a member of Cool Cities. Cool Cities, an initiative designed by environmental group Sierra Club, currently has 770 municipality members, all of whom are finding ways to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Tupelo has already begun one of Cool Cities’ recommended steps and is switching out all municipal incandescent light in favor of compact fluorescents. Many well wishes city of Tupelo for taking the first steps to make a difference in preserving our planet. With your efforts and God’s grace, soon many will be joining in for greener, sustainable living.
 

Carmanah Provides Solar LED Aviation Lights for Airfield Upgrades in United Arab Emirates

Canadian company provides United Arab Emirates with solar-powered aviation lighting. Carmanagh Technologies, a Canadian world leader in energy-efficient aviation lighting, is supplying the United Arab Emirates with US$600,000 of portable, wireless aviation lighting for privately owned airfields in the region. The company’s solar-powered product, which uses energy-efficient LED lighting, is ideal for runways in isolated areas where no grid-based electricity is available. Bravo Carmanagh for this highly practical renewable energy development! We wish all the pilots using your product many safe and well-illuminated landings.
 

An eyewitness to global warming

Will Steger gives eyewitness account of global warming. Keynote speaker and acclaimed Artic explorer Will Steger is traveling on speaking engagements throughout the United States Midwest, offering first-hand accounts of the reality of global warming. Having spent more than 40 years traveling through the Arctic, Mr. Steger warns about the drastic changes he’s seen and experienced recently. Noting that the Larsen ice shelf, which once took him 30 days to dogsled across, has now disappeared, Mr. Steger shares his concerns that the rapid melting of the Arctic ice will adversely affect everyone. Mr. Will Steger, we deeply appreciate hearing about your first-hand experiences and insights into the effects of global warming. May God keep you safe on your journeys as you inspire positive global awareness of the need for environmentally responsibility.

Map shows toll on world's oceans

New global map serves as wake-up call. A team of 20 scientists from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom have created a detailed global map that shows the heavy toll that human activities are having on the oceans. The scientists divided the ocean into one kilometer square sections and examined all data available on how the marine environment is affected by 17 human activities including acidification caused by climate change, fishing, oil rigs, commercial shipping, and human-related pollution. Lead scientist, Dr. Benjamin Halpern of the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis in Santa Barbara, California stated, “Our results show that when these … are summed up, the big picture looks much worse than I imagine most people expected. It was certainly a surprise to me.” The authors of the study say the results should be a "wake-up call" to policymakers. A respectful salute to Dr. Halpern and all scientists involved in this collaboration for turning our attention to the health of the oceans. May our studies of the seas show us how to protect them with kindness and loving care.
 

Prince Charles: Domesday clock of climate change ticking

Britain’s Prince Charles calls for “courageous and revolutionary” action on climate change. In a his first speech before the European Parliament, Prince Charles said that immediate and drastic changes must be made to prevent a global catastrophe caused by climate destabilization. Speaking to representatives from all over Europe, he said, “The lives of billions of people depend on your response, and none of us will be forgiven by our children and grandchildren if we falter and fail. I don’t think there is a more urgent issue for any of us to be addressing at work, at home, and indeed in every facet of our lives, than climate change.” Prince Charles, we respectfully salute you for drawing the world’s attention to the single most important issue of our time. May your inspiring words touch the hearts of all and help lead us to effective and timely action to save our incomparably beautiful biosphere.

Antarctic Expedition Provides New Insights Into The Role Of The Southern Ocean For Global Climate

Plankton helps to reduce CO2. From the Alfred Wegener Institute’s expedition to the Antarctic, scientists were able to discover that large amounts of surface plankton algae in the Southern Ocean can significantly reduce the CO2 in the ocean, which can in turn have a beneficial effect on a global scale. The vessel Polarstern’s ongoing research explores how the Southern Ocean may help regarding current and future climate. We laud your important findings, scientists! May God bless your pursuits for a greater understanding of our life-sustaining planet.
 
Energy saving seen most effective in CO2 cutting

The McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) submits energy efficiency report to the UN. On Thursday, MGI released a study at a United Nations Investor Summit on Climate Risk calling for improvements in energy efficiency to lower CO2 levels. The report, titled “The Case for Investing in Energy Productivity,” outlined how investments in energy productivity from various sectors can both help the environment and increase long-term profits. Thank you, United Nations and the McKinsey Global Institute, for your commendable efforts to bring about positive changes in the environment. May countries, business, and ordinary people around the world invest in energy saving green technologies for the benefit of all.

Global warming could invite sharks to Antarctica: biologists

Global warming may bring new predators to Antarctica. At the annual conference of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, biologists said that sharks, crabs, and other predators may be detrimental to the unique and diverse marine life of the warming Antarctic waters. Dr. Sven Thatje of the National Oceanography Center in Southampton, Britain, said that with the advance of predators from the north there “would be a tragic loss for biodiversity in one of the last wild places on Earth.” He strongly encouraged the international community to minimize the greenhouses gases causing climate change and endangering the one-of-a-kind marine inhabitants. Our sincere thankfulness, scientists, for your informative research and dedication to the preservation of all life. May the Antarctic marine beings flourish in abundance and continue to color our planet with their magnificent beauty.