Carbon Sinks Losing The Battle With Rising Emissions
Emissions rising too fast for oceans and forests. Dr. Mike Raupach, co-chair of the Global Carbon Project and scientist at Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), has reported that the elements of nature such as forests, grasslands and oceans have been absorbing CO2 at unprecedented rates because of a continued increase in human-caused carbon emissions. In fact, these natural carbon absorbers can no longer keep up. Dr. Andreas Fischlin of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology explains how this situation could lead to a serious global warming tipping point.

Dr. Andreas Fischlin – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (M): Land ecosystems, which are currently sequestering about one quarter of all emissions, will stop doing that, and they will actually switch into becoming a source of CO2, so they will add to our own emissions, which will require us even to more compensate this if we would get to this point. So they would accelerate climate change instead what they’re doing now, they are slowing it down. So we must not lose that service from land ecosystems. The point where you actually switch from being a sink and sequestering carbon and to becoming a source in emitting carbon is a tipping point.

VOICE: Knowing this, Dr. Mike Raupach stated, “Such a change would have drastic consequences for the predicted magnitude or speed of climate change occurring.”

We appreciate your insights, Drs. Raupach and Fischlin. Our prayers that this knowledge will help bring about quick and effective actions to avoid irreversible trends such as these.

In a videoconference in February with the 12th President of the Philippines, His Excellency Mr. Fidel Ramos, during his visit to our Association’s Center in Taipei, Formosa (Taiwan), Supreme Master Ching Hai described the benefits of organic farming, together with minimizing livestock production, to quickly remove harmful greenhouse gas emissions from the environment.

El Hierro, The Energy Self-Sufficient Island
El Hierro Island making headway toward energy self-sufficiency. With development efforts over the past decade leading toward sustainable support of the island’s 10,000 residents, the Spanish island of El Hierro is looking to become completely energy independent within the next year. A wind farm and hydroelectric power station will provide 80 percent of the island’s energy, with supplemental solar power, hydrogen cars and a plan to completely ban the use of oil.

What exciting news! Bravo, independently green residents of El Hierro Island! May your beautiful island be a beacon of inspiration for others as we strive to become better stewards of our precious planet Earth.

Airport Honored for Humanely Preventing Bird Strikes
US airport endeavors to save avian lives. With a US report stating that about 7,000 to 8,000 birds perish every year from collisions with an aircraft, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is doing its part to keep the birds as well as humans safe. A wildlife biologist and 20 assistants on staff first detect the Aves (pronounced AY-veez) using primarily radar, and then warn or shoo them away from danger without causing them harm. For its efforts, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has honored the Seattle-Tacoma airport with the Most Progressive Airport Proggy award.

Our warm accolades, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, for your humanely deserved recognition. We look forward to seeing airports around the world implementing systems such as this to safeguard the valued lives of feathered and human co-inhabitants alike.

Scripps to Honor Prince Albert II of Monaco for his Environmental Efforts
Prince Albert of Monaco to be recognized for eco endeavors. His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco is being conferred the prestigious Roger Revelle Prize for his continuous efforts in promoting environmental protection. The award will be presented by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography of the University of California San Diego, USA in October this year, along with a celebration of the developing partnership between the Principality of Monaco and the Scripps Institution on ocean acidification.

Our respectful accolades, Your Serene Highness, on this well-deserved recognition of your noble eco-leadership and many contributions to environmental research and education. Providence bless your continued endeavors on behalf of our cherished planet and her inhabitants.