Aspen tree die-off
linked to disease
also deadly to humans.
Scientists have found that
recent widespread losses
of delicate aspen trees
across the western part
of the United States due
to a mysterious syndrome
called
“sudden aspen decline,”
have led to disruptions
in the surrounding
ecosystems.
Lead researcher
Dr. Erin Lehmer of
Fort Lewis College
in Colorado, USA
studied wildlife in
regions where the aspen
trees were healthy versus
areas affected by die offs.
With the diminished forests
unable to support
as much diversity,
certain animals such as
deer mice have become
more prevalent.
This in turn has increased
the spread of
the sin nombre virus
that these animals carry.
Sin nobre virus is sadly
lethal to about one-third
of the humans who fall ill
by unknowingly inhaling
fumes from infected
mice urine or saliva.
According to Dr. Lehmer,
the trees' decline
has likely been caused
by climate change,
with a severe drought
in the past two decades
that could be
making the forests
more susceptible to
various types of disease.
Our appreciation,
Dr. Lehmer and colleagues
for highlighting
the interdependence
of environmental
and human health
through this worrying case.
May such research
help us to make better choices
to restore the health
of all plants and animals
on our planet.
During an August 2008
videoconference
in Canada,
Supreme Master Ching Hai
responded with concern
and constructive insight
to another forest decline
situation in Canada
that was also linked
to climate change.
Supreme Master Ching Hai: My goodness!
We are trying hard
to do something,
and nature itself is doing
something else also.
Looks like we keep
racing forever.
So the only thing is
we have to be morally fit,
and have to be virtuous.
Otherwise,
there's no getting away
from the retribution
for whatever we do,
as you can see that.
If the governments
already know the
problem with the forest,
then I'm sure they will
mobilize many forces
in the population or
in a governmental force,
to plant some more trees.
Of course,
plant trees is good,
but I don't know if
we have enough time
to keep planting trees.
The only refuge
would be the virtues,
the noble way of living
that we have to adhere to
Heaven's standard of life.
Otherwise,
no matter what solution,
there will be some other
consequences coming.
Everywhere there's
something that happens,
then we cannot compete
with nature forever,
except we are listening
to her call
to live in harmony
with all beings.
To live and let live,
be vegetarian
and be green.
That's the utmost solution.
That's the most
important solution
that we must take.
And planting trees
and all that is secondary.
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/68478/title/Aspens_bust,_diseased_mice_boom
http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2011/01/07/Tree-die-off-presents-human-health-risk/UPI-21551294448099/
Extra NewsIn an effort to protect
the nation's ecology and
mitigate climate change,
a new policy in China
halts the felling of
mature trees in the
northeastern Greater and
Lesser Khingan Range
as well as planting
new ones, with the hope
of reforesting 70%
of the land by 2020.
http://news.sohu.com/20110109/n278762544.shtml
Greek Prime Minister
George Papandreou
announces plans to build
one of the world's
largest solar parks,
to be built on 520 hectares
of former coal mine
properties, thus helping
to create new jobs
while becoming a model
of sustainable energy.
http://www.france24.com/en/20110121-worlds-largest-solar-park-planned-greece-pm
By using US-based
Pratt & Whitney's
EcoPower engine
washing technology,
designed to reduce
waste and fuel burn,
Air India has thus far
saved 540,000 gallons
of fuel valued
at US$1.9 million
while reducing
5,300 metric tons of
emissions during washes.
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/364306,aircraft-engine-wash-system-reduces-carbon-dioxide-emissions.html
After years of separation
due to highway construction,
two distinct elephant
populations in Kenya
have been reunited
through Africa's
first dedicated elephant
underpass,
which links a community
of 2,000 on Mount
Kenya's highlands
with 7,500 in the forests
and plains below.
http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/elephant-underpass-opens-in-kenya/story-e6frfku0-1225996375882#ixzz1CL2eafAihttp://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/01/28/133302985/elephant-underpass-connects-cousins-in-kenya
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