Plastic endangers
Mediterranean
marine life.
Recent research supported
by environmental
advocates found that
the Mediterranean Sea
contains some
250 billion pieces,
or approximately 500 tons,
of suspended microscopic
pieces of plastic.
For the study,
French and Belgian
marine biologists
who comprise the
organization Expedition
Mediterranean in Danger
(MED) analyzed
water samples at depths
of 10 to 15 centimeters
off the coasts of France,
Spain, and Italy.
Of the samples obtained,
90% contained
the biologically hazardous
plastic fragments.
In addition to being mixed
in with plankton
that is consumed by fish,
there is also evidence
that this plastic debris
is also affecting seals,
tortoises, and other
larger marine species.
The researchers will next
expand their evaluation
to Gibraltar, Morocco,
Algeria, Tunisia,
Sardinia, and southern Italy.
Meanwhile,
they are calling for
the European Union to
implement more stringent
rules on the disposal
and biodegradability
of consumer goods.
Supporters can sign
an on-line petition at
www.expeditionmed.eu/petition/.
Our sincere thanks,
Expedition MED,
for your awareness raising
eco-conscious work.
Let us quickly heed
such alarming information
and act to protect
the inhabitants of
the Mediterranean Sea
and oceans worldwide.
Speaking with concern
for all life during a May
2008 videoconference
in South Korea,
Supreme Master Ching Hai
emphasized
the need for humanity's
more conscious efforts
to care for our
fragile environment.
Supreme Master Ching Hai : In many places
there are already bans on
the use of plastic bags and
many convenience stores
So, I think that's
a very good start, and
maybe we should impose
a little more stricter ban
on these
harmful substances.
And then
we have to change.
Even if the government
doesn't impose any ban,
we as individuals
should pay attention.
We should use something
less toxic,
and we should use
our own shopping bags
wherever we go,
to minimize whatever
we can the effect,
the harmful effect
to the planet.
And instead of polluting
our planet, the air,
we have to turn to
friendly energy
and sustainable energy.
Just reverse our actions.
Vegetarian diet -
number one.
Green energy -
number two.
Everybody work together
to be frugal,
and protect the environment
and the animals.
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/159949.html
http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1972338/plastic_found_floating_around_in_the_mediterranean/index.htmlhttp://www.expeditionmed.eu/petition/
http://www.plasticseurope.org/event/polytalk10.aspx?page=EVENTS Antarctica to welcome
youngest Asian visitor.
On Friday, January 28,
nine-year-old
Phạm Vũ Thiều Quang
from Âu Lạc (Vietnam)
and his father embarked
on their journey
to explore Antarctica.
The father and son
flew to Argentina, and
from there will go to
the southernmost city
of Ushuia to board the
British ship MS Fram
along with other
international explorers
to sail to the South Pole.
In preparation
for his adventure,
Thiều Quang did various
physical exercises
advised by experts,
as well as practicing
his photography skills.
The young explorer, who
is the youngest Asian
to set foot on the frozen
southern continent, seeks
to raise public awareness
about climate change and
environmental protection.
Bravo on your
noble adventure,
Thiều Quang!
Wishing you fruitful
success in bringing back
information to share
so that many people are
further awakened to
the need for more
sustainable lifestyles
to better care for our
cherished planetary home.
http://english.vovnews.vn/Home/Nineyear-old-Vietnamese-to-explore-South-
Pole/20111/123513.vov
http://en.baomoi.com/Info/Little-Vietnamese-boy-goes-on-exploration-to-
Antarctica/3/107112.epi
http://tuoitrenews.vn/cmlink/tuoitrenews/society/nine-year-old-
vietnamese-sets-off-for-south-pole-1.20323
Extra News
The US National
Climate Data Center
updates weather
temperatures averaged
over 30 years, replacing
the 1970s with the first
decade of this century,
which as the hottest
in history is certain
to increase
corresponding averages.
http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/1937948/normal-weather-set-
changehttp://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=climate-shifts-changing-new-weather
In accordance
with the nation's
Climate Change Act,
the UK's Environment
Ministry unveils plans
that include road
construction to withstand
higher temperatures,
reinforced
rail embankments that
can offset the collapsing
effect of floods, and other
adaptation measures.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12302555http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110127-722155.html