Plants 'more important than ever'
Plants form important shield from climate change. According to Professor Stephen Hopper, director of London, England’s conservation site, the Kew Gardens, plants are key in reducing the effects of global warming. He stated, “We believe that at no other point in history have plants been so important to people. They have importance as carbon sinks in a time of climate change. We have to care for what remains and address the serious business of repairing and restoring vegetation if we're going to have the buffers to climate variation that plant life offers.”

Professor Hopper and colleagues at the Kew Gardens, we are grateful for your voice on behalf of our world’s beautiful biodiversity. May all of humanity soon awaken to the urgent need to switch to an eco-friendly lifestyle to save our precious Earthly abode.

Oak tree deaths herald new pest threat to traditional plants, Kew curator warns
Britain’s flora under threat from global warming. Dr. Nigel Taylor, curator of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew has explained that native species of Britain such as the ancient oak, chestnut, wisteria and others have been affected by disease induced by climate change. In the case of the oak, the trees’ natural defenses have been compromised due to continued drought and a loss of distinct seasons, with over 40 of the region’s garden oaks having already been lost to disease in the past 3 years alone.

We appreciate your alerting us to this silent devastation of global warming, Dr. Taylor. May we all work toward rapid change in the ways we care for our planet.

Indonesia planted 79.1 million trees in 2008: minister
Indonesia plants nearly 80 million trees in one month. As part of the country’s National Movement to Plant 100 Million Trees program initiated in November 2008, each of the country’s 33 provinces was provided with over 2 million saplings, which were planted in arid and uncultivated lands. This year’s initiative focused on planting fruit-bearing and other edible species to promote food security. Indonesian First Lady Ani Yudhoyono, who won an award from the United Nations Environmental Program in 2007 for encouraging women to plant trees, also participated in the latest effort by leading women in tree-planting in northern Jakarta at the beginning of December.

Our accolades, First Lady Yudoyono, Indonesia and participants, for your wholehearted efforts to restore nature across the land. Allah’s blessings for your nation to flourish in the growth of verdant forests.