Global warming impacting monsoon trend in India: Study
Indian monsoon changes signal global tipping point. Senior meteorologist and former Director of India’s Meteorological Department, P.V. Joseph, has published findings of a decrease and weakening of monsoon currents, with low-level storms diminishing in strength by around 20% over the past 50 years. The main cause appears to be a temperature increase in the Indian Ocean of 1.5 degrees Celsius, which is higher than any other tropical areas. The noted disruption in the monsoon season has previously been identified by international scientists as being one of nine potentially devastating tipping points, beyond which runaway global warming could occur.

Mr. Joseph, we appreciate your careful observations of this alarming change in India’s climate. With Heaven’s grace, may our concerted efforts toward better stewardship restore the balance of our shared planetary home.


Obama wants appliances to use less energy-official
Appliances get new efficiency boost. United States President Barack Obama has instructed the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish better energy efficiency standards for 9 common appliances by August of this year. The appliances include ovens and microwave ovens, lamps, household dishwashers, and commercial air conditioners. In addition, by the end of June, the DOE must have new energy-efficiency standards in place for fluorescent tube and reflector light bulbs. These measures are anticipated to save US$60 billion every year, enough to fulfill the energy needs of 5 million households.

Our respectful accolades, President Obama, for putting environmental concerns at the top of your agenda. With measures such as these in place, our world will surely transition smoothly into a sustainable new era.

China celebrates comeback of rare monkey.
The number of endangered Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys living in southwestern China's Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve has increased from 500 in 1983 to 1,300 today. Overall, there are approximately 2,000 of these unique primates residing in the high altitude evergreen forests of the country, sustained primarily by the lichen plant that grows on tree bark. Their expanded numbers are attributed to steady improvements in protection efforts.

Kudos conservationists in China for your dedication to securing the safe existence of this treasured primate! May the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey continue to thrive in numbers with Heaven's protection and love.

Annual meeting focuses on global climate change
Annual “Olympics of Science Conferences” meets in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Around 10,000 citizens, media members, and scientists have gathered for the 175th annual American Association for the Advancement of Sciences (AAAS) meeting taking place from February 12–16. With this year’s theme being “Our Planet and Its Life: Origins and Futures,” many speakers highlighted the precarious state of our planet as well as the need to act quickly to save it. Esteemed participants included Dr. James J. McCarthy, AAAS president, who opened the event as well as Dr. Mark Serreze from the National Snow and Ice Data Center, and special guest speaker, former US Vice President and Nobel Prize Laureate Al Gore. Mr. Gore in particular urged scientists and in fact anyone with knowledge of global warming effects to become involved, saying, “We've now reached a stage where continuing on our present course would threaten the entirety of human civilization. We have to go far, quickly.”

Drs. McCarthy and Serreze, Mr. Gore and all other participants, we express our thanks for your timely reminder that only humanity collectively can reverse our Earth’s dire state. May Heaven bless us with the will power for a quick change of heart to be heroes in this planetary crusade.