Climate change coverage on the up in Brazil

Brazil media provides more coverage of climate change. According to a study by the News Agency for Children’s Rights, the press in Brazil is providing more information on climate change. A sample of 997 articles were evaluated from 2005 to 2007 showing that environment-related issues were a main concern. Our utmost appreciation, Brazilian media, for your responsible voice in bringing awareness about the true effects of climate change to your citizens. Blessed be your honorable endeavors to urge the public to action on protecting our Earth.
 

Govt gives Pacific $2m to fight climate change

Australia donates US$2 million to Pacific nations to aid in climate change projects. With the first allotment from a US$150 million fund, AusAID is helping South Pacific nations adapt to climate change. Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Solomon islands will begin climate-related programs with this assistance. Australia’s Parliamentary secretary for Development Assistance Bob McMullan says, “This has enabled a lot of good small village-based projects to start.” Thank you and God’s blessings Australia for your big hearted support of Pacific islanders. May Heaven’s grace bring protection and continued beauty to your nations.
 

Global warming threatens to devastate the Mediterranean

TClimate change and pollution endanger the Mediterranean. The renowned sea that borders three continents is now being jeopardized by pollution and climate change. Ricardo Aguilar, Mediterranean expert with the environmental group Oceana, said, “The excess of heat in the water is killing typical Mediterranean species. Millions of corals have died in the recent years.” We send our gratitude, Mr. Aguilar, Oceana and environmental groups around the world for raising awareness about the dire conditions of the Mediterranean Sea. We pray that divine wisdom will guide us all in preserving the beautiful jewel that has sustained both livelihoods and culture for thousands of years.
 

Province to reward people who switch to green electricity

Alberta, Canada offers incentives for going green. Albertans who generate their own environmentally-friendly electricity will be rewarded through credit and possibly cash. The Alberta energy spokesperson stated that this option would encourage more people to go green in their households in accordance with the new focus on climate change. Bravo Alberta for this creative plan to encourage your citizens in going green! Best wishes in your notable endeavors to help Mother Nature.
 

Altered sleeping patterns among hibernating animals linked to global warming

Global warming threatens hibernating species with extinction. Fluctuating temperatures are causing hibernating species--from marmots in North America, to tortoises in Britain, and bears in Spain—to wake up several weeks earlier than is normal. Early emergence from hibernation exposes many animals to the dangers of starvation, hypothermia, and predation. We thank you, scientists, for sharing the plight of our animal friends regarding global warming. We pray our world heeds your message of warning to bring immediate change to save precious lives.
 

Prince Charles's wish: to save rainforests

Prince Charles pledges to protect the world’s rainforests. Prince Charles revealed his plans to lead a campaign to unite the efforts of global leaders to stop deforestation, a major contributor to carbon emissions. He has lined up a series of events in the coming months in the hope of making significant progress by his 60th birthday this year on November 14. We deeply appreciate the boundless energy and leadership of Your Royal Highness to protect our precious rainforests. May your noble goals be met with the very best outcome for the sake of all earth’s inhabitants.
 

Acts must be local to change things global

Local and regional governments must take action to head off climate change. At the Bali climate change summit last December, US Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York said that states, regions and municipalities, not just national governments, must make a difference in climate change. Government at all levels must join hands with businesses and communities to accelerate carbon emission reduction. Thank you, Mayor Bloomberg for addressing this important concept at the international and local level. May all nations be encouraged to take action, and with Heaven’s grace climate change will be eased effectively.
 

What communities need to do to survive climate change

Communities take steps to address climate change. The ICLEI, or International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, is an association to help local governments prepare for climate change. The city of Keene, New Hampshire, USA is an ICLEI member that is facing predictions of heavier rains. The flood-prone city took a number of preventative measures. Some steps included using porous pavement to prevent water run-off, adapting the building code so buildings can handle more precipitation, providing loans to companies that may be harmed by a warmer climate, and helping local farmers increase food production in case of drought or flood. Good work, Keene residents and ICLEI for taking steps on the local level to prepare for a changing climate. May we also act wisely to protect our environment in order to reduce the effects of global warming.
 

Hibernating tortoises wake early

Global warming threatens hibernating species with extinction. Fluctuating temperatures are causing hibernating species--from marmots in North America, to tortoises in Britain, and bears in Spain—to wake up several weeks earlier than is normal. Early emergence from hibernation exposes many animals to the dangers of starvation, hypothermia, and predation. We thank you, scientists, for sharing the plight of our animal friends regarding global warming. We pray our world heeds your message of warning to bring immediate change to save precious lives.
 

World fells trees at ‘alarming’ rate, experts say

Deforestation playing a major role in climate change. More than 300 experts made a declaration at the December summit in Bali where they stated, “If we lose the forests, we lose the fight against climate change.” They are recommending a global plan to counteract the deforestation that has already claimed forestlands throughout the world. Thank you, concerned leaders of the planet, for your call to action in preserving our vital trees. May the life-sustaining lungs of our Earth be restored through immediate protective steps of global governments and citizens.
 

Solar power for SAARC villages

India to provide solar power for South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) villages. The program supplies solar power for 2,100 homes as well as solar powered street lighting in 350 selected villages of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives. Our gratitude and Buddha’s blessings, India! Best wishes to the solar energy villages for a bright and sustainable future.
 

Banks set emissions standards for coal lending 

 Major US investment banks set new green standards. Citigroup Inc, JP Morgan Chase, and Morgan Stanley have launched a set of environmental standards that will make it difficult for coal-fired power plants to receive financing. The aim is to encourage companies to focus on clean, renewable, and sustainable technologies. Many thanks, Citigroup, JP Morgan Chase, and Morgan Stanley, for your commitment to shifting towards environmentally-friendly energy. May God reward your leadership with many happy and green returns
 

NYC Green Car Service Launches Hybrid-Only Fleet

New York City luxury car service features hybrid-only fleet. The service, called “NYC Green Car,” will also donate ten percent of their after-tax profits to local non-profit groups that are dedicated to improving parks and green spaces of the city. New York City’s Taxi & Limousine Commission also recently approved a measure that would replace the current taxis with hybrid vehicles. This is wonderful news! May New York City’s inhabitants continue to benefit from green and clean developments such as these.
 

ICC Durban goes green

South Africa’s Convention Center goes green. The International Convention Centre (ICC) Durban of South Africa will now host future events as “green as possible.” ICC has been granted full membership to the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme, which requires the center’s activities to be environmentally friendly. Chief Executive Officer of the ICC, Miller Matola, said, “This is an exciting challenge for us.” We share your excitement and applaud your efforts, Mr. Matola and ICC! May the Providence grace your lovely nation with abundant green health and beauty.
 

Scotia launches climate change fund

Canadian investment firm launches green mutual fund. The new fund is offered by Scotia Securities Inc. and differs from previous eco-conscious investment options in that it will support only companies "adopting technical and environmental practices that mitigate and address the implications of climate change." For example, the fund will support companies working on clean fuel, clean transport, and carbon trading. We laud your visionary new investment plan, Scotia Securities. May your eco-investments be met with tremendous success.
 

getting a lift from hydrogen

Hydrogen fuel cell technology enters the work force. Hydrogen fuel cell-powered forklifts are gaining popularity in North America’s manufacturing and distribution sectors. Two Wal-Mart Distribution Centers have been conducting pilot programs since late 2006, implementing 12 fuel cell-powered pallet trucks. This April, Wal-Mart will purchase more fuel cells to power the pallet trucks at its food distribution center in Washington Court House, Ohio. We salute the scientists and engineers for bringing this green technology into the work place. May Heaven grant our planet with evermore clean and energy-efficient developments.
 

Global Warming Could Lead to Increase in Thunderstorms

Global warming may cause more thunderstorms. According to a Loyola Marymount University report released on Monday, one imminent effect of global warming is the dramatic increase in thunderstorms. According to some advanced climate research models, places including major cities in the US could expect to experience double the number of severe storms by the end of the century. We are grateful for these studies that show us how climate change can affect weather patterns and our daily lives. May the world unite to reverse the critical effects of climate change.

After Delay on Listing Status, Polar Bear Survival Remains Precarious as Oil and Gas Lease Sale Looms

US moves to protect polar bears. On Sunday, the Interior Department discussed naming the polar bear as the first animal to be in danger of extinction due to global warming. Conservationists hope that this would encourage the United States to boost climate change efforts. We appreciate this timely reminder, US Interior Department, of the critical situation of our planet. May we move quickly to protect and save all the endangered animals, our co-inhabitants.
 

Bush Wants to Beef Up Earth Monitoring

President Bush boosts budget on Earth Monitoring. US President George W. Bush has proposed a budget increase of over US$1 billion for the next five years to better track global climate changes. The new budget will assist in launching six new Earth-observing satellites to observe changes in ice, water, soil and air. Kudos and God bless President Bush for allocating funds to further advance our Earth observing technologies. May our environmental actions be effective in preserving our planet as a beautiful sphere when viewed from outer space.

Samsø says 'yes please!' to more wind turbines in its back yard

The Danish island of Samsø has success with renewable energy. Due to the island’s ability to meet its total energy requirements through wind, biomass and solar power, people from around the world have come to witness how it achieved this success. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that “the island’s economy has been recharged.” Heartiest congratulations, Samsø, and best wishes for continued success in your sustainability innovations. May we all soon be able to power our lives through renewable sources!
 

Swedish truckmakers lead switch to green transport

Swedish automakers set standard for green manufacturing. Sweden has been focusing on environmental protection for decades. Forty percent of Sweden’s energy is already powered by renewable sources. Volvo and Scania are leading manufacturers focusing on climate-conscious production with eco-friendly plants. Volvo built the world’s first zero CO2 emission plant in Belgium, and Scania has reduced its production emissions by half over the past two decades. What uplifting news! Our heartfelt thanks Sweden for your ever present support of environmentally conscious research and development. May Heaven’s grace bring much success to your green endeavors.
 

Calls for climate change minister

UK recommends minister for climate change goals. The United Kingdom’s Treasury Committee has recommended a minister to head the newly created Office of Climate Change. The Office of Climate Change was set up to encourage coordinated policy decisions in addressing global warming. We offer our congratulations, Treasury Committee and United Kingdom, for your thorough and complete commitment to addressing global warming by forming the Office of Climate Change. With God’s grace and the necessary actions, we will surely see the positive results of preserving our precious planet
 

Want to protect environment? Take a hike

Environmental scientists make case for more contact with nature. Oliver Pergams of the University of Illinois at Chicago and Patricia Zaradic of Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania are environmental scientists who have found that almost every form of outdoor recreation has greatly decreased in the US in the last 20 years. The researchers say the reason may be that people now prefer virtual experiences over real ones and suggest that this could have dire consequences for the future. As Dr. Zaradic stated, “There's a whole set of research that shows people care more about conservation issues when they are exposed to nature.” Drs. Pergams and Zaradic, we greatly appreciate your reminder for us to enjoy nature and value our ecological diversity. We’ll be sure to take your advice to heart.
 

Ford grants help Emirati youth speak up for the environment

Ford Motor Company donates grant to Emirates Environmental Group (EEG). The EEG is a three-time recipient of the Ford Motor Company’s Conservation and Environment Grants, which are a central part of the American corporation’s environmental protection policy. The EEG will use the money to educate children on environmental issues and instill in them a sense of responsibility for the ecological system in which they live. Ford Motor Company and EEG, we congratulate and thank you for your partnership in fostering better stewardship for our precious environment. God bless you Ford Motor Company for your generosity. May Heaven bestow your work to save our vital eco-systems with the greatest of success.
 

Global meltdown: scientists isolate areas most at risk of climate change

Scientists identify climate tipping points. A paper recently published by the United Kingdom’s National Academy of Sciences identifies the regions of the planet most critically threatened by climate destabilization. The most imminent disaster is the melting of the Arctic sea ice, which would lead to dramatically increased temperatures in the northern hemisphere. Other looming dangers leading to a radically altered environment are the Amazon rainforest dying and the end of the Indian monsoon season, both of which would have disastrous consequences. We offer our sincerest thanks, scientists and researchers, for helping us understand the immediate need to protect our environment and its equilibrium. May the joint efforts of the world’s citizens bring about the proper preservation of our Mother Earth for our survival.