US scientist assesses regional impact of climate change.
Professor Steve Running of the University of Montana, former member of the Nobel laureate UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), recently published results of a study assessing the impact of global warming to the Rocky Mountains in the western USA. His findings include a forecast that
climate change in the region was likely to significantly affect wildlife as well as ecosystems and the economy.

The report specifically warned of temperature increases having dramatic impact on forests in the coming decades, with a corresponding worsening of droughts that would incur epidemics of insect infestations and catastrophic wildfires throughout the states of Montana, Wyoming and Idaho.

Professor Running, we appreciate this informative report, despite its disturbing implications for the iconic Rocky Mountain range. Let us join in concerted care and act now to bring a sustainable future for our planet.

 In speaking of her concern about the consequences of global warming, Supreme Master Ching Hai has also offered a solution to alleviate its effects, as during an August 2008 videoconference with our Association members


http://www.newwest.net/topic/article/long_drought_ahead_from_global_warming_study_says/C41/L41/
http://www.missoulian.com/news/local/article_544db786-fb4e-11de-805b-001cc4c002e0.html
http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/tempunits.html

Extra News
City officials in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, are working with an international team of consultants to ensure that urban development is carried out with concern for the ecosystem and with public input regarding environmental impact.  
http://www.borneobulletin.com.bn/mon/jan25h13.htm

The World Glacier Monitoring Service reports that global glaciers continue to melt at historically unprecedented rates, with the most immediately vulnerable being ranges such as the Alps and Pyrenees in Europe, parts of the Andes and the Rockies in the Americas.  
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jan/25/world-glacier-monitoring-service-figures

The Ministry of Finance in Jakarta, Indonesia announces plans to set up a fund investing in sustainable energy projects and water management to help mitigate climate change effects.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aL.Wh63qi_iA&pos=7

Japan donates US$7.4 million to Morocco for the construction of the country’s first and the continent’s largest solar electric plant in the southern city of Assa-Zag.  
http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/home/japan_donates_7.4_mi/view