'SA's water could run out by 2025'

Policy changes urged in South Africa to avert water crisis. The World Wide Fund for Nature - South Africa recently sounded the warning that the nation, which is currently utilizing 98% of available water supplies, could face major shortages by the year 2025. The organization’s Chief Executive, Morne du Plessis, said that actions must be taken now at all government levels to avert the full impact of global climate change, especially since South Africa is currently ranked as the world’s seventh most carbon intensive economy. We are grateful, Chief Executive du Plessis, for your timely reminder of the need for immediate action to preserve our precious resources and save lives. We pray that we may all work together for the health and survival of present and future generations.
 
Students Clean Up Their Acts and Go Green

Cardiff University is cleaning up and going green. Thanks to the efforts of its Students’ Union, Cardiff University in Wales is about to become more environmentally friendly. The students’ ‘Go Green,’ campaign hopes to raise awareness about green living through the promotion of such green initiatives as fabric shopping bags, energy efficient light bulbs, organic cosmetics and fair trade products. Good work, Cardiff University Student Union! May your noble efforts be rewarded with successful adoption of eco-friendly initiatives campus-wide.

New Gilbert high school to be eco-friendly

Arizona to construct environmentally friendly high school. A new high school in Gilbert, Arizona USA will be built with eco-friendly technologies such as synthetic turf that saves on water and labor costs, as well as solar panels and a monitoring system to save on energy. Gilbert’s new high school, which is expected to accommodate 1,600 students, will also feature an eco-conscious curriculum with an emphasis on science, education and health care. Kudos Gilbert Public Schools for this laudable investment. May all our children enjoy a future of harmony with our beautiful Mother Earth.
 
Eco warriors at work

Canada could generate 100% of its energy from renewable sources with the proper government policies. Jose Etcheverry, is a professor of environmental studies at York University. He acknowledges regional governments’ efforts to encourage the use of renewable energy, but says that backup systems to store energy for use at night, or on cloudy or windless days, must be developed. We say thank you, Dr. Etcheverry and other researchers, for your concerned voice about providing Canada with 100% sustainable energy. We pray that all governments develop policies and technologies to achieve this goal.
 

Geothermal to help PG&E meet renewable goal

USA’s California- based utility company proposes plan for environmental action. On Thursday, Pacific Gas & Electric Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer Peter A. Darbee spoke at the UN Investor Summit on Climate Risk. He outlined ways for investors, corporations, and government agencies to improve environmental conditions. Mr. Darbee stated that we are already capable of making greater pro-environmental progress through proper use of existing technologies. Kudos, Mr. Darbee, on your very timely observations. May God bless our world with fast eco-friendly action by all global citizens.
 

Crist, lawmakers make clean energy a priority for session

US state of Florida doubles the budget to reverse climate change. Governor Charlie Crist and lawmakers have proposed making climate change a main concern in this year’s budget. Governor Crist wants to dedicate $200 million, twice last year’s allocation, toward encouraging alternative energy, and finding ways to mitigate the effects of global warming. Governor Crist and Florida legislators, we are grateful to hear about your initiatives to bring immediate benefits to the environment. We pray that other states will be similarly inspired by your eco-friendly legislation.
 

PG&E Corp. CEO Outlines Steps for Progress at United Nations Investor Summit on Climate Risk

US utility company meets goals for renewable energy. One of California’s top energy suppliers, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG & E), announced that it has met a goal of supplying 20% renewable energy by the year 2010. The latest addition is an increase in geothermal energy supplies. PG & E is the first of California’s investor-owned utility companies to meet the year 2010 quota, which the state is requiring for all such utilities. We applaud your success, PG & E, in making renewable sources a significant part of your energy supply. Keep up the great work, for the benefit of all beings on the planet.
 

Healthy environment is an international responsibility, archbishop tells UN

Vatican observer at the United Nations commends Bali roadmap. Archbishop Migliore, who leads the Vatican’s permanent observer delegation at the United Nations, addressed the general assembly on Wednesday. He assured the UN of the Vatican’s support of the climate resolutions made in Bali last December saying that with the roadmap, “we are better equipped to adopt strategies and policies which balance the needs of humanity with the urgency for a more responsible stewardship.” Our deep gratitude, Your Eminence Archbishop Migliore and the Vatican, for your support for action on climate change. May all countries be inspired to urgently work together to halt global warming.

Humans must reduce greenhouse gases: study

US scientists says it’s better to reduce emissions now. Damon Matthews of Concordia University and Ken Caldeira of the Carnegie Institution at Stanford University are behind a study showing that any level of CO2 emissions will keep the thermometer rising on our planet. Dr. Caldeira believes eliminating greenhouse gas emissions completely is technologically possible and said, “We can develop and deploy wind turbines, electric cars, and so on, and live well without damaging the environment. The future can be better than the present, but we have to take steps to start kicking the CO2 habit.” We salute you, Drs. Matthews and Caldeira, for your research informing us on the importance of minimizing our emissions now. May we humans act in ways that show our love and respect to the great home God has given us.
 

Track Climate Change at Home With Project BudBurst

Project BudBurst lets volunteers observe effects of climate change. Coordinated through the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), a consortium of 70 US universities, Project BudBurst invites volunteers to contribute data in order to track the visible effects of climate change on plant life. Observations such as when flowers bloom and when insects are ready to pollinate are entered into an online database that allows researchers and participants to monitor regional changes. Our thankfulness, Project BudBurst, UCAR and all participants, for this opportunity for individuals to provide input and receive direct information about the effects of global warming. We pray that this hands-on approach will better encourage everyone to do their part in curbing climate change.
 

Plan would waive charge if citizens recycle at curb. City trash fee may jump to $10 a month or drop to $0

In Toledo, USA , a city councilman proposes a fee for non-recyclers. Recently, Toledo’s City Councilman D. Michael Collins proposed that city residents who don’t recycle in their homes be charged a US$10 fee. The goal of the fee is to increase the number of households that recycle. Mr. Collins stated, “If 60 percent of the households recycle, that equates to 18,000 tons of solid waste a year.” Thank you, Councilman Collins, for your endeavors to make Toledo a greener city! May Heaven shower blessings upon such earth-friendly efforts.

More than 600 students from Dubai schools attended a lecture to learn ways to prepare and protect against climate changes on the National Environment Day.

National Environment Day in Dubai educates students about climate changes. “Climate is Changing… We must be prepared” was the slogan for the activities held on the National Environment Day in Dubai. On this occasion, over 600 students learned about safeguarding the environment and preparing for global warming changes. The keynote speaker was Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) engineer Mr. Abdul Aziz Ahmad Zakariya. Many thanks, Dubai, for taking steps address climate change by creating awareness in our youth. May Allah grace your nation’s people with the essential action needed to protect our life-giving planet.
 

Climate change research wins Burnie student national science award
 
Tasmanian student wins Australian national science award. Storm Holwill, a college student from Tasmania, Australia, has won a national award for climate change research. Ms. Holwill’s study evaluated the sequestration of carbon dioxide by marine micro-algae to control global warming and produce bio-fuel. Her findings will be presented at an International Science and Engineering Fair in the United States in May. A hearty congratulations, Miss Storm Holwill! We commend and thank you for your innovative research, which presents a new and viable option for reversing the effects of climate change. May God bless your future endeavors with tremendous success.
 

12 big firms sign declaration to fight global warming (Tokyo)

TIME TO ACT… Twelve global companies join hands to go green. An accord called The Tokyo Agreement was signed at a meeting co-sponsored by Sony Corporation and the World Wide Fund. The 12 corporations, including such international leaders as Sony, Nokia and Nike, called for the world’s carbon emissions to be reduced 50% by the year 2050. They pledged to broaden their own emission reduction activities, promote a low carbon lifestyle to consumers and to share proven success with others in the industry. We extend our sincere thanks to the twelve “green knights” at the roundtable for joining together to address climate change! May your gracious endeavors be endowed with worldwide success.

Industry must act against global warming: Pachauri

IPCC chairman calls on India’s industry to create solutions to global warming. Speaking via video conference to the Wake up India-themed young leaders’ summit in Chennai, Dr. R.K. Pachauri, Chairman of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), stated that India was already losing 10% of her national revenues due to pollution and related environmental concerns. He advocated a strong partnership between industry and the government to create products with low carbon density. Our warm thanks, Dr. Pachauri and Indian leaders, for your wake up call on global warming! May a collaboration between businesses and the government bring about great green changes for the good of our planet.
 
Chinese college students to participate in arctic exploration
 
Ten Chinese college students to go on Arctic exploration. The ten students were chosen out of 3,000 who originally applied for the two week expedition, which is co-sponsored by the International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2008 China Program and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway. The expedition is taking place at Hanghe Station, part of the Chinese Arctic. It is envisioned that the project will result in Chinese people becoming more concerned about global warming and protecting the environment. Many thanks China and Norway for your sponsorship of this valuable program. Best wishes ten lucky students on your eco-journey to experience and research the life in the Arctic. May Heaven bless the exploration with our ever-greater understanding of global warming to effectively preserve our planet.

Alba sets a green example

Hollywood star Jessica Alba greens her life. Mother-to-be and popular American actress Jessica Alba is making changes in her personal life for her child and the environment. She recently said, "I drive a Prius (an eco-friendly car), and I try to recycle as much as I can. I bought a house, and I'm doing all eco-friendly renovations. Most of my furniture is old, and I'm refurbishing it. I'm even taking stuffing from old couches and making my pillows out of that. Kids are going to do just about anything …so I want to make things as non-toxic as possible … I think it's important to be aware." We applaud your diligent example and voice of support for green living, Ms Jessica Alba. May Heaven keep you and your child healthy and happy.
 
Environment - ask a scientist

Scientists say restoring oyster population greatly improves water quality. Oysters’ unique filtering ability clarifies coastal waters, improving the habitat for aquatic life in the Chesapeake Bay of the US. In the past, the oyster population could filter the entire bay within a few days, but the current population of oysters, which is less than 1% of historic numbers, is unable to have any significant filtering effect. Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources, has been intensifying restoration efforts in the bay area to rebuild the oyster population. A big thank you, scientists, Maryland state and all involved for preserving aquatic life in the bay. May oysters flourish in God’s grace and continue to aid in balancing our fragile ecosystem.
 
Feds give $18M toward cleanup of Lake Simcoe

Canada continues to clean Lake Simcoe. Located north of the city of Toronto, Lake Simcoe provides drinking water to eight municipalities and is also a popular recreation area. An additional US$18 million has recently been approved for its preservation, which brings the total to approximately US$30 million. Canadian citizens and officials, we offer our accolades and appreciation for your efforts to protect beautiful Lake Simcoe and our Mother Earth.