UK evaluates potential dangers of gas drilling from shale.
In an attempt to increase energy supplies, drilling has begun on the first project to extract natural gas from underground shale in the United Kingdom. However, environmental and health questions have arisen, prompting the House of Commons Select Committee to launch an inquiry into the safety of the process used to obtain the natural gas. Known as hydraulic fracturing, the extraction occurs after chemical fluids are pumped into wells to crack the shale and allow gas to flow up pipes for collection.

In the United States, where shale gas has been produced for several years, some findings suggest that the extraction coincides with increased methane and wastewater in drinking water supplies near drilling operations.

In states such as New York, drilling has been halted completely pending further investigation after the discovery of cases where people living near natural gas shale projects were actually able to ignite gas in the water running from their tap.

Philip Mitchell, a Green Party councilor living near the United Kingdom project underway in Blackpool, has begun compiling a petition asking for the exploration to be stopped until its safety to the health of humans and the environment is confirmed. Professor Kevin Anderson of the Tyndall Center for Climate Change is also raising concerns over a potential increase in greenhouse gases during the shale gas extraction process, stating, “Given that we need to get our emissions down very radically, the idea of trying to extract yet another fossil fuel, with more carbon emissions, is completely at odds with the scale of the challenge we need to deal with climate change.”

We appreciate your diligence, House of Commons Select Committee members, Councilor Mitchell, Professor Anderson, and other parties, in prioritizing of public and environmental health. Let us all step toward developing the most sustainable forms of energy for a verdant British Isles and protected world.

During a February 2008 international gathering, Supreme Master Ching Hai further reminded of the need to focus not on alternative energy, but on the more urgently needed adjustments to reverse the planet's foremost threat of climate change.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Politics/Shale-Gas-Extraction-MPs-Inquiry-Into-Controversial-Exploration-Of-Fossil-Fuel-Energy/Article/201102115925456?lpos=Politics_First_UK_News_Article_Teaser_Region_3&
lid=ARTICLE_15925456_Shale_Gas_Extraction%3A_MPs_
Inquiry_Into_Controversial_Exploration_Of_Fossil_Fuel_Energy,
http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2011/02/01/01greenwire-ioil-and-gas-group-urges-oscar-judges-to-steer-99256.html

Mexico's cities go green.
A number of environmental initiatives are enhancing Mexico City and other urban areas. In December 2010, President Felipe Calderón announced that all new dwellings financed through the country's largest home lender Infonavit must be equipped with eco-friendly technologies, with requirements that differ according to income levels.

Mexico's urban areas are also implementing green roof technologies at an unprecedented pace, with Mexico City becoming the first in Latin America to adopt standards for their installation as it features more than 20,000 square meters of naturalized roof space thus far. Other cities such as Monterrey, Guadalajara and Toluca are also bringing in green roofs.

Meanwhile, edible gardens are sprouting up on roadsides and roundabouts as well as above homes and other buildings, with Mexico City promoting 184 such projects that allow residents to participate in urban agriculture. In addition to the added food security, the gardens make cities more attractive, livable and sustainable.

Bravo, Your Excellency and Mexico for your commitment to beautiful green cities through these eco-friendly initiatives. May your fortunate inhabitants enjoy ever more sustainable lifestyles as well as many moments of tranquil communion with nature.
http://www.cnnexpansion.com/economia/2010/12/07/vivienda-verde-infonavit-cancun-expansio, http://www.ipes.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=362&Itemid=159, http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international-business/US-investors-eye-Mexico-mortgage-
debt-Infonavit-/articleshow/6839152.cms,
http://mexico.cnn.com/planetacnn/2010/10/09/las-azoteas-son-prueba-de-que-lo-verde-empieza-desde-arriba, http://business.blogs.cnn.com/2011/01/27/mexico-citys-urban-agriculture/

Extra News
To green the country and improve the air quality and citizens' health, the Afghan government initializes a program during February, designated as “Green Month,” to plant one million saplings and trees in areas where the trees will have adequate access to water in the Harirud River.
http://www.goodafghannews.com/2011/02/05/one-million-saplings-and-trees-to-be-planted-in-herat/

During his visit to China's Hebei Province affected by the severe drought, Chinese President Hu Jintao calls for all necessary efforts to combat the drought to ensure sufficient growth of the country's winter wheat crop. http://english.cntv.cn/20110203/102537.shtml,
http://www.theage.com.au/world/drought-alarm-in-china-20110204-1agxg.html

A report by the US Geological Survey indicates that one of the world's most water-abundant areas, the Great Lakes region in the Midwest, could see water shortages because of climate shifts.
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2011/02/07/wdr-great-lakes-water-shortages.html?ref=rss, http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/08/us-greatlakes-water-idUSTRE7164X520110208