Rivers releasing potent greenhouse gas.
A new US study reveals that global waterways are releasing three times previously estimated levels of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas that has 300 times the warming potential of carbon dioxide. Nitrous oxide is also the leading cause of ozone layer destruction.

After evaluating 72 rivers across the United States, lead author Dr. Jake Beaulieu of the University of Notre Dame stated that at least 10% of global nitrous oxide is being released from rivers and streams. Analysis by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revealed that runoff from animal agriculture manure as well as chemical fertilizers are primary sources of nitrogen.

The nitrogen then makes its way into river systems, where microbes convert it into nitrous oxide. Dr. Beaulieu stated, “Changes in agricultural and land-use practices that result in less nitrogen being delivered to streams would reduce nitrous oxide emissions from river networks.”

Dr. Beaulieu and associates at University of Notre Dame, many thanks for your insightful research. Let us all make the most planet-cooling choices to support the balance of our Earth.

Speaking during an interview published in the December 16, 2009 edition of The Irish Dog Journal, Supreme Master Ching Hai emphasized the need to protect both our waterways and the climate by halting the highly-polluting animal agriculture industry.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20101221/sc_livescience/globalriversreleasehugeamountsofpotentgreenhousegas, http://planetsave.com/2010/12/21/waterways-increasing-nitrous-oxide-in-atmosphere/
http://www.livescience.com/environment/rivers-release-potent-greenhouse-gases-101221.html

Extra News
Professor Krzysztof Skora of the University of Gdansk in Poland reports that 20 years of conservation efforts have aided in the return of grey seals to the country's Baltic Sea coast, with populations growing from 4,500 to some 20,000 today.
http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=53967,
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/12/seals-returning-to-baltic-coast-after-50-year-hiatus.php

China is investing US$30 billion in 2011 for irrigation and water- conservation projects, to ensure grain production for the nation and safe drinking water for rural populations.
http://www.france24.com/en/20101225-china-invest-30-bn-dlrs-water-saving-projects
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6BO02P20101225

Saying that some 250 billion microscopic pieces of plastic waste are suspended in waters off the coasts of France, northern Italy and Spain, European scientists call for more stringent laws to prevent further harm to marine life.
http://www.france24.com/en/20101230-250-billion-plastic-fragments-mediterranean , http://www.ecoworld.com/waters/aquatic/250000-microscopic-plastic-fragments-pose-danger-in-
mediterranean.html