World on track for 6 degree warming, says report

Consistent measures needed to curb global warming. The energy policy advisory group, International Energy Agency (IEA), released its “World Energy Outlook 2008” report, which warns that continued current climate change rates would result in a rise of six degrees Celsius from pre-Industrial Age temperatures by 2100.

The IEA is recommending major reductions in coal with a widespread switch to sustainable energy sources such as solar and wind. International Energy Agency, thank you for bringing this vital encouragement to our attention. Through our benevolent stewardship of the planet, may it continue to blossom with life and beauty.

Abandoned fishing nets hurting sea life in Australia.

Concerned residents, business and sea rangers in Queensland state’s Gulf of Carpentaria are urging the nation’s government to initiate education programs to halt the practice of abandoning fishing nets. Offshore fishing vessels from various nations are believed to be responsible for the large quantities of nets found in the regional waters, which harm aquatic life, including the endangered sea turtle.

A group in Queensland launched the Carpentaria Ghost Nets Program and have been voluntarily clearing the nets for over a decade, with one found recently that weighed over six tons. Many thanks, residents and members of Carpentaria Ghost Nets Program, for your dedication to the well-being of our ocean co-inhabitants. May fishing practices themselves soon cease, for the peace and security of all God’s marine creations. 
 

‘Solar City’ a success in Japan.

A government-subsidized installation of solar panels on rooftops in Ota City, 80 kilometers northwest of Tokyo, has provided the community with a reliable and steady supply of energy. Some 550 households in the Pal neighborhood have been supplied with free electricity for all their household appliances, along with the ability to sell any surplus to the local power company.

A US$246 million government allocation being sought for 2009 would enable approximately 100,000 additional homes to install subsidized solar panels. Our sincere accolades, Ota City and Japan, for your illuminating example of a solar city! We look forward to seeing many more such green communities around the world.
 
Himalayan glaciers may disappear by 2035.

Himalayan glaciers are disappearing. These giant regions of glacial ice, which border India and Tibet, are the largest on Earth aside from the polar ice caps. According to a recent study conducted by scientists at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, India, global warming is causing them to disappear more rapidly than anywhere else in the world.

The Gangotri glacier alone has retreated by about 850 meters, and India’s Department of Science and Technology notes that it continues to shrink at a rate of 17 meters each year. With seven of Asia’s major rivers being fed by the Himalayan glaciers, severe flooding as well as water shortages across South Asia would result from their continued melting.
 
Our appreciation, scientists of Jawaharlal Nehru University and throughout the world for your concerned monitoring of these natural treasures. We pray that everyone quickly adopts planet-cooling practices to restore the balance of our Earth’s biosphere.

 
Brown signs UAE clean energy deal
UK invests in foreign sustainable energy development. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Masdar, a leading sustainable energy company based in the United Arab Emirates’ capital city of Abu Dhabi, to cooperatively develop low-carbon energy technologies. This agreement follows Masdar’s October investment in London Array, an offshore wind farm project that is expected to be the largest in the world. Bravo, Your Excellency, United Kingdom and Masdar, for these collaborations in sustainable energy development. Best wishes for your endeavors to create greener solutions that expand our swift advancement towards clean, Earth-friendly technologies.