Climate change threatens Florida's drinking water supply

Florida, USA’s drinking water supply threatened by global warming. In evaluating the effect of climate change on this southern state, researchers such as Dr. Mark Stewart of the University of South Florida are affirming the likelihood that as salt water comes further inland from rising sea levels, it will also infiltrate underground aquifers, thus rendering vital water supplies undrinkable. The state is already witnessing fish from the ocean swimming farther into freshwater streams along with salt water mangroves taking root in freshwater marshes. Our gratefulness for this timely report, Dr. Stewart and associates. Blessed be our world in acting with care to preserve these precious resources for the continued benefit of all beings on Earth.

Green spaces narrow health gap between rich and poor

Greener environments contribute to health as much as income. Dr. Richard Mitchell of the University of Glasgow in Scotland led a recent study of mortality based on income level and residence location in England. His results showed that although a higher income was generally associated with longer lifespan, this effect was greatly offset by the availability of green spaces like parks and fields. Thus, in areas where green spaces were plentiful, people of all incomes lived for approximately the same length of time. Dr. Mitchell and colleagues, thank you for your work that shows the important role of the environment in our lives. Let us all strive to green our world for the health and vitality of our communities. 
 
Wonders of ocean life counted in massive census

New discoveries of marine life in census. A fourth update to a currently ongoing census of sea life has been released, with new discoveries of ocean wonders and sea communities noted. The two-year project is a collaborative effort of 2000 scientists from 82 nations. Scientists have already found that the ancestors of many deep ocean octopuses originally came from the Antarctic.

Other discoveries include a huge city of brittle sea stars found off New Zealand’s coast and an area of 12,000 crustaceans per square yard, on the floor of the Gulf of Mexico. We express our appreciation, scientists and researchers who are bringing this valuable knowledge of our marine co-inhabitants to light. Best wishes for the success of this project in helping us to gain more appreciation and respect for the wonders of life around us.

Baked bat banned from menu!

Formerly endangered bat now recovering. The Pemba Island fruit bat or flying fox, a bat that lives on fruits and flowers and is only found on Pemba Island off the coast of Tanzania, had nearly become extinct. However, thanks to the initiatives of the United Kingdom-based organization Fauna & Flora International, this bat has been restored to at least 22,000 in number.

The organization’s preservation efforts included raising local people’s awareness about the need to halt a customary practice of consuming bat meat as well as setting aside new forest land for the Pemba flying fox habitat. Fauna & Flora International and the people of Pemba, we laud your work together in saving the unique Pemba Island bat. Heaven surely rewards such collaborations as yours, whose compassion is helping restore the harmonious balance of our ecosystems.

American evangelical takes climate change crusade to Canberra

Christian leader urges care for God’s creation. Reverend Richard Cizik of the US-based National Association of Evangelicals visited Australia to encourage action on global warming, affirming its human causes and saying that humanity has a moral responsibility to help the poor who are at greatest risk.

As part of his visit, Reverend Cizik is meeting with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd as well as the Liberal Party’s environment spokesman Greg Hunt. In Australia, the National Council of Churches is also working to develop an agreement among churches on climate change. Our green hats off and God bless Reverend Cizik and all those participating in such noble leadership at this crucial time on our planet. We pray your message resonates and motivates for the green actions of many.