Rising sea levels set alarm bells ringing

Canadians in southwest British Columbia prepare for higher sea levels. A new report by the Canadian federal government says that a one meter rise in sea level could severely affect the lives of some 220,000 people living in coastal areas of Greater Vancouver. Sea levels have been increasing at 4 to 5 millimeters a year. The report also states that if the areas’ levees are not raised, “4,600 hectares of farmland and 15,000 hectares of residential areas in B.C. would be inundated.” Lois Jackson, the mayor of Delta, British Columbia (B.C.), said: “The rise is factual now. It's not just theory.” We pray for the safety of the people of British Columbia. May Heaven grace us with the wisdom and courage to act quickly and decisively to preserve our glorious planet.

Stora Enso says to cut CO2 emissions by 20 %

Paper giant Stora Enso to further reduce CO2 emissions. Stora Enso, the Finnish-Swedish leader in paper and board manufacturing, says it will reduce C02 emissions from 2006 levels by 20% before the year 2020. The emission reductions will include those generated from direct manufacturing as well as indirect emissions coming from the company’s purchase of electricity and heat. The goals will be met through practices of energy efficiency, the use of biomass and low-carbon fossil fuels. Good work, Stora Enso! May God bless your green efforts with swift and widespread success. 
 

Nation told it must aim to be carbon neutral

UN climatologist advises more ambitious emission reduction goals. Dr. Bill Hare, one of the authors of the latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, recently met with Australia’s top climate change adviser, Dr. Ross Garnaut and Environment Minister Peter Garrett to discuss Australia’s climate change action plan. Dr. Hare advised Australia and other industrialized nations to set the goal of reducing emissions 25- 40% below 1990 levels by the year 2020, and to plan for 100% carbon neutrality by mid-century. Bravo, Dr. Hare, Dr. Garnaut and Minister Garrett for your collaborative efforts in further greening Australia. May all nations make significant commitments to reducing carbon emissions as a very necessary step to preserving life on our planet.
 
Can We Save the Baltic Sea?

Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) nations work together to save the Baltic Sea. Last November environment ministers from the HELCOM nations adopted the Baltic Sea Action Plan, which intends to restore ecological balance to the sea by the year 2021. Under the plan, the nine Baltic states and the European Union will seek to minimize the growth of algal blooms caused by chemical runoff and protect the biodiversity of the marine environment. During the Baltic Sea Day meeting that took place on Wednesday and Thursday, 500 participants convened in St. Petersburg, Russia seeking to implement the environmental plans set out by HELCOM. We commend you, HELCOM nations, for this praiseworthy goal. May Heaven grant you Godspeed in saving the vital Baltic Sea for present and future generations.

'Green' kids tackle drought

Teens in Georgia, USA get serious about water conservation. Students at the Weber School just north of Atlanta are organizing a conservation campaign in response to a historic drought that is drying up nearby Lake Lanier and the Chattahoochee River. They are sponsoring river clean-ups, lobbying their state legislators, and have created their own non-profit organization called the Student Ecology Movement. Great job, eco-youths! We praise and thank you for your efforts to protect our incomparably precious natural environment. May young people the world over take inspiration from your ennobling examples.
 
Barroso calls on trade unions, businesses to help on climate change, energy use
 
European Commission President calls for broader climate change involvement. Speaking in Brussels, Belgium at the Tripartite Social Summit for Growth and Employment on Thursday, President Jose Manuel Barroso of the European Commission asked labor unions and private businesses to actively address the problem of global warming. He said, “We are aiming for a modern, efficient Europe, a Europe that is able to rise to the challenges of globalization… and [is] environmentally sustainable.” Many thanks, President Barroso for encouraging more widespread involvement to address global warming. With wise leadership and cooperation among all sectors of society, we can surely preserve our precious bio-sphere.
 
Blair to lead campaign on climate change

Former British prime minister leads new emissions agreement. On Friday, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair began a tour to visit China, India and Japan, where he is gathering the support of lawmakers and business leaders on a new pact to succeed the Kyoto Protocol. The new accord would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2050. Mr. Blair, who is traveling as an unpaid representative of the global non-profit The Climate Group, emphasized that with global participation, a climate pact offers everyone great opportunities for green development. We respectfully salute you, Mr. Blair, for your diligent efforts to call for international action to immediately curb climate change. We pray for the global community’s concerted efforts to succeed in preserving our planetary abode.