Climate Change Phenomena Become Common

United Nations advises preparedness for climate change effects. According to the United Nations, the recent severe snowstorms in China, which were the worst in 50 years, occurred due to climate change. The UN is recommending better preparedness for all countries. We offer our thankfulness, United Nations, for this essential message to the world. May the people of all nations be protected under God’s care as we find effective ways to stabilize our beloved planet.

Catholic bishop blasts Brazil on Amazon destruction

Roman Catholic Bishop calls for rainforest preservation in Brazil. A senior Roman Catholic bishop encouraged the Brazilian government to implement policies that would reduce Amazon deforestation, which saw a 25% increase between August and December of 2007. Bishop Guiherme Antonio Werlang stated, “We cannot ignore deforestation by loggers who violate the country’s laws and threaten tribal Indians and others who depend on the Amazon rainforest.” With respect, Your Eminence, we thank you for your call to protective action for the Amazon rainforests. We have faith in God that with united efforts we can preserve the beautiful lungs of our Earth
 

Winds of change worth $135m

South Australia to build multimillion dollar wind farm. Clements Gap, Australia, will be the site of a new US$135 million wind farm, capable of powering 25,000 homes. The wind farm, to be completed in two years, is the first to be built since the Australian government increased its renewable energy goals. Bravo, Australia, for your commitment to green energy. May Heaven smile upon all your eco-friendly works.

EU energy firms dropping projects over CO2

European emissions permits discourage polluting industries. European energy companies have cancelled several projects worth billions of Euros because of strict, new anti-pollution laws. The new regulations, enforced by the European Commission, demand that polluting industries buy CO2 emission permits at auction beginning in 2013. We express our gratitude, European Commission, for your progressive environmental policy. May Heaven bless our world to prosper with evermore sustainable development.

Muncie city workers to get recycled clothing

Recycled clothing is the fashion for US city workers. In Indiana, USA the city of Muncie’s Sanitary District received a grant from the state to purchase uniforms made from 100% recycled materials. Lina Gordy, the district’s grant specialist, said that the initiative was part of their effort to “go green.” She added that the fleece jackets, made from recycled soda bottles, “are some of the warmest I’ve ever worn.” Hats off Muncie Sanitary District and all personnel! What an environmentally chic idea! Heaven shines on your creativity in treading lighter on the planet.
 

Climbing new peaks: World’s highest solar plant equipped with modules from Kyocera

World’s highest solar power plant goes online in Swiss Alps. The Swiss electric company, BKW and the Japanese solar panel maker, Kyocera, are collaborating on a solar power plant 3,500 meters above sea level in the Swiss Alps. During a recent trial run, the photovoltaic plant yielded about 70% more energy than plants in the Mittelland region, demonstrating several advantages of collecting solar energy in high altitudes. Hearty congratulations, Kyocera and BKW, on your collaboration to achieve more efficient green energy production. Mother Earth is grateful for your efforts to harvest the clean, renewable energy of the sun for the benefit of all.
 

UNESCO adds Russian, Mexican sites to global network of biosphere reserves

More biosphere reserves named by UNESCO. In an effort to protect biodiversity and encourage sustainable development, UNESCO has added two more sites as biosphere reserves this past week. The Rostovsky Biosphere Reserve in the southeast Rostov area of Russia and the Islas Marietas Biosphere Reserve of two small islands near Mexico’s western coast, will now receive the help of the local communities in preserving their biodiversity. Many thanks UNESCO and local communities for protecting the ecological balance of our magnificent planet. May these reserves flourish and thrive in God’s grace.
 

Food-based biofuels can spur climate change

Scientists urge US government to create biofuel policy. Scientists from US universities have signed a letter to President Bush and other leaders in Washington DC calling for biofuel policies to ensure the preservation of the environment. The letter cited a study co-authored by Jason Hill of the University of Minnesota which shows that biofuels, are not necessarily environmentally-friendly. They often come with a heavy “carbon debt,” as is the case when the Amazon forest is cut to plant soybeans. We appreciate your research and concern, all scientists. May your diligent efforts help shape policies to protect our beloved Earth.
 

Scooter-maker Piaggio to begin electric car sales in Israel in one month

Piaggio’s electric car will soon be available in Israel. Next month, the Italian scooter maker, Piaggio, will begin selling its electric van in Israel. The Figaro Porter will become the first vehicle to enjoy tax reductions offered by Israel’s green taxation commission. The van can be recharged at home and is able to run for 250 kilometers on a full battery. Great news, Israel! We applaud your progressive tax incentives in promoting green transport. May Heaven bless your environmentally friendly efforts with brilliant success.

Scientists make unique knee-brace power generator

New device generates energy from walking. Scientists in Canada and the United States have created a device which straps to the knee and uses the energy created by natural body movements to charge batteries. Able to generate enough power for 10 cell phones, the device can also power small computers, GPS locators, and satellite phones. Kudos and thank you scientists for this innovative design! Now we can truly generate our own electricity!

'Green' Caribbean tour for royals

Prince Charles to embark on a ‘Green’ Caribbean tour. Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall will make an ecologically friendly journey in March. Their yacht, a mode of transportation that is less expensive and safer for the environment than flying, will save around 40% in carbon emissions. They also plan to fly to the Caribbean in a scheduled service, to further reduce emissions. Their time in the Caribbean will also be spent in friendly visits with some of the island nations. God bless you, Prince Charles and Duchess of Cornwall, for your conscientiousness and good examples of protecting our environment. May you both have a blessed and safe, green journey to the Caribbean! Bon voyage!
 

Corporate cafeterias go the green, healthy route

Colleges and companies across the US adopt green options. Schools such as San Diego States University and companies like Cisco Systems and Dow Chemical are offering more healthy food options, as well as partaking in environmentally friendly initiatives. Food packaging at San Diego State is made from biodegradable renewable sources, and last year 50 tons of food waste was transformed into compost for landscaping. US schools and businesses, we laud you for taking the necessary steps to ensure better health for people and the planet alike. May your green endeavors continue to grow and flourish!

Green Living Workshops start next week

Major US city sponsors Green Living workshops. The city of Santa Monica, California is now offering Green Living Workshops, available to anyone in the greater Los Angeles area. These 6-week programs offer a different sustainable living topic each week and use a “Life Style Survey” to track people’s progress. Our great appreciation and Heaven’s blessings, Santa Monica, for bringing green living to the community level. We wish your workshops great success and that they may become a model for many other cities!
 

Global Warming Teach-in At Alley Pond

Global warming teach-in across the US. As part of a nationwide event organized by Focus the Nation, about 1,500 colleges, schools, and community organizations in the US participated in global warming workshops to learn about climate change and engage in solutions. Focus the Nation spokesman Alex Tinker said, “Politicians need to know this is the issue of our times, and citizens are demanding action. This should be part of the regular curriculum.” Our heartfelt thanks, Focus the Nation and all organizations taking an active part in becoming the solution to global warming. Your educational endeavors will surely bring a positive and collective change for the future of our planet.

Biz Buzz: Fighting global warming, one toy car at a time

New toy car runs on clean renewable energy. Last week, Corgi International company based in Germany unveiled a radio-controlled toy car called H2GO that runs on a hydrogen fuel cell, that simply needs water and sunlight to work. According to its designer Professor Luigi Colani, “Discovering fuel cell technology and being able to fill the car’s refueling station just with water is an important part of the play experience.” That is one remarkable car! Thank you toymaker Corgi International for creatively sharing knowledge of alternative energy sources with children. 
 

We need both development and the environment

Norway’s Prime Minister speaks on climate change at India summit. Norwegian Premier Jens Stoltenberg said that development and environmental protection must go hand in hand. Speaking at the Sustainable Development Summit in New Delhi, India, Norwegian Premier Jens Stoltenberg said, “It is easy to be paralysed by the overwhelming global threats to our way of life. But we must not lose faith in the human capacity for change and our ability for common action.” Thank you, Your Excellency, for your wise words. We pray that the leaders of the world take them to heart to improve our quality of life while preserving our planet.
 

Hottest year on record for Shanghai in 2007

China’s hottest year in 2007. The Chinese meteorological bureau recently reported that 2007 was the hottest year in China since national weather record-keeping began in 1873. In Shanghai, the average daily temperature rose to 17.8 C. And the number of days when the city’s temperature topped 35 C increased from 10 to 30. Chinese meteorologists believe that the warming trend is linked to global climate destabilization. Many thanks China, for providing this timely information. May the Providence guide China in taking swift and effective action to curb global warming.