Global warning means demise of Alaskan town.

After several years of unsuccessful attempts to protect structures from the advancing ocean, the small US town of Kivalina, Alaska is desperately seeking a new location. The ocean ice that, in colder times, protected the earth from erosion is melting and the US$2.5 million barrier wall that was meant to hold back the Chukchi Sea collapsed within a month of its completion. The homes of many of the town’s Alaskan Inupiat indigenous residents are thus facing imminent water encroachment. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, 183 other Native communities in Alaska are now in danger of catastrophic flooding and erosion.

We pray that the message of Kivalina will awaken humanity to the serious consequences of global warming and that all people switch to Earth-friendly practices such as the plant-based diet to ensure the survival of our planet.
http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/kivalina-alaska-a-melting-village-/article98947.html, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kivalina,_Alaska 

Primates are more threatened than expected.

 Dr. Russell Mittermeier, President of Conservation International and head of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, has reported that nearly half of all species of monkeys and apes are under threat of extinction due to activities such as deforestation and hunting for meat. This represents an alarming increase of almost 10 percent from a study performed just five years ago. Dr. Mittermeier stated, “We have solid data to show that the situation is far more severe than we imagined.” He went on to say that these 304 species of chimpanzees, orangutans, gibbons and lemurs may disappear unless sufficient action is taken to preserve their habitat and protect them.

We thank Dr. Mittermeier and colleagues for you careful observations and concern for our closest relatives and precious animal friends. May Heaven grant peace amongst humans and animals to preserve the unique contributions of all beings on our Earth.

http://www.enn.com/wildlife/spotlight/37847, http://www.primate-sg.org/ram.htm

Prince Charles illuminates the loss of marine wildlife due to plastic bags.

Addressing the 25th Anniversary Marine Conservation Society gathering in the United Kingdom, Prince Charles highlighted the perils of our disposable culture by saying that plastic bags and other litter dumped into the sea causes suffering and loss of life to animals. He explained that whales, turtles and seabirds are injured when ingested plastic blocks their digestive systems or when their wings, beaks and feet become entangled in litter. His Royal Highness stated, “Albatrosses, those magnificent and magical birds, are being found dead with their stomachs almost full to bursting with plastic litter of all kinds… We simply cannot continue to treat the oceans in this way. How can we talk about sustainability and stewardship when we are allowing this to happen?”

We send our respectful appreciation Your Royal Highness for your exemplary leadership and committed actions to uphold the sanctity of all marine life. Many thanks Marine Conservation Society and all others who are working to preserve our precious co-inhabitants. May everyone switch to non-plastic shopping bags today as simple and effective way to save treasured lives.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=&xml=/earth/2008/09/12/eacharles112.xml  

Cincinnati, Ohio the first US city to encourage less meat to stop global warming.

As part of its new Climate Action Plan, Cincinnati, a city with a metropolitan area population of 2.1 million, decided on meat production as an area of focus in curbing climate change.

Larry Falkin – Director, Cincinnati Office of Environmental Quality, Ohio, USA (M): With data from the United Nations, from the University of Chicago, indicating that animal agriculture was one of the significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, the people on our steering committee, the 20 influential representatives appointed by the Mayor, looked at the data that came in and said: “Yes, it’s a compelling case. It’s something that needs to be included in the city’s report.”  

VOICE: The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has stated that the meat industry produces 18% of total atmospheric gases, which is more than the 13% produced by all transportation sectors combined. Consistently, researchers at the University of Chicago found that adopting a plant-based diet would save more energy than switching to a hybrid Prius car. Cincinnati’s report makes it the first in the United States to recommend eating less meat for the greatest effect in reducing greenhouse gases.

Larry Falkin (M): We’ll be helping people to understand that if they are concerned about climate change, then reducing their meat consumption is one of the important things to do.

VOICE: Bravo Director Falkin and concerned leaders of Cincinnati for providing co-citizens with the information and choices they deserve to be able to do their part for the Earth, themselves and their families. May more and more cities likewise incorporate this wise strategy into their climate action plans for our planet’s maximum health.