Marine life suffers from human-made sounds.
A recent study by Dr. Arthur Popper from the University of Maryland, USA, found that human-generated sounds are affecting underwater life across the globe. The effects range from slight disturbance of the marine animals to immediate fatality in certain species. Human activities such as ship traffic, oil drilling and even military sonar exercises are altering the animals’ abilities to accurately perceive their surroundings, which in turn is changing patterns of behavior, migration, reproduction and even species survival.

Dr. Popper, University of Maryland and colleagues, our gratitude for your study, which clearly shows the silent plight of the magnificent marine animals. We pray that human activities at sea are conducted with more consideration for the rightful inhabitants of the ocean waters.

As a deeply caring defender of the animals, Supreme Master Ching Hai has always urged for the protection of our vulnerable co-inhabitants. This is reflected in her remarks about marine life during a videoconference for the “Heart-Touch Tour” art exhibition in Formosa (Taiwan) of the wildlife photography of Supreme Master Ching Hai.

Australia: $20 Million for Climate Change in the Pacific 
Australia to help Pacific Island nations research regional climate change effects. Australia is launching a US$14 million Pacific Climate Change Science Program to help nearby countries monitor and address the consequences of climate change such as rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and rising temperatures. Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, said, “The vulnerability of countries in our neighborhood highlights the need for a comprehensive and effective global agreement on climate change.”

Your Excellency and Australia, Heaven bless your neighborly help in addressing this urgent global matter. May our compassionate care for each other and the environment help to ensure the cooling and stability of our planet.

EPA says global warming a public danger 
US EPA recommends classification of greenhouse gases as public health threats. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sent what is being considered by many as a landmark finding to the nation’s White House, detailing the damage caused by greenhouse gas emissions to public health and proposing they be regulated as pollutants under the Clean Air Act. Health impacts of the emissions include longer and more oppressive heat waves, heavier smog in certain areas, severe flooding from more powerful storms, and disease threats such as malaria and dengue fever from hotter temperatures and flooding. This finding is expected to catalyze further discussion and possibly legislative decisions to limit greenhouse gas emissions.

Our green hats off, US Environmental Protection Agency, for your efforts to raise eco-awareness and safeguard public health. We look forward to seeing measures that limit harmful greenhouse gas emissions, for the benefit of all life on Earth.