Climate change can quickly alter ocean chemistry.
A study by several US researchers has found that 13 million years ago the world’s climate drastically dropped in temperature, modifying ocean circulation and seawater composition. Study co-author Elizabeth M. Griffith of the University of California, Santa Cruz, said that these findings were surprising not because of the effect but because of the rapid pace of change. The study thus cautions that the effects of global warming on coral and marine life could be much faster than currently anticipated due to the sensitivity of the ocean to atmospheric change.
Dr. Griffith and colleagues, we appreciate this important research that highlights the interrelatedness of all ecosystems. May our sustainable actions speed in mitigating global warming to protect the vital seas and their treasured life.
Supreme Master Ching Hai had stated to our Association members during an International Seminar in August 2008 the following about the importance of a balanced ecosystem for marine beings:
Supreme Master Ching Hai: So many whales and dolphins, they wash up ashore and die. There are so many dead zones in the ocean. It’s suffocating them, so they have to swim out of the water where it’s full of the poisonous gas that has been released! They cannot bear it, they cannot breathe. So they have to get out of it. For them, life is in the water, but if water is full of poison, of course they come out.
But when they come out, they die, too. Because they have no water. They stay in the ocean, they die; they came out, they die. There is no choice for them. This is the worst of all cruelty, that the people don’t take care of the environment. And let all beings keep dying like this. Just to be vegetarian, how difficult can it be? Even the dolphins have to swim out of the ocean; because they think like that they can survive, even risking their lives. So why not we can just can change to vegetarian diet?
Bye-bye birdy : Global warming suspected as reason for a declining blackbird population in Arkansas.
Migrating bird flocks in decline. Benton County in Arkansas, USA, has long been the winter destination for many millions of blackbirds and starlings. However, their numbers over the past decade have dropped drastically, which experts believe is the result of climate change. Audubon Arkansas Bird Conservation Director Dan Scheiman said, “Birds are more sensitive to changes in the environment. When they start to decline, that's a warning signal to us that we need to look into it and address the problem.” Director Scheiman and Audubon Arkansas, we appreciate your concern and call to action in facing climate change. Let us all take the simple but effective steps needed to preserve and restore the balance of biosphere.
The Philippines plans for more sustainable energy.
On Tuesday, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law the country’s Renewable Energy Act of 2008, with a stated goal of 60 percent energy independence by 2010. This new measure will encourage wider development of sustainable energy sources, which will not only clean the environment but are also expected to result in significant budgetary savings that can be put toward social development. A respectful green salute, Your Excellency and the Philippines, for this significant step that brings us closer to a cooler planet. We pray that everyone quickly adopts sustainable lifestyles for the health and survival of all beings on Earth.
Solar-propelled cargo ship unveiled in Japan.
The Auriga Leader is the world's first car freighter to employ a solar-based propulsion system. Developed by two divisions of Nippon company, the 200-meter-long freighter, which can transport up to 64,000 automobiles, is equipped with 328 solar panels that will initially support a small percentage of the ship’s movement, with expanded capabilities planned. What an impressive green development, Japan! Bravo and may the Auriga Leader be the start of an eco- trend in maritime transport.