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Antarctic shows more warning signs of climate change.

At the recent 2009 Annual Antarctic Conference in Auckland, New Zealand, Dr. Peter Barrett of the Antarctic Research Center at Victoria University said that Antarctic’s rate of ice loss had increased 75 percent since 1996. He went on to say that when Greenland and other glaciers are included in this evaluation, a rise in sea level of 80 centimeters to 2 meters by 2100 is expected. Marine life would also be adversely affected by the resulting warmer and more acidic oceans.

Another study conducted by fellow Antarctic Research Center colleague and Director, Dr. Tim Naish, found that if the West Antarctic ice sheet melts, sea levels could rise by a full five meters.

We appreciate this crucial information, Drs. Barrett, Naish and colleagues. May we quickly heed the urgent call for sustainable lifestyles to halt global warming and save our ecosphere.

Supreme Master Ching Hai has frequently expressed her concern about the dangerous rise in sea levels that is already affecting coastaland island countries. In an August 2008 videoconference with our Association members in New Zealand, she responded to a question about political leaders, conveying her confidence in governments to act on
behalf of fellow citizens.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: What encouragement can we give them to stand up and spread the message to the people to be vegetarian?

I think they will have to, in time. And I hope they do it soon, so that we still have
a chance to save millions, billions of people or the whole planet.  What is the useof having economy or political power when everybody is dead?

Even if the leader is still alive, whom would he or she rule if there’s no citizen left? I am worried about your country; it’s a small island surrounded by water. And if the water level
rise then…I don’t want to talk about it.

But I’m sure your leader will realize it sooner or later, that survival is number one. Political position, economic power is number ten, very low, low, low, low down there. First we have to survive.

References:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10582441
http://conferenceworks.co.nz/2009-annual-antarctic-conference/
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-07/02/content_11640463.htm
http://www.victoria.ac.nz/antarctic/people/tim-naish/index.aspx


US joins IRENA with new headquarters planned in United Arab Emirates.

As part of the current Obama administration’s climate change goals, the United States has
joined 134 other nations as a member of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated, “Our government's participation is an important element of the effort to support clean energy technologies and the development of
low carbon economies to address global climate change. As the president has made clear, he is committed to enacting a far-reaching new energy and climate plan.”

In addition, members of IRENA voted to establish their headquarters in the United Arab Emirates, with construction scheduled for completion in Masdar City by 2011. Chairman of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)Dr. Rajendra Pachauri spoke of the significance of the United Arab Emirates as a currently oil exporting country in hosting IRENA’s headquarters and supporting the adoption of sustainable energy practices.

International Renewable Energy Agency, United States, and United Arab Emirates, we are heartened to hear of these auspicious developments in your work together towards a greener world. Wishing you many more fruitful endeavors that ensure the welfare of our beautiful Earth and her inhabitants.

References: 
http://globalgoodnews.com/government-news-a.html?art=124630649842254909
http://globalgoodnews.com/government-news-a.html?art=1246360205237489
http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Environment/10327271.html


Increasing loss of coastal seagrass.

A study of the world’s seagrass shows that nearly a third of the underwater flower plants have disappeared in the past century, with losses that have been escalating since 1980. Normally found in shallow coastal waters, seagrass is vital to the survival of many marine species and also absorbs significant amounts of carbon dioxide.

Report co-author Dr. William Dennison of University of Maryland’s Center for Environmental Science in the USA said,“The combination of growing urban centers, artificially hardened shorelines and decliningnatural resources has pushed coastal ecosystems out of balance. Globally, we lose a seagrass meadow the size of a soccer field every thirty minutes.”

Dr. Dennison and University of Maryland colleagues, we appreciate your work in bringing this timely reminder of the balance of all life. Let us quickly join in efforts to preserve marine ecosystems for the restored health of the vital seagrass and our ecosphere.

References:
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSSYD467573
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seagrass
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gDOdtt0UZamxK9tyQsdullpUaltAD994J4EG0