2008FEB14 - Noteworthy News - Time To Act

15. TIME TO ACT…Land for biofuel crops damages the environment. A joint report from the Natural Conservancy and the University of Minnesota in the US concludes that converting forest, peat and grass land to produce biofuel causes a carbon debt which may take hundreds of years to repay. They estimate that the conversion of rainforest land into oil crops produces carbon debts ranging from 17 to over 400 years.

We are highly appreciative of your report, scientists, in helping us understand the need to carefully research fossil fuel alternatives. May the Providence guide us to find energy sources that are truly good for the planet and all her inhabitants.

16. TIME TO ACT… Recyclable cardboard to replace wire hangers at the dry cleaners. United States company Hanger Network has created clothing hangers from 100% recycled cardboard to replace the wire hangers currently used at dry cleaners. Printed with creative and fun advertisements, these Ecohangers are paid for by sponsors instead of the dry cleaners having to purchase them. The company’s goal is to replace the 3.5 billion wire hangers that are currently thrown away in US landfills each year.

You have our deep admiration, Hanger Network! Heaven surely smiles on such an innovative way to go green. We look forward to seeing Ecohangers everywhere soon!

17. TIME TO ACT…Reduced rainfall in Costa Rica endangers power supply. Currently, Costa Rica produces more than 80% of its electricity from hydroelectric plants, which are emissions-free. In the dry season of 2007, rainfall levels fell, disrupting the flow of electricity from hydroelectric plants in the country. The reduced rainfall has been attributed to global warming. If this trend continues, Costa Rica may consider new energy sources, such as generating power from volcanic heat or wind.

Costa Rica, our heartfelt best wishes in overcoming the problems caused by global warming. We pray that all countries will follow Costa Rica’s example in protecting the planet so that together we may enjoy the Earth’s abundant natural resources and beauty.

18. TIME TO ACT…New Colorado invention removes pollutants from coal-burning plants. US scientist Dr. David Neumann is collaborating with the Colorado Springs Utilities company to test a new treatment that is expected reduce up to 90% of pollutants generated from coal-fired electric plants. The cost of this new technology is only a fraction of what is needed for other processes under development. Dr. Neumann says that his method should be able to reduce carbon emissions along with pollutants.

Bravo, Dr. Neumann and Colorado Springs Utilities! We greatly appreciate your dedication to scientific inventions that benefit the world and wish your new development every success.

19. TIME TO ACT…France's National Center for Scientific Research predicts possible extinction of the king penguin. The researchers found that a 0.25 degrees Celsius rise in temperatures decreased an adult bird’s survival chances by 9%. According to the predictions of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, an increase of 0.4 degrees Celsius is expected over the coming two decades due to global warming. Thus, it is believed that the king penguin’s survival is truly in jeopardy.

A big thank you, National Center for Scientific Research, for alerting us to the immediate actions that must be taken to keep our gracious penguins safe. May we work together so that all God’s creations continue to survive and grace this planet.

20. TIME TO ACT…Plant fossils give clues on future of global warming. According to US findings, 55 million years ago the Earth got warmer by 5 degrees Celsius (9 degrees Fahrenheit) causing insects from the tropical regions to spread to other regions where they could now survive. Some scientists already believe a similar phenomenon is happening now, with a dramatic rise in damage to leaves in temperate regions. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is forecasting a rise in temperature up to 4 degrees Celsius (7.2 degrees Fahrenheit) by the year 2100.

We thank US scientists for demonstrating to us the complexity of the effects of global warming. May we all make the efforts required to mitigate those effects and save precious lives.

21. TIME TO ACT…European Parliament sends climate change team to Bangladesh. Ten members of the European Parliament visited Sirajganj, in central Bangladesh to review climate change adaptation projects. Parliament Member Romana Jordan Cizelj reflected on the visit saying, “It is clear that Bangladesh needs urgent action…to adapt to the effects of unavoidable climate change.”

Many thanks, members of the European Parliament, for your participation in this mission to Bangladesh. We pray your visit will promote further understanding of climate change and cooperative efforts among countries to find solutions.

22. TIME TO ACT…Michigan gets inspiration from Sweden on ethanol. Officials in the US state of Michigan see Sweden as a model for the transformational role that ethanol has played there. Sweden is committed to the production of ethanol. In general, Sweden’s renewable energy sector has created 2000 business and 400,000 jobs. Michigan hopes to emulate such success. Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm visited Sweden last year and is planning a meeting of Swedish and Michigan energy leaders later this year.

Kudos, Michigan and Sweden, on sharing your collaborative efforts to advance the use of alternative energies. May God bless your endeavors with great success for the health of the planet and economy.

23. TIME TO ACT…Notable voices join the call to address climate change. At a press briefing for a UN meeting on climate change, American actress Daryl Hannah and Sir Richard Branson, founder and chairman of the Virgin Group, urged global action on the matter. Ms. Hannah, a vegetarian, highlighted the importance of our individual daily behaviors and choices in responding to climate change. Sir Branson, whose company is offering a US$25 million prize for the best technology to remove environmental carbon, also proposed an independent gathering of scientists, economists and others to catalyze worldwide action in addressing global warming.

With appreciation, Ms. Daryl Hannah and Sir Richard Branson, we say thank you for your diligent efforts toward our planet's sustainable future. We wish that all nations will take green steps forward so that our Earth continues in beauty and health for many millennia to come.

24. TIME TO ACT…Study finds deforestation puts marginalized populations at a greater risk of infection. A University of Michigan investigation in the US evaluated the patterns of infection in Costa Rica, and found a connection between socio-economic status, deforestation and El Niño weather patterns. Researcher Dr. Luis Fernando Chaves stated, "Contrary to what was previously believed, the more forest you have, even in a marginal population, the more protected you are against the disease."

We are grateful for your research, Dr. Chaves and the University of Michigan. May God endow us with the ability to preserve our wondrous planet and protect lives.

25. TIME TO ACT… New Zealand is on its way to becoming the first green nation. The government of New Zealand has made step by step plans on becoming the first country to neutralize its greenhouse gas emissions. On Tuesday, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Helen Clark said that the country needs “to be part of the solution to the world’s biggest problems.”

A big congrats, New Zealand! We salute you, Prime Minister Clark, for your wise leadership in maintaining the pristine beauty of your country while protecting our fragile environment.

26. TIME TO ACT…La Niña weather may strengthen and likely to last for a few months. The United Nations World Meteorological Organization’s latest forecast states that the current La Niña will continue to pick up strength through midyear. Australia and the western Pacific may experience more frequent rains, and the Americas may experience drier weather.

Thank you United Nations World Meteorological Organization for your informative reports on climate patterns affected as a result of global warming. May they guide us in preparation for safe and sustainable lifestyle changes.

27. TIME TO ACT…Developing countries speak up at United Nation’s debate on climate change. Leaders from developing countries around the world spoke out with one voice at the United Nations debate on global warming on Tuesday. Speaking on behalf of the United Nation’s coalition for developing nations, or Group of 77, John Ashe of Antigua and Barbuda called for immediate and "urgent action." He asked industrialized nations to take the lead and commit financial and technological aid to developing countries, where many have already felt the changing climate’s impact on agriculture and the economy.

May the leaders of the developed world heed the call of the Group of 77 to organize a fast and fair response to climate change. With God’s grace, we pray the world will extend helping hands to preserve our planetary abode.



28. TIME TO ACT… China pledges to reduce sulphur dioxide emission levels in her cities.

29. TIME TO ACT... In North Carolina, USA, former governor Jim Hunt gathered top state leaders to discuss creating a state-wide plan for alternatives to petroleum.

30. TIME TO ACT...Monaco will host a major climate change conference for more than 100 environment ministers.

31. TIME TO ACT... In China, the State Environmental Protection Administration calls for more efforts in granting loans to green companies.

32. TIME TO ACT... A global survey indicates that company executives are integrating environmental concerns in their risk assessment and business planning.

33. TIME TO ACT... US computer company Hewlett-Packard has used recycled material such as plastic water bottles to produce 200 million new printer cartridges.

34. TIME TO ACT... China is establishing a new environment ministry to focus on enforcement of the country’s green laws.

35. TIME TO ACT... To conserve materials, Wal-Mart adopts a “packaging scorecard,” or ranking, to determine certain purchases from prospective suppliers.

36. TIME TO ACT… The United Nations Environmental Program and Pakistan’s Sustainable Development Policy Institute agree to cooperate on environmental projects.

37. TIME TO ACT... China announces multiple pollution reduction plans for 2008, including water and air quality control.

2008FEB14-ep518-Time-to-Act.mp3