Sea Level Rise Happening Faster then Predictions!
On Saturday, I decided to go to Hollywood Beach just to relax and take a break after long week. I notice the high tide and how the waves were coming in pretty hard. A few days later on the news I saw the report of how the barriers the City of Ft. Lauderdale put on A1A to protect the street were mostly destroyed by the high tide and in-coming waves. It caught everyone by surprise. This is an example of things to come. Florida is one of the most vulnerable areas as far as the impact of sea level rise.
This week, an article came out by Climate Central’s Michael D. Lomonick titled “Sea Level Rise Accelerating Faster than Initial Projections.”. I want to share some of it with you and encourage you to visit the link below to read the entire article.
“Sea level is rising as the planet warms up, but how much it will rise, and how fast is still something climate scientists are working out. And according to a study released late Tuesday in Environmental Research Letters the ocean is already rising faster than the most recent authoritative report from the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was projecting as recently as 2007.
“Results show that global temperature continues to increase in very good agreement with the best estimates of the IPCC,” the authors of the new study write. “The rate of sea level rise of the past decades, on the other hand, is greater than projected by the IPCC models. This suggests that IPCC sea level projections for the future may also be biased low.”
The IPCC issues comprehensive reports every five to seven years, with the next one due out in 2013-2014. The reports summarize the state of scientific knowledge on climate change, and are used as the underpinning of international climate talks aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
As usual I provide the information, please investigate and find out more for yourself and take some action in your day to day decisions to protect and heal our planet. YES INDIVIDUAL ACTION CONTRIBUTES TO THE WHOLE.
Peace & Blessings,
Nadine C. Patrice, Executive Director,
Operation Green Leaves Inc. http://www.oglhaiti.com
EARTHQUAKES!Another one on Planet Earth 2012
Another Earthquake on our planet again yesturday in Guatemala.16 people plus lost their lives. As my friend Jane Wynne in Haiti said after the devastating impact of “SUPER STORM SANDY”. Our planet is speaking to us. We mus listen and learn. So today as you go about your activities, pay attention to your choices and actions be sure that they do NO harm to our home planet EARTH. When it comes to he Environment there are no borders, we share the oceans,rivers, street and the Air. Understand that we are ONE. Our actions affect the whole.
Peace & Blessings
Nadine C. Patrice, Executive Director
Operation Green Leaaves Inc.
NATURE, a POWERFUL FORCE, Respect her & learn to live in Harmony with her!
We are here, remember this reality when we take life too seriously
There is no question that Mother Nature is one of the most powerful force in the Universe. We must respect her and at the same time learn to live in Harmony with her. In less than 24 hours so many lives where totally changed forever.So many lives lost on SANDY’S path from the Caribbean islands of Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti all the way to the shores of New Jersey. 110 plus homes entirely destroyed with all the precious belongings. Some with much sentimental values, pictures, gifts that are irreplacable.
As I watch the news and read stories about the devastation caused by this powerful SUPERSTORM. I am inspired to go within and reflect and ask questions. The devastation in New York and New Jersey could of been in Florida had the storm decide to curve a bit. My thought is that it is really time for humanity to re-evaluate what is really important, our priorities must be adjusted to meet the challenges of this new world that we live in. In the last few centuries we have seen an immense rise in consumption. We Buy, Buy, Buy things that if we really think about it, we did not really need or want. We always want More or Want what the other has. These choices and actions, created so much more demand for companies to produce more,many times in an unstainable manner which created so much more pressure on our planet.
This time I urge and encourage all of humanity to look deeper and re-evalutate our priorities, what is really important as we rebuild our homes, our lives in the affected areas. There are many lessons to be learned in the devastation caused by SANDY. Everyone worldwide can learn from this tragedy. Time to wake up and pay attention!
Simplicity can release from within you great spiritual powers which are currently numbed by mindless over-consumption. Let’s change our focus from mindless consumption to social compassion, love and respect for our natural world and promote peace on planet earth. I leave you with a really inspiring poem from St. Franis of Assisi.
Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Water, who is very useful and humble and presious and pure.
Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the Stars, in the heavens you formed them clear and precious and beautiful.
Be praised my Lord, through Brother Wind, and through Air and Cloud and fair and all Weather, by which you nourish all that you have made.
Be praised, my Lord, through bother Fire, by whom you light up the night;he is beautiful and merry and vigorous and strong.
Be praised, my Lord with al lyour creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, who is day and by him you shed light upon us. He is beautiful and radiant with great splendor, of you, Most Hight, he bears the likeness.
Peace and Blessings to All.
Nadine C. Patrice, Executive Director
Operation Green Leaves Inc.
SEVERE WEATHER, the impact of CLIMATE CHANGE, Time to face the facts!
Dear Earth Citizens:
It is a fact that in 2010 several regions of the world expereinced severe weather related events. These included Flash Floods, and widespread flooding in large parts of Asia and parts of Central Europe. These regions were also affected by heatwaves and drought in the Russian Federation, by mudslides in China and severe drought in Sub-Sahara Africa.
The build up of greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere during the 20th century is the result of growing use of energy and expansion of the global economy. I understand that humanity needs to grow, find new technologies to make our lives more confortable, but we must do it in a responsible and sustainable manner.
It is well known fact that many scientists warned us that if the climate change crisis is left unchecked, we will see devastationg effects in coming years. We are currently seeing the impact. From what I am observing while watching the devastating impact of SANDY, in the news, it is my opinion that the cost of action on Climate Change is significantly lower thane the cost of inaction.
So today as we watch images of the devastating impacts of “SUPER STORM SANDY” and after we pray for the victims and families facing these difficult times, I hope you will understand that it is time for us to take the Climate Change Crisis seriously. Find a way to learn as much as you can from credible sources to help you take action to reduce the impact of this crisis and be prepared instead of reacting. Climate Change is now not in the future.
You might say what can I do? what can one person do? but if all of us “HUMANITY” take this crisis seriously, the action of the collective will make a diffrence.
Peace and Blessings,
Nadine C. Patrice, Executive Director
Operation Green Leaves Inc.
A storm when I’m extolling Nature? Seriously?!
Our guest Blogger today is our Friend and member, Audrey Peterman, Author of “OUR TRUE NATURE”
A storm when I’m extolling Nature? Seriously?!
By Audrey Peterman
The same day I release my book extolling the beauty and majesty of nature in our National Park System, a huge storm is barreling up the Atlantic and heading toward the most populous area of our country along the coast. To say that millions are looking at Mother Nature with fear and apprehension is an understatement.
Is it fair to say that the only time we look at Nature collectively is when there is a fearsome event? Compared to the time we spend with technology, Nature gets a small fraction of our attention, and very little appreciation. She’s just there, and we take it for granted that she’ll always be there.
The problem with that is – man is part of nature and to the extent we withdraw from it, to that extent we diminish ourselves and a contented lifespan. Some years ago I was part of a meeting sparked by Richard Louv, strategizing how to get children back outside to play and explore n nature. Louv’s book, (Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder, 2005) had shown that children’s mental and physical health were suffering as a result of being housebound, tethered to electronic instruments.
One member of the group suggested that we might actually need to teach children how to play in nature, as this generation may not know how. At that moment I felt a chill go through me. I thought, “What can it mean when a species that is dependent on nature has become so removed from it that our offspring do not even know it exists? Or how to interact with it?”
Because I am fortunate and choose to spend most of my time admiring nature, whether in my backyard or in the Grand Canyon, I know the benefits. I wrote the book, “Our True Nature: Finding a Zest for Life in the National Park System” to communicate how much beauty and history is protected and managed in our country for our enjoyment and enlightenment. I wanted to convey the sense of peace and security that I get from seeing nature in its benign, unspoiled vastness. I wanted to share the confidence that something greater than me is in charge, and the best thing I can do for myself and the world is to be peaceful and send love to it.
So as the storm approaches, I send my love to the elements and call for mercy. I send love to the people in the path of the storm and encourage you to be peaceful. Send love to the elements and whatever force controls this universe. And when the storm is past, let us look at Mother Nature with new eyes of appreciation and reverence, for all she is to us.
To purchase Audrey’s book “OUR TRUE NATURE’ Finding your zest in the National Park Sytem, click HERE
GLOBAL WARMING, SIMPLY WHAT IS IT?
With the hard economic times facing our world, most people are too be too busy to take a break and really take time to pay attention and understand what is happening to our planet event though they know that the impact of Global Warming and Climate Change that they have been hearing about in the media is currently impacting their lives. Globally our planet is facing droughts, floods, huge hale storms, violent and severe storm and sea level IS rising.
Today I am providing simple and basic information which I hope will inspire our readers to investigate and learn more about the subject. It’s time to pay attention to day to day choices and activities to make sure that we do not ad anymore pressure to our planet.
Global warming is linked to the “Greenhouse Effect”. Heat from the sun enters the atmosphere which is the air surrounding the earth. Most of the heat is absorbed b the earth or the atmosphere, though some is reflected back toward the sun. The Earth HEATS UP as it absorbs the Sun’s rays. some absorbed heat is released back into the atmosphere as infrared heat rays. Certain gases trap some of the released heat near the earth’s urface as in a greenhouse, warming the air , land and sea. As these Greenhouse gases increase, more heat is trapped , possibly raising the averages temperature.
Some of the Greenhouse gases that contribute to the Greenhouse Effect include, Carbon Dioxide (CO2), The main sources are the clearing of large areas of forest. Living trees use up CO2. Clearing and burning forests kills the trees while releasing more CO2. Methane, the main sources are Natural Sources, such as swamps, oceans and termites, farming, especially from rice paddies,cattle ranches and of course burning wood. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). For many years CFCs were widely used in Refrigerators and Air Conditioners in buildings and cars. Manufacturing processes used to make plastic, foam packages and insulation. Aerosol cans was also a contributor. The good news is today, many countries have stopped using CFCs or are int he process of phasing them out. Nitrogen Oxid. Tthe main sources are natural sources including soil, car exhaust, and chemical fertilizers.
You are the consumer, you have the buying power, it is your choice to make sure you buy from companies that acknowlege the crisis facing our earth. Take a few minutes to learn more about these companies and make sure that their products and services follow the best green and sustainalble practices.
Nadine C. Patrice
Executive Director, Operation Green Leaves Inc.
World Food Day, October 16th, 2012
Jr. Green Leaves Club at Hubert O Sibley Elementary
October 16th , 2012 is World food Day, I invite everyone reading this blog to join the global movement to end hunger. Be part of the solution , take action in your community and around the world.
With that said I would like to bring to your attention that while we celebrate World Food Day on the 16th, we need to think about the quality of our food. What is in our food? Is is healthy? What kind of pesticide was used? Is it Genetically engineered?
Many organizations are on the forefront with their message of not only ending world hunger but the issue of nutrition as well. the ONE organization’s message is “Put Nutrition on the Global Agenda”. For more details click
GORTA’s message is “Make Hunger History”. The Gorta World Food Day Conference will be on October 16th at 9:00 am in Dublin. If you are in that part of the world more details available at
One of the options also is for you to grow your own food then you will know for sure the quality and nutritional information of what you will be consuming. Farmers markets with local organic foods are everywhere now days as well as community and school gardens. There are many businesses with the mission to teach you how to grow great and healthy foods such as Edible Gardening with Karin visit them at or Dylan Terry at “Ready-to-grow Gardens visit them at and Earth Learning, visit them at
Finally Operation Green Leaves has sponsored many school gardens and works with children to not only teach them where food comes from but also teach them about nutrition and the cultural aspect of food. Hopelly we will be able to continue that program with the necessary funding. If you want to support our school garden program, please visit click on make a donation. Operation Green Leaves is a non-profit tax-deductible organization. Your donations are fully tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
Vegetable vendor at the Yellow Green Farmers Market in Hollywood, Florida
Jr. Green Leaves Club at Hubert O Sibley Elementary working on their garden called “Bon Manje” which means Good food
Global Warming is indeed happening!
It is the responsibility of ALL her children to respect and protect her
Global Warming is indeed happening. Deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions are needed URGENTLY to prevent a Climate Catastrophe. Building resilient societies and fostering sustainable environment must NOW be a priority. The most cost-effective way is to act NOW rather than later.
Supporting renewable energy is one way to reduce the impact of Global Warming because it does not produce much greenhouse gases that contribute to Global Warming. Geothermal energy offers significant environmental and economic advantages over fossil fuels in generating electricity. As a renewable energy source, geothermal energy creates significantly less greenhouse gases.
Planet EARTH is our only home, all of us living on this planet has the responsibility to protect and preserve her. I encourage everyone reading this blog to learn more about Global Warming and Climate Change, educate yourself about the current crisis facing our planet and take some action to help her heal.
The information below is actually something you can verify and see that something is happening to our planet you can see the changes for yourself.
The Arctic sea ice has reached its lowest ever recorded extent, in ‘dramatic changes’, which signal that man-made global warming is having a major impact on the polar region. Drag the slider across the map to see how the ice has shrunk between 1979 and 2012.
To learn more on the melting of the artic sea ice click here Inter-active Map (Source, The Guardian)
Planting Trees for National Neighborhood Month in Miami
Citizens for a Better South Florida did a great job organizing the tree planting this morning which was sponsored by TD Bank and ACT (Alliance for Community Trees.) As a partner of CFBSF, Operation Green Leaves was one of the Team Leaders.
TD Bank has a great program, “TD Tree Days”, the month of October is National Neighborwood Month. Just like they sposored the planting in Miami today, they will be planting trees all over the Nation this month. ACT (Alliance for Community trees) will also be planting trees this month all over the U.S and Canada. So I challenge everyone who will read this message to at least plant one tree in October to help cool our planet, clean our air and water, and reduce the impact of Global Warming. http://www.oglhaiti.com
Operation Green Leaves 22nd Anniversary September 29th
The entire month of September Operation Green Leaves has been celebrating 22 years of service in South Florida and Haiti with an online campaign to create awareness and raise funds for our projects both here in South Florida and Haiti. We h
ope to be able to continue to provide our urgent environmental programs and projects 22 more years and beyond. We know however it will be challenging without the financial support of members and friends. Tomorrow September 29th is the actual Date, so if you have not had the opportunity to make your tax-deductible anniversary gift, please consider doing it today. Any amount will contribute to help us continue to reach our goals. Simply go to http://www.oglhaiti.com/ and click make a donation. We are counting on your support.
PICTURE DESIGNED BY JR. GREEN LEAVES CLUB AT HUBERT O SIBLEY ELEMENTARY.
Peace & Blessings,
Nadine C. Patrice, Executive Director
Operation Green Leaves Inc.
GREEN ECONOMY IS THE 2012 THEME FOR WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
The theme for the 2012 World Environment Day GREEN ECONOMY. The United Nations Environment Programs has listed 10 sectors of economy for a green and sustainable planet. They are the following: BUILDINGS, FISHERIES, FORESTRY,TRANSPORT,WATER,AGRICULTURE,TOURISM,WASTE,MANUFACTURING AND INDUSTRY.
Green Economy includes industries, businesses or works that achieve low carbon emmission, and improment of energy efficiency.
Our planet Earth is experiencing great changes currently, it is our only home. It is our resposibility as EARTHLINGS, to be aware and pay attention to what is happening, learn as much as we can so we can take the right actions to protect,preserve and heal her. Remember the earth is ONE inter-connected Eco-system.
When you are shopping for anything, food, clothes, cars ect. make sure that the companies that you are supporting by purchasing their product to it sustainably. Make sure they are a green company or making steps toward it. To heal and save our planet we must all get involve.
Peace, & Blessings,
Nadine C. Patrice
Executive Director, Operation Green Leaves Inc.
http://www.globalgiving.org/6060
Climate Change is NOW not at a future Date
I recently came accrooss a video which is very comprehensive regarding the Climate Change and Global Warming crisis that our beautiful planet earth is currently facing. Right now Planet Earth is our only home it is important for all humanity to pay attention and learn more get educated on what is happening to our planet and how they can take action at least to reduce the impact. Our planet is really ONE GLOBAL ECO SYSTEM, when it comes to the environment there are NO BORDERS. We are really ONE and the action of One impacts the whole.
Global Warming and Climate Change is NOW not in the future. Pay attention, learn all you can. Sharing with you a comprehensive video. Our planet is a living, breathing being, we must treat her with reverence and respect. When dealing with the environment there are no borders it is ONE GLOBAL ECO SYSTEM! http://tinyurl.com/c8r49va
Peace and Blessings to all
Nadine C. Patrice
Executive Director
Operation Green Leaves Inc.
http://www.oglhaiti.com
Global Giving BONUS DAY Oct. 19th
Global Giving Bonus Day Challenge: October 19
Please support Operation Green Leaves Environmental Center & Volunteer Village Project posted on Global Giving. Please help us meet the challenge on October 19th, by visiting http://www.globalgiving.org/6060 . On October 19, GlobalGiving.org is matching at 30% all online donations up to $1,000 per donor per project! There is $100,000 available in matching funds starting at 12:01 am EDT.In addition to the 30% match, GlobalGiving is offering a $1,000 bonus to the project that raises the most funds that day and a $1,000 bonus to the project that receives donations from the most individual donors! Donations are tax-deductible
GoGreen Action Steps
GoGreen ActionSteps:choose hotels with linen reuse programs.Hotels save an average of 11-17% on hot water & Sewage cost http://www.environmentallyfriendlyhotels.com
GLOBAL GIVING CHALLENGE OCT. 19TH 2011
Global Giving Bonus Day Challenge: October 19TH 2011
Please support Operation Green Leaves Environmental Center & Volunteer Village Project posted on Global Giving. Please help us meet the challenge on October 19th, by visiting http://www.globalgiving.org/6060 . For additional info on the project visit http://openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/oglhaiti
On October 19, GlobalGiving.org is matching at 30% all online donations up to $1,000 per donor per project! There is $100,000 available in matching funds starting at 12:01 am EDT.In addition to the 30% match, GlobalGiving is offering a $1,000 bonus to the project that raises the most funds that day and a $1,000 bonus to the project that receives donations from the most individual donors! Donations are tax-deductible. MOST IMPORTANTLY SHARE THIS INFO. WITH YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY.
Peace & Blessings,
Thank You.
GO GREEN ACTION STEPS
GoGreen Action Steps: If every U.S. computer & Monitor were to shut off every night, the nation could shut down 8 large power stations & avoiding emitting 7 million tons of CO2 Every year. Start shutting your computer & monitor at night today!
When the economy improves,Earth’s environment will improve
Please take a look at this great interview, “When the economy improves,
Earth’s environment will improve. The economy and environmental issues are truly connected. That has been our message at OGL for years. To find real solutions to Haiti’s environmental issues, we need to provide sustainable economic alternative as well as alternative energy sources. I spoke to a friend today in Haiti, she was sadden by the fact that in some part of Haiti, people are still cutting trees on the side of the roads. She explained to me although it is sad, we need to provide an economic alternative. I am calling for a National Reforestation Plan in Haiti, which will include the alternatives mentioned above, & education. All the sectors of the society need to be involve, goverment, private, professional, schools.
100 Year Old Oak Trees in danger in Little Haiti
Several 100 year old oak trees are in danger of being destroyed in the yard of a little Haiti church. Please read full story and get involved if you can.
In the past Operation Green Leaves in collaboration with American Forest’s Global Releaf planted several trees in the yard of that church. This is a sad time. There has to be an alternative to destroying these trees.
Peace!
Wangari Maathai, Farewell
Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maatha, Founder of the Greenbelt Movement died on Sunday at the age of 71
Our sincere condolences goes out to her immediate and global family. She was my inspiration standing for what she knew was right not matter what. From an unknowned scientist to the first African female laureate. She had an amazing ability to connect complex environmental issues with their impact on ordinary people. Farewell you were a global inspiration. You came to this planet for a specific purpose, Job well done. May you rest in Peace.
Nadine C. Patrice
Executive Director , Operation Green Leaves.
Sustainable Reconstruction of Haiti
Kenscoff, Haiti
Denuded mountains of kenscoff
Good Morning, Members, Friends & all earthlings!
As probably most of you know as it has been reported in the news 14
months after the devastating earthquake, progress is still so slow in Haiti
Tent Cities are still there. Last week 3 people died as a result of the
2010 earthquake when a house collapse on them. With that said, there
are still some steps being taken by various non-profit organizations, such
as Food for the Poor, Ecoworks International, and some socially councious
businesses.
Members of Operation Green Leaves’ team working on the Environmental
center & volunteer village in Archaie. Haiti just came back from Haiti.
The mission was very productive. We are blessed to have Architect for
Humanity and other great Architectural firms donating their time and
talents to the project. We however need your financial support to make
the center a reality. Our goal is not only reforestation, but education &
training as well. to learn more about the project and to make a tax-
deductible donation, please visit http://www.globalgiving.org/6060
Restoring Haiti’s environment is a key element in the sustainable
reconstruction of Haiti. We must address the root cause of the
ecological destruction in Haiti. Provide alternative fuel souces and
energy & economic empowerment. Our motto is “Help Haitians Help
Themselves”. We are providing the tools to help our brothers & sisters
rise themselves out of poverty. Sharing a few pictures of one of our
partner orgnizations in Kenscoff, Haiti. Empowering a group of women
“Fanm kap plante”, Women who are planting. Also pictures of deforested
mountains of kenscoff. Please help in anyway you can. visit:
http://www.globalgiving.org/6060
Peace & Blessings,
Nadine C. Patrice, Executive Director
THE CHALLENGE. GLOBAL GIVING, OGL’S ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER & VOLUNTEER VILLAGE
Operation Green Leaves REALLY need your support. Operation Green Leaves finally qualified and earned a temporary spot on Global Giving. Our project is the building of our environmtal center and volunteer village in Arcahaie, Haiti.
THE CHALLENGE IS: in order for us to qualify for a permanent spot on Global Giving, we need to RAISE $4,000 FROM 50 DONORS BY SEPTEMBER 30TH.
If we meet the challenge, we will be able to stay on and have a permanent spot on Global Giving and most importantly continue our fund-raising efforts to raise money for our project in Arcahaie and better yet we will have the opportunity to submit othe projects and raise funds for these particular projects.
To Donate visit: www.globalgiving.org/6060
All Night Function at Miami-Dade College to Fight Poverty in Haiti
Miami-Dade College’s Center for Community Involvement asked me to be their Key Note Speaker for an “All Nighter for Haiti” on October 16th, which was “World Food Day.” The goal was to raise $20,000 for several projects with the objective of improving the lives of those living in specific poverty ridden communities in Haiti. The funds were being raised specifically for Food For The Poor Inc.’s 3 special projects.
The first one was a feeding project for the poor in Cite Soleil, the second was a Tilapia farming project for personal consumption as well as economic sustainability. Food for the Poor’ s partner for this project is the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund. The 3rd was a Tree Planting Project called “Green Day Tree Planting Project. Students would plant trees One Friday a month. Species of trees would be planted for nutrition and a source of income in the chosen community.
The poverty and hunger situation in Haiti is currently out of control and tragic. The U.N. Development Report list Haiti asn number 148 out of 179 countries that have not been able to provide the basic needs for their people to improve their standard of living.
It is a fact that evironmental degradation is directly linked to poverty, so I beleive that addressing the environmental problems in Haiti is a starting point. Operation Green Leaves understood this from the start. It is specifically for that reasons that when the founders of OGL wanted to do something to help with the abject poverty that they witnessed in Haiti in the early 90’s, they decided that the best way was to address the environmental problems. I hope that the authorities in Charge in Haiti, will one day understand that to rebuilding and create a sustainable Haiti they will have to make the ecological restoration in Haiti a priority. Currently it is obviously not.
I am please that some friends of Haiti like Food for the Poor, the Center for Community Involvement of Miami Dade Community College took some action last Oct. 16h.
International Day of Climate Change Action
October 24th is the International Day of Climate Change Action. 350.org is leading the movement and has inspired people and organizations worldwide to take some kind of action on that day to show their commitmet to finding solutions to the Climate Change Crisis.
350 currently is the most important number on the planet. Florida will face some of the most extreme effects of a 2 degree celsius temperature change. The scary fact is that as of September 2009 we are at 387 ppm. Scientist now know that this will result in a temperature rise of 2 degrees celcius by the middle of the Century. The good news is that it is not too late we can take action to stop this downward spiral by making a commitment to be part of the solution. The first thing is to make sure you understand the crisis and get accurate information and find out what you can do. So this October 24th Join Operation Green Leaves, The Biscayne Nature Center and the the around the Americas Project at Bicentenial Park in Miami (across from the American Airlines Arena) from 12:00 Noon to 4:oo PM.
AroundtheAmericas.org
Today the Around The Americas Project’s 65ft steel-hulled Sailboat arrived in Miami and I was delighted and excited to watch it come in because I know how important the message and information they have collected on their voyage to share with our community. The “Ocean Watch left Seatle 20 weeks ago. The scientific expedition includes a 1st leg of the icy Northwest Passage. Their plan is to make 31 stops in over 12 countries over a 13 month period spreading a strong environmental message designed to draw attention to the health of the worlds ocean and the impact of Global Climate Change on local environment & Eco-system. So you can’t affort to miss this event on Saturday October 24th. You will have the opportunity to meet the crew and visit the ship as well. Other activities will include a drum circle and a group photo at 2:00 PM.
For more information visit: www.oglhaiti.com, www.350.org, www.rsmas.miami.edu, and www.aroundtheamericas.org.
Nadine C. Patrice Speaks for Haiti at Global Warming Conference
Last week I was honored to be the Lunchtime speaker at Barry University’s Global Warming Conference. The theme of my presentation was ” Haiti’s Environmental Tragedy”.
Aerial view of the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
My message was that those at the lowest end of the socio-economic levels are the ones who will be affected the most. This hurricane season was a ferocious one for Haiti. The entire island was affected from West to East and North to South. Because all four hurricanes that hit Haiti were mostly a rain events, mudslides and the lost of life was very high. The muslides are the result of Haiti’t almost totally denuded mountains. For years (18 years) Operation Green Leaves’ message has been that restoring Haiti’s environment should be a top priority. Now, we are seing the wisdom in the warning.
The Global Warming conference was very well attended. I asked everyone present to help me spread the message that “we must be prepared by the next Hurricane season.” We need to take preventive measures that include increasing reforestation nationwide, building necessary infrastructure and providing basic services in the 5 major cities, at a minimum. The Goverment of Haiti, and the elected officials, must plan NOW! They must take steps to diminish the outrageous lost of life we saw this year.
Reforestation must be a NATIONAL PRIORITY in Haiti.
In 2004 after witnessing the death toll and destruction in Haiti when Tropical Storm Jeanne hit, we were sad and all sectors of the international community made promises to be ready, and make changes, to reduce the lost of life the next time. Four years later, with the increase of Global Warming, we had one of the most dangerous and vicious hurricane seasons on record. We are crying AGAIN. We are saddened AGAIN. The pictures of a totally ravaged Haiti were spread on the internet. But, that was months ago. What is being done, TODAY?
I am hoping we will learn, this time. I am hoping the responsible authorities and agencies in Haiti will start preparing NOW. I asked everyone in the audience to help me give voice to the voiceless, hope to the hopeless. Love to the children.
Haitian Nationals and friends of Haiti must pressure the Haitian government and those in charge to provide the basic needs and infrastructure to the people of Haiti, so next time fewer lives will be lost.
Operation Green Leaves 