In spite of technological progress, Signs of environmental distress are roaming around us- And unsustainable practices are being woven Into fabrics of modern life, filled with fuss! A tremulous reality that’s facing the mankind today Refers to the global climate change- ’Cause the adverse consequences are too imminent, And are lying within a close range!
Land degradation threatens food security, And deforestation kills biodiversity on Earth- While the water pollution affects public health, Specially the children, since their birth! Human activities are destabilizing the global climate, And definitely there is no doubt- But still we are reluctant to admit it And are carrying on the matching game of shout!
Climate is not just an environmental affair, But also a fundamental development issue- And its impacts endanger the economic And social progress as well as the brain tissue! Reliance on the agriculture, green forestry, And fisheries are based totally on the climate- While vulnerability to natural disasters Deserves a thought to control the heaven’s gate!
Eco-friendly technologies must come forward now To map the health of planet we live in- And provide a decisive push through The scientific experts to focus on what they mean! Ethics of conservation and stewardship Should guide all the industries in their choices- But we, the public, cannot wait any longer To ignore climate change, and raise our voices!
Polar ice caps and the rising sea levels Are spreading erosions, and damaging the coast- While the warmer-wetter world harbor deadly diseases And will cause us to suffer most! Today we face the real danger in combating The climate change, and must wake up now- ’Cause it cares little for developing or developed world, And will affect us all somehow!
Climate change at present is one of the Greatest challenges the world now has to feel- And it’s sneaking in an inequity into the Developing nations who are facing the chill! Human activities are the main factors, And we should no longer sit around- Rather the solutions need to be explored From anywhere they can be found!
I can see the battle against climate change Is going to be waged for the next many years- But with a right mix of policies and practices, The United Nations can wipe out the fears! Through choices and purchases, advocacy and activism, We can reach the desired goal- And protect our mother Earth with all her resources Before she faces the perilous toll!
Well, may I seize the opportunity to articulate My own voice on climate change today? And allow you, the audience, to consider What else you can do, or would prefer to say! I am sure, far more is within our power, Sinks or resources than is commonly understood- To design a well-planned transition or A sustainable world for her habitants and for good!
The international community, as we see it today, Is only in an “embryonic” form- But I am too convinced, it has a vision To safeguard us against any global storm! Still we, the world citizens, have to keep a spotlight On issues of climate change to glow- And adopt the green technology or renewable resources Before we face the mental blow!
Instead of passing the blame, a sense of Global solidarity or responsibility is now a must- To protect our environment, before it falls Under the realms of industries and their lust! Dissenting voices would always be there, But we must carry on this motivational task- ’Cause climate change is a “hot button” issue That I emulate without dawning my mask!
Today, without conservation, economic growth Cannot be sustained, that I know for sure- While the smoky air we breathe needs to be clean, And the water we drink has to be pure! Thus, global audience needs to be driven by the need To protect the climate as a resource- And my efforts will bear fruits only if followed By public and authority with legal force!!
The Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education is compiling a list of children's literature that can be used in Language Arts and Social Studies but has a definite link to EE. If you use such books, could you send the title and author? For example: There's An Owl in the Shower by Jean Craighead George and Feathers for Lunch by Lois Ehlert.
On 6/23/02, Toni wrote: > The Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education > is compiling a list of children's literature that can be used > in Language Arts and Social Studies but has a definite link > to EE. If you use such books, could you send the title and > author? For example: There's An Owl in the Shower by Jean > Craighead George and Feathers for Lunch by Lois Ehlert.
Yes, we use the book "There's an Owl in the Shower" in our fourth grade classroom along with the books, "The Case of the Missing Cutthroat," "Fire Bug Mystery," and "Dear Children of the Earth...Remember"
On 6/23/02, Toni wrote: > The Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education > is compiling a list of children's literature that can be used > in Language Arts and Social Studies but has a definite link > to EE. If you use such books, could you send the title and > author? For example: There's An Owl in the Shower by Jean > Craighead George and Feathers for Lunch by Lois Ehlert.
The Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education is compiling a list of children's literature that can be used in Language Arts and Social Studies but has a definite link to EE. If you use such books, could you send the title and author? For example: There's An Owl in the Shower by Jean Craighead George and Feathers for Lunch by Lois Ehlert.
Indisputable Legend of Mount Everest (A Personal Tribute to Sir Edmund Percival Hillary) July 20, 1919 – Present By Hillol Ray
In the famous city of Auckland, New Zealand, A mountaineer was born on July 20, 1919- When summitting Mount Everest was a dream only, ’Cause no one before had there been! Cold air, gusty winds, and high altitudes were making The assault an impossible mission- And Chomolungma* remained as a viable sensation In each mountaineer’s vision! Successive attempts on all the Ridges failed, And trekkers were living in total despair- But pull of Mt. Everest was getting stronger In their minds, set to breathe the thin air! Darkness in the arena of trekking was suddenly Illuminated and quietly spellbound- By the brightness of this only trekker That nowhere else could be found! Later, the brightness became brighter as he was Growing up with trekking over the years- And proved that setting feet on Mount Everest Is quite possible while wiping the joy of tears!
Born in Tuakau near Auckland, with a true love For the mountain and sea- Edmund was the “man” to open The trekkers’ minds with his special key! Through the years as a beekeeper and An avid mountaineer, he revealed the codes- Of combining ability and desire for his assault On Mount Everest while carrying on the loads! The world ushered in the “Edmund Era” To dignify mountaineering with his vision- And carried on the various expeditions To benefit mankind as a global mission! Today our beloved Edmund trots the globe To preach trekking for the humanitarian cause- And raises funds for the Himalayan Trust To improve Sherpa lives without a single pause!
Hello Edmund, please accept my deepest love And warmest respect- Your aspiring contributions are truly remarkable And really heartfelt! The trekkers around the world Keep a special spot just for you- Because your courage is awesome And draws the global view! You have achieved your spot through Indisputable sacrifice and enormous toll- And will remain vivid in the history Of mountaineering and in every trekker’s soul! Via untiring patience, you landed on Mt. Everest On May 29th, Nineteen Fifty Three- And truly pioneered the explorations Of “Chomolungma” to set the trekking spree!
Today, we float our happiest minds Immersed in joy-moistened tear- And display our sincere affections For you, Edmund, without any fear! Your achievement in climbing Mt. Everest Is a defining moment of 20th Century for sure- Because you showed the human spirit While preaching that environment needs to be pure! Your victory with Tenzing Norgay To reach the highest place on Earth- Is now being celebrated as a Golden Jubilee And to express the mirth!
So, before conclusion, I love to say this- Although we know it’s very true as it is: You conquered Mount Everest and the South Pole, And captured the world’s imagination- To prove, indomitable spirit against the fiercest odds Can pass the trekking examination! The tales of your own achievements and generosity Will remain in the history pages- And inspire people of all walks of life, Irrespective of their national origin or ages! The way you used your fame to assist the people Who had helped you to reach Everest- Stunningly spans the globe and in the Sherpa Community, Who knows you at your best! You have devoted your life and limitless energies For the Nepalese without any pause- Followed by your sincere efforts and clean up Of Himalayas for environmental cause! You are the most famous living adventurer Of New Zealand and the global media hero- Still you remain so modest about summitting Everest With Tenzing from ground zero! You established Himalayan Trust to improve lives Of Sherpas and preserve their culture- Along with scaling expeditions and watch them With your own eyes sharp like a vulture! Sherpa people have led you to admire their strength, Enthusiasm, and sense of humor- While your faith in their endurance is now world known, And surpasses any rumor!
Today I salute your courage and sacrifice To bring the mysteries of Mount Everest down- While we celebrate the 50th Anniversary Around your birthplace and in Himalayan town! No doubt, you are a living legend of modern climbing And always planning the next goal- Without giving in to despair or complacency, And your heart resembles a mountain soul! Sir Edmund, you set your feet on the “roof of the world” Against the coldest snow- And made the new history, as found In the Everest tales, that we all read or know! You will always shine like an Indisputable Legend Of 21st Century throughout the Earth- While your footprints on Mount Everest Will aspire the new trekkers since their birth!!!
Milestone May 29, 2002 ___________________________________________________________
· * The Tibetan name of Mount Everest is “Chomolungma” (means ‘Goddess Mother of the Snows’); and the Nepali name is “Sagarmatha” (means ‘Mother of the Universe’) ___________________________________________________________
Dedication:
This poem is being dedicated to the world-renowned legendary mountaineer Sir Edmund Percival Hillary on his 83rd birthday (July 20, 2002). ____________________________________________________________
What variables can be studied in a river and pond setting to teach high school general biology students about riverine ecology? We have 8 lab periods in two months to carry out the research.
On 5/19/03, bob brown wrote: > On 7/16/02, Runswithsciss0rs wrote: >> >> You can do water quality testing, you can identify >> invertebrates in that live in the water and they can tell you >> the health of the ecosystem. You can seine to see what kinds >> of species live there. You can take a survey of surrounding >> plants and trees and work on the students identifying them. >> You can study upland and lowland ecosystems and learn about >> wetlands. Last but not least you can talk about watersheds >> and where the water comes from and where the water goes >> within the ecosystem. >> >> I hope this is helpful >> >> >> >> >> >> >> On 7/08/02, judith wrote: >>> What variables can be studied in a river and pond setting >>> to teach high school general biology students about >>> riverine ecology? We have 8 lab periods in two months to >>> carry out the research. > It was fun from bob brown Baby turn around and let me see that se** body go f***
On 7/16/02, Runswithsciss0rs wrote: > > You can do water quality testing, you can identify > invertebrates in that live in the water and they can tell you > the health of the ecosystem. You can seine to see what kinds > of species live there. You can take a survey of surrounding > plants and trees and work on the students identifying them. > You can study upland and lowland ecosystems and learn about > wetlands. Last but not least you can talk about watersheds > and where the water comes from and where the water goes > within the ecosystem. > > I hope this is helpful > > > > > > > On 7/08/02, judith wrote: >> What variables can be studied in a river and pond setting >> to teach high school general biology students about >> riverine ecology? We have 8 lab periods in two months to >> carry out the research. It was fun from bob brown
Hunger and Poverty: A Universal Shame By Hillol Ray
In spite of productivity, gnawing pain of hunger And poverty still vitiates the Earth- Followed by deadly diseases, caused by malnutrition From the moment of critical birth! Today, 3 billion human beings suffer Dehumanizing conditions of poverty with despair- And their yawning cries out for sustainable world In the utter hopes of an equitable share!
Hunger and poverty are closely linked, And are always moving hand in hand- From the dawn of civilization till today, Along each crevice of this global land! Hunger perpetrates poverty by preventing people From realizing their potential power- And slows down the progress of their societies Ruled by the elite from the ivory tower!
To achieve peace and progress in the 21st century, An ambitious agenda needs to be set- About lifting people out of poverty, while guarding From violence, before it’s too late! Hunger makes the people more vulnerable to diseases, Or leaves them weak for sure- And reduces the ability to provide for their dependents, Buried by the pain they endure!
The devastating cycle of hunger repeats From generation to generation, and takes the toll- While subsistence farmers of the developing world Walk often with a begging bowl! So, we must improve their standards of living, Income, and quantity of available food- And offer knowledge to grow resistance crops, And ensure their cattle’s safety for good!
Relationship between human society and environment Is the core of concern in my mind- And we need to pave the path for all peoples, And lay down the rules to put us in bind! Improving the standards of living While protecting environment of today and tomorrow- Is the priority, I feel, to eradicate the global hunger And poverty with a wrenching sorrow!
The fights against hunger depend on Sustainable management of the ecosystems around- Because the production of food is based On the natural resources as everywhere found! With global population explosion, Pressure on the environment will continue to mount- And I am sure about the challenge in the coming years, And every drop of rain will count!
I feel an urging sense of the values that underpin The concept of instigating actions now- And convey to the leaders to make them implement Their action plans and show us how! A practical expression to the plan of implementation Is a crying need of the hour- To demonstrate the moves from words to actions Before the delay turns into sour!
It has become a truism that the governments Cannot do the job alone and it’s the fact- But there’s a great deal that they can do And must accomplish, and only they can act! It is governments that set national policies And establish incentives and laws- And they must deliver on the promises They make without any flaws!
For humanity, may I appeal to the NGOs With formidable expertise and deep knowledge- Followed by their skills in organizing people, And unflagging energy to provide an edge! Sustainable development will remain a distant dream Without the aid from private sector- While cycle of hunger and poverty will move on Like a plane without radar for a vector!
My bittersweet feelings for fight against hunger Prefer to reach a decisive moment now- For the global sufferers, who are eager To live on this planet without an empty vow! I understand the hurdles, but embrace them As personal priorities to wipe out the tears- While challenge before us will be to match Aspiration with action for the coming years!
We must sustain the momentum now To let the global leaders know it well- That fighting hunger makes economic and social sense, Where our future will dwell! So, let’s spare no efforts to free all humanity From hunger, for tomorrow and today- And forge on the intricate issues of health And environment that my soul longs to say!
From plights of global hunger and poverty, My heart now cries alone in moonlit nights- But my daring pen is dauntless today, And protests the global violation of human rights! In the waves of time, I do not want to be remembered For anything so far I have done- While my efforts to unearth worthwhile causes Through words will bring hopes and fun!
No doubt, hunger and poverty are worst violations Of our dignity and a universal shame- While in a world of plenty, the developed nations Are making promises to play the game! Well, it’s time to reaffirm and act to eradicate hunger And poverty from the face of Earth- And replenish the vitality of impoverished humanity, And allow them to sink in the mirth! __________________________________________________________
Hillol Ray - in the Special Commemorative Edition of "500 Leaders of Science"
Hillol Ray is no longer a stranger to South Asian Women's Forum (sawf) readers and ooops!!! he has done it again. Besides his global recognitions as the "Poet of Neuroscience", "Poet of Human Rights (HR)", and "Poet of Two Worlds - East and West", he is also a recognized (nationally and internationally) leader in the field of Science and Environmental Engineering. His thought provoking poems about humanitarian and environmental issues as well as technical articles are published from all over the world and they speak for themselves !!
Consequently, in a recent letter (dated June 21, 2002), regarding the PUBLICATION RELEASE, Mr. C.L. White, Managing Editor of American Biographical Institute, Inc. of Raleigh, North Carolina, announced and confirmed that Hillol Ray's Biography will appear in the upcoming Special Commemorative Edition of "500 Leaders of Science" and it will be distributed to public and private libraries throughout the world. According to Mr. White, the publication release date has been set for late Summer 2002.
On behalf of sawf.org, our congratulations go to Hillol Ray and we wish him the best on his continued achievements in the fields of Science and Poetry !!
During May 2002, Hillol received a prestigious Customer Service Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Dallas, Texas.
Water Scarcity: Impending Seed of Global Conflict By Hillol Ray
With global industrialization, freshwater resources Are depleting fast at an alarming rate- Because of incompatible activities, And research is an essence now before it’s too late! Water is essential in all aspects of healthy And productive life in harmony with nature- But with widespread scarcity and pollution, We need to think ahead and stop caricature!
An explicit evaluation of the water stewardship Must be given a special priority now- For the development of human beings, And scientists need to offer technical know-how! Global demand has increased six fold Over the past century for the freshwater resource- While the three fold increase in world population Dictates the need for laws to enforce!
Ethical and socio-economic principles Must provide a basis, especially in the arid zones- To guide water management and development practices, Based on the scientific tones! Today, without a better control of water resources And ecosystems, surrounded by us- Two-Thirds of humanity will face severe shortages By the year 2025, without any fuss!
Water is the only natural resource that will continue To touch deeply today and tomorrow- The human civilization, in spite of progress, And will remain buried in drought or sorrow! Thus the solution of global pollution And ecosystem protection today should be a “must”- To achieve a sustainable development And ensure a better future of humanity as the lust!
Water is needed to sustain life and resources Must be guarded in each conceivable way- While the ideas of preserving hydrological functions Of biodiversity should never sway! Natural ecosystems are fundamental To sustaining biodiversity and truly there’s no doubt- Because human activities depend closely on them, And scientific reports are already out!
With the looming water crisis facing the world today, We must chart a course of actions- To eliminate the fears of potential conflict Among the nations of rich and poor factions! By sharing knowledge and technology With the reliable data in a meaningful manner- The seeds of conflict can be nipped in the bud Under a global cooperation banner!
As welder of peace and harmony, may I warn About impending battle future might bring- And prepare us to prevent eruption of water wars globally From Fall, Summer, or Spring! Let the formulation of water policies today Be the conviction in each policy maker’s soul- To integrate scientific principles with socially sound Practices and prevent humanity toll!
Well, life on this planet began in water And will continue to depend fully on its source- Followed by the development of cultural And religious values as the underlying force! If the water resources undergo crisis, Development of humanity will face crisis as well- So, may I urge for a holistic approach To secure a “water world” where peace will dwell!!
HIV/AIDS: A Threat to Global Stability By Hillol Ray In our recent history, the world after September 11 Has made all of us to think and feel- About the kind of world children will need To grow up healthy, without a terrorism chill! Besides the vision of peace and homeland security, Health protection is also a “must”- By redoubling our efforts to control The AIDS epidemic, born out of ignorance or lust!
Insecurity challenges the lives and families Of those individuals affected by HIV/AIDS- And shatters security of whole communities, While economic prospect gradually fades! Undoubtedly, AIDS threats regional and global stability, And makes development slow- By taking away the present along with the future, And allows the death tolls to glow!
Every minute a child dies of the virus And the pandemic is spreading at an alarming rate- While the link between health and social justice Is too apparent, and goal needs to be set! The biggest enemy of health in the developing world Is the poverty and lack of care- Followed by the poor sanitation and safe drinking water, Vitiated by the polluted air!
HIV/AIDS is unique in the social and demographic Devastation it inflicts in a short time- And kills people in the prime of their lives While their families sink in the grief paradigm! Loss of each breadwinner’s income reduces the access Of the dependent to healthcare too- And make them so vulnerable to deadly infections Or death in the guise of survival woo!
Loss of lives from AIDS is a tragedy in human terms And lack of development as well- While magnitude of the crisis needs to be controlled Before our thoughts start to swell! A sense of common resolve and collective responsibility With a time-bound goals- Is the roadmap that we need to follow And reduce the slow but vicious death tolls!
Disease and ill health are widespread In the developing world over too many years- And have created the barriers to progresses By echoing the squalor of human tears! So we must fight for freedom from disease And ‘want’ to win the battle of suffering tale- Irrespective of our color or creed, for the sake of humanity, And lift the mystery veil!
Well, I am painfully aware but I do see the silver lining Along the edges of grieving sky- Because of donations from so many foundations, The patients now can take a deep sigh! AIDS drugs are more affordable and prevention campaigns Are truly succeeding at last- To reduce mother-to-child transmission And alert women’s role overlooked in the past!
Now our challenge is to build on the momentum With an ambitious compassionate mind- And design a ‘blueprint’ for achieving freedom From fear of AIDS as we commonly find! We must sustain global political will as the pulpit To refocus attention achieved until now- And fight against this crippling epidemic With a notoriety under a common strategic vow!
I will spare no efforts to offer my supports To build a world fit for living and future peace- Of coming generations in which parents Will survive AIDS; and joy a child will not miss! In spite of life’s war against hunger, disease, oppression, And drinking water not so pure- I will be the last person to undervalue Even a single human life that now I can reassure!
In our web-bound interdependent world today, Let us establish the inextricable link- Between health and social justice for A sustainable planet, where we can really think! Let us pledge now to translate our concerns Into real action to build a world AIDS free- And pave the way for future generations To allow them to grow under a happiness tree!!
Milestone July 28, 2002 _________________________________________________
For Articles about Hillol Ray and his works, please visit:
Climatologists believe that the mountains are Barometer of global climate change- And human activities are profoundly affecting The climate with biodiversity range! Because of the constant mining, higher altitude, Shape, and orientation to the sun- Mountain ecosystems are being disrupted, And telling us to get something done!
We are connected to and affected by mountains In so many ways that we can dream- They harbor biodiversity to sustain life By providing fresh water via river or stream! Yet, poverty, hunger, wars, and environmental Degradations are still taking the toll- By threatening the web of life supported by The mountains and their important role!
With the depletion of mountain forests, The soil erosion increases by the flowing river- And the threat of falling rocks, avalanches, Landslides, or flooding causes us to shiver! As the fertile soils and forests are lost, Rivers begin to silt up over a period of time- Followed by the extinction of rare plants And animals, valued over nickel and dime!
From outskirts, perceptions of mountains Appear to be impenetrable monoliths of rock- But in reality, they are the unimaginable sources Of biodiversity that can give us a shock! Mountains provide refuge to people as well as To varieties of plants and animals indeed- And undoubtedly, they are our insurance for the future, While the present sows the seed!
Mountain people have been the guardians To maintain biodiversity at the mountain- By employing their knowledge of cultivation, They remained as the joy of fountain! Unfortunately, mountain ecosystems and people Have so far received no attention at all- And it’s the time to close the disparity between Mountain life and richness via global call!
Mountainous areas are the hidden flash points Of many conflicts afflicting the world now- While the effects on mountain peoples Are universally devastating, and tales tell us how! Deaths, injuries, and emotional trauma Of mountain wars affect so many individual soul- And slow down the national advancements While the infrastructures take the heavy toll!
With population rise water demand will intensify And mountain will remain as the source- To diffuse the imminent potential for international war Or deployment of the armed force! Fortunately, the treaties regulating the use Of mountain water have stood the test of time- And have shielded the various countries With strained relations from their grief paradigm!
No doubt, mountains are the primary battlegrounds To control the illegal drug trade- And the poor farmers pay the heaviest price, While they are earning their daily bread! Mountain communities tend to face the conflicts Often because of denial for their voice- Based on their social standing, race, or religious minority, They are left without a choice!
The health of serene mountain environments Thrives on the forests prevailing on its slope- But deforestation with the population increase And commerciality are killing all the hope! The destabilization of the mountain forests Is creating the spirals of destruction for sure- While the likelihood of avalanches or landslides Is increasing and water will not be pure!
The demand for freshwater continues to soar Unabated over the vast planet Earth- But the deforestation of mountain woodlands Is taking the toll and killing the mirth! Cooperation is a key for protection and Equitable distribution of freshwater resource- To improve the lives of mountain peoples In their struggles, and wipe out the remorse!
Well, as I dream for a world of peace, My heart longs today for a mountain of hope- To echo the voice of mountain people And break cycle of poverty they have to cope! Let us now pay attention to the protection Of mountain ecosystem and freshwater too- And set our priorities for a sustainable world With a promise what we all need to do!!!
On 6/23/02, Toni wrote:
> The Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor
Education
> is compiling a list of children's literature that can be
used
> in Language Arts and Social Studies but has a definite link
> to EE. If you use such books, could you send the title and
> autho...See More