Last year, representatives from both countries were instrumental in advocating and building support for collection and destruction of “banks” of ozone-depleting substances, or ODS, that reside in old equipment, and that would otherwise leak out and contribute to the ozone hole and climate change.
Ambassador Masao Nakayama, permanent representative of FSM to the United Nations, and Sateeaved Seebaluck, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Environment of Mauritius, collaborated on a joint proposal addressing these ODS “banks” which would result in up to 6 billion tons of CO2-eq. by 2015 in avoided emissions — a significant amount compared with the 5 billion tons of CO2-eq. in reductions that the Kyoto Protocol seeks from 2008-2012.
Both parties worked hard to promote their proposals and Antonio Oposa Jr.’s work as a special advisor for FSM was crucial in moving the discussions forward.
In Nov. 2008, the 193 parties agreed on the urgent need to address ODS banks and included funding for pilot projects in the $490 million agreed upon by developed countries to finance projects under the protocol for the next three years.
“The Federated States of Micronesia is honored to be receiving such a prestigious award from the EPA,” said Nakayama. “The Montreal protocol is one of few international treaties to have enjoyed such success and we would do well to continue to strengthening it to protect the ozone layer and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
For small island countries with limited funds and limited contributions to global emissions, putting forth these formal proposals was an innovative strategy that helped catalyze the rest of the world to stretch its climate goals, he added.
Red Cross tips for preventing the flu
(American Red Cross) — In light of the recent news that has been sweeping the nation regarding the swine flu outbreak, the American Red Cross would like to encourage the general public to practice these common sense steps to stop the spread of germs:
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid or minimize contact with sick people (a minimum three feet distancing is recommended).
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your mouth and nose with tissues when you cough and sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow.
• Stay away from others as much as possible when you are sick.
• Adopt business/school practices that encourage employees/students to stay home when sick.
• Get a flu shot every year. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to minimize illness and death.
• Adopt business/school practices that encourage Employees/students to stay home when sick.
What to do when someone in your household is sick:
• Designate one person as the caregiver.
• Keep everyone’s personal items separate. All household members should avoid sharing pens, papers, clothes, towels, sheets, blankets, food or eating utensils unless cleaned between uses.
• Disinfect doorknobs, switches, handles, computers, telephones, toys and other surfaces that are commonly touched around the home or workplace.
• Wash everyone’s dishes in the dishwasher or by hand using very hot water and soap.
• Wash everyone’s clothes in a standard washing machine as you normally would.
• Use detergent and very hot water and wash your hands after handling dirty laundry.
• Wear disposable gloves when in contact with or cleaning up body fluids.
For more information regarding the swine flu, visit the Centers for Disease Control Web site at www.cdc.gov. For other disaster and emergency preparedness tips, visit the American Red Cross Web site at www.RedCross.org.
College closed on May 1, 2
(NMC) — All Northern Marianas College faculty, staff, and student employees will be participating in a student learning and assessment training today and tomorrow.
Normal operations will resume on Monday, May 4.
THE Mariana Islands Nature Alliance will have a general membership meeting on Thursday, May 7, at the Thirteen Fishermen Memorial from 5 to 8 p.m. All interested individuals are welcome to attend.
NMC graduation candidates
(NMC) — Spring 2009 graduation candidates of Northern Marianas College are invited to attend the meeting scheduled for May 2, Saturday, at the Student Support Services office, Building J on the NMC campus at 2 p.m.
The meeting will feature updates on the 2009 Commencement Day, Charter Day planning, and Mass/banquet planning.
For more information, contact Jack Kiyoshi Jr., at 234-5498 ext. 1021, or e-mail [email protected].
All students preparing to graduate this May are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting.
Auditions for Charter Day contests
(NMC) — Northern Marianas College’s 2009 Charter Day Committee will be holding auditions for the celebration’s three main competitions: the Marianas Idol, Charter Day Dance Crew, and Battle of the Bands.
Marianas Idol auditions will be held on May 4, Charter Day Dance Crew on May 5, and Battle of the Bands on May 6.
All auditions will begin at 5 p.m.
Finalists for all three competitions will be performing at the festivities on May 8.
Those interested in competing may pick up an application form from the NMC Student Center, Building J at the As Terlaje campus.
For more information, log on to www.nmcnet.edu, call Perry Inos Jr. at 234-5498 ext. 1253, or e-mail [email protected].
