As
scorching weather recently gripped the city of Yangon, two taxi drivers
succumbed to heat exposure. This year, the central part of the country
has especially been hit with record high temperatures, some rising to an
oppressive 45 degrees Celsius, a full 6 degrees above the average
maximum for the time of year.
The population is responding by
curtailing activities and remaining indoors whenever possible. Officials
are also disseminating survival tips and have halted the export of rice
to ensure food supplies in case the lack of rain leads to crop failure.
In rural areas, extreme temperatures are causing water
shortages as wells dry up, with a higher incidence of diseases such as
flu and skin allergies being noted. In one township alone, around
100,000 fish were estimated to perish in a single day from the heat and
lack of rainfall.
We are deeply saddened at the loss of life and
suffering caused by the extreme heat. Our prayers for the soon blessing
of cool rain for the gentle Burmese people and that humanity unites in
sustainable lifestyles to halt climate change and restore balance to the
planet.
Speaking with concern as she has previously about our
urgent situation, Supreme Master Ching Hai addressed global warming
during an October 2009 videoconference in Indonesia, describing the
simple but meaningful action needed to counteract its dangers.
Supreme Master Ching Hai : Now,
according to expert scientists, the atmospheric temperatures are rising
so steeply that we do not have much time left to change. And that is
just what they have predicted up to date.
The effects of climate
change can be seen in so many ways, with increased flooding, droughts,
fires and even earthquakes everywhere in the world.
How do we
stop these alarming changes? The greenhouse gases released from the
animals, from their waste, agricultural runoff, and the activities
related to these massive operations have been identified as the primary,
the number one cause of global warming.
We have to halt the meat consumption and the livestock raising.
Instead,
we should choose to buy organic vegetable and fruit products to save
our lives and those of our families, save the animals and the planet.
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