Massive Death of Fish in Costa Rican Beach
Many fish lose their lives, possibly from harmful algal blooms. In recent days, thousands of fish in Playa Lagarto off the coast of Costa Rica were found to have suddenly perished. Experts are still investigating the cause. While some believe a chemical spill is responsible, some biologists say it may be due to massive algal blooms that appear periodically off the coast, also known as red tides, which clog fish gills or cause the fish to suffocate by depletion of the water’s oxygen. Red tides have also been noted to persist in the past several months near beaches of Dubai and neighboring emirates in the United Arab Emirates. Officials reported literally tons of perished fish and have warned that exposure to the algae has adverse human consequences as well. There is growing evidence that human activities such as conventional farming, livestock raising and fishing, all of which disturb the balance of marine life, are responsible for toxic algal blooms.

We are saddened to hear of the struggle and loss of fish across the world. Our prayers for humanity’s greater consideration of our effect on the environment so that these vital marine animals may flourish in the pure ocean waters they so deserve.

During a videoconference in August 2008 with our Association members in Canada, Supreme Master Ching Hai reminded of the opportunity being offered by our animal co-inhabitants, who have already been trying to let us know of the global warming crisis.

Climate Change Could Ruin Your Brunch
Maple syrup declining due to climate change. Regular weather patterns are needed for reliable sap production from maple trees in Canada and the northeastern US. Thus, with greenhouse gases destabilizing the climate, less maple syrup is being produced. As early as 2003, maple syrup producer Frank Carney commented, "There used to be trees 200 to 300 years old; you could hang five buckets on them. We don’t have any more growing like that." The US Environmental Protection Agency has reported that the sugar maple is likely migrating north due to climate change, but with the three to ten degree Fahrenheit warming predicted by United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the maple trees themselves may soon be gone.

We pray for quick action to preserve the beloved maple trees so that our children and grandchildren can continue to appreciate their generous harvests. Blessed be all endeavors to give back as the trees have so generously given to us.

Efforts underway to protect endangered monkeys
Guizhou’s golden monkey given additional protection. In China’s Fanjing Mountain National Nature Reserve, a hotel is being taken down to help protect the endangered grey snub-nosed monkey (NFT Rhinopithecus brelichi). Tourists will still be able to visit the reserve via day trips through the installation of a cableway. Also known as the Gray Golden Haired Monkey, this primate is the most endangered of the three species of golden-haired monkeys in China, with a current population of only 850.

Fanjing Mountain National Nature Reserve, hotel management and all involved, we laud your caring efforts to preserve this rare monkey. Wishing you the fruitfulness of a fully restored habitat so that these precious co-inhabitants may grace us with their presence for many years to come.

First Lady launches water project
First Lady of Uganda provides water aid. Uganda’s First Lady Janet Museveni who is also state minister of the northeast sub-region of Karamoja, recently launched a US$300,000 water project in Kangole to help resolve the water shortage in the region. The water system will provide safe water for up to 100,000 people who had been previously digging beneath river beds to access the liquid. Karamoja receives much less rain than the rest of Uganda, and its precipitation has become erratic and shorter in duration due to global warming. The on-going drought has also magnified food scarcity in Karamoja as well.

Our gratitude First Lady Museveni for initiating this much needed water project, as we pray that our concerted actions on behalf of the planet bring replenishment for all inhabitants.