With record heat waves, India faces water crisis.
An intense heat wave is being felt throughout northern states of Rajasthan and Jaipur, as temperatures hover well above the norm at around 45 degrees Celsius. The capital city of
New Delhi had highs above 43 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels of 67% compared to the norm of 31%. Meanwhile, in neighboring Gujarat state, signs of prolonged drought are causing concern for water shortrage, with the total water stored across 164 dams being about 88 percent below capacity. Some regions, such as Machu-II and Dantiwada, are down 95 percent. Tankers are being used to provide water to needed villages. In addition, 172 million liters of water per day are being taken from Narmada Dam.

Our prayers go to the people of India for the protection and the relief of cool rain. Through our shared steps to be better planetary caregivers, may extreme conditions such as these subside.

As in previous times, during a videoconference during the “Juice Fast for Peace” in March 2009, Supreme Master Ching Hai conveyed her concern for humanity and spoke of a simple way to restore resources and planetary balance.

Reference:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/North-India-reels-under-intense-heat-wave/articleshow/4552653.cms
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Ahmedabad/Major-dams-in-state-running-dry/articleshow/4573146.cms

Eco-eating message spreads through Ireland.
On May 28, the non-profit environmental initiative, Green Planet Awards, presented honors to the winners of a first environmental campaign competition conducted by Irish university students nationwide.

The campaign theme was “Eco-Eating,” or minimizing meat consumption due to its environmental and health detriments, with plant-based eating to help the planet promoted instead.

Based in Europe, the Green Planet Award founders stated that they were originally inspired toward raising awareness by the message conveyed on Supreme Master Television, especially about how human eating habits are affecting the planet.

The first place Green Planet Awards winner, with the prize of a Reva electric car, was the Environmental Society of the Sligo Institute of Technology, whose months-long campaign included an “Eco-Eating Week” on campus and booths informing of the wide-ranging benefits of low-carbon plant-based food.

Patrick McLaughlin – Green Planet Awards 1st prize winner, Student at the Sligo Institute of Technology (M): We tried to cover most of the issues: ethical issues, health issues, and how it impacts on the environment and global warming.

SMTV(M): And do you feel the students in Sligo University now see that food has an impact on the environment?

Patrick McLaughlin (M): Yeah, very much so. We highlighted the vegetarian option in the canteen for the week and actually, vegetarian options sold out all week.

SMTV(M): What was it that motivated you to get involved in the Green Planet Awards?

Grace Herbert – Green Planet Awards 1st prize winner, Student at the Sligo Institute of Technology (F): Well, I was passionate about eco-eating and as I researched it with the group, I learned what an impact it has. And I made a personal effort as well to cut down on meat eating.

VOICE: The award ceremony was hosted by former Miss World and vegetarian Rosanna Davison. The prizes were presented by dignitaries including Irish Senator Déirdre de Búrca.

VOICE: Green Planet Awards is also hosting a second competition, which is online and open to the public. The grand prize will go to the most active member to promote eco-eating at the social networking website www.green2cool.org, with a grand prize of €3,000.

The original award amount was doubled by Supreme Master Ching Hai earlier this year, who wished to show her support for the meaningful initiative whose winner will be announced soon after the competition ends on November 30, 2009.

Congratulations Green Planet Awards winners! A big salute to all involved in creating and presenting for your promotion of sustainable eating. May such endeavors continue helping our world realize the wonders of the plant-based diet!

Environment Expo in Veracruz, Mexico.
Starting June 3, the Veracruz state government is hosting Environment Expo 2009 at the World Trade Center Veracruz in Boca del Río. Coinciding with World Environment Day on June 5, this three-day interactive forum features workshops and lectures with an eco-focus for education and industry.

As part of the event, on Thursday, June 4, the “Let’s Make the Change – Protect the Environment” conference will be held. Veracruz state government officials, along with mayors and other local officials are expected to attend. Guest speakers include Mrs. Rosa Borunda de Herrera, President of Family Integral Development of the State and wife of Veracruz Governor Fidel Herrera Beltrán, and Mr. Alonso Domínguez Ferráez, Veracruz state’s General Coordinator of Environment Social Development and Environment Bureau.

Specially invited as the guest of honor is Supreme Master Ching Hai, who due to her full schedule is not able to participate, but has graciously agreed to convey a video message.The conference will be broadcast live by top radio station “Los 40 Principales” at 101.7 FM, reaching nearly 5 million listeners, as well as via Supreme Master Television. The 2009 Environment Expo’s “Let’s Make the Change – Protect the Environment” event will begin at 3 pm local time in Boca del Río, Veracruz, Mexico, or 10 am Central European Time.

Our thankfulness, Veracruz government and all involved in organizing this meaningful event for the public. We are grateful to Supreme Master Ching Hai for sharing her wisdom with audiences worldwide during this crucial time. May the expo be successful and inspire the best changes to save our precious planet.

Refernece:
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.elgolfo.info/web/lo-mas-nuevo/41122-anuncian-expo-ambiente-en-veracruz.html&ei=NuwkSsejJ8LBtwfYt_zcBg&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=3&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3DExpo%2BAmbiente%2B2009%2BWorld%2BTrade%2BCenter%2BVeracruz%2Bmexico%26hl%3Den