The
people of the low-lying atoll Ifalik, one of the islands of the
Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), are facing serious threats due to
the increasing effects of global warming. A king tide that struck last
year is still causing damage to this years’ crops of the islanders’
staple food, taro. Co-author of a report on FSM food security and
climate risks, US Professor Charles Fletcher, expressed concern that as
sea levels rise, the food situation will only become more dire and said
that many communities like Ifalik are headed towardthe need for ongoing
humanitarian assistance.
Affirming that the outlook is not
hopeful, Ifalik’s Chief Manno Pekaicheng said, “We just put our lives
in the hands of God and hope the people who cause all these problems
step in and help.”
Our appreciation for your informed voice of
concern, Professor Fletcher and colleagues, as we pray for the
residents of Ifalik and other low-lying islands whose people are
already enduring the perils of a warming planet.
Let us swiftly
come together in meaningful action so that all beings may once again
thrive. Ever concerned for humanity’s welfare, Supreme Master Ching Hai
has frequently addressed the need for urgent action to halt the tolls
of global warming, as during a November 2008 interview with Ireland’s
East Coast Radio FM.
Supreme Master Ching Hai:
If we don’t have global warming, then no one would be a climate
refugee. imagine if that were yourself in the refugee’s situation,
experiencing all these troubles – insecurities, hunger, lacking all
comfort, humiliation, undignified situation, uncertain of the morrows
of your future and the future of your helpless children. Just imagine
it.
Then try to solve this tragedy by helping in whatever way
we can. And above all, and most urgently of all, be veg, go green to
save the planet, to prevent such trauma and to build a bright future
for the world, for our co-citizens.
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