Hundreds forced to abandon farms in Iraq.
Climate-related prolonged drought leading to low water levels in the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers have in turn reduced the volume of the Shatt al-Arab waterway in southern Iraq’s province of Basra.

This fall in the water’s flow rate has allowed salty Gulf water to enter the fresh water supply. With the increased salinity rendering drinking and irrigation water unusable, at least 200 families have had to leave their land in the town of Fao, while the towns of al-Doura, Abu al-Khaisib and al-Siba have also been impacted.

Provincial officials say that if this continues the downtown area of Basra city would be affected soon. It saddens us to hear this news, Basra and Iraq, and we pray for the halt of this worrying trend.

May our choices be more and more directed toward compassionate lifestyles to restore the balance of our globe. Humanity's welfare on Earth has long been a concern of Supreme Master Ching Hai, who, during a 1994 lecture in Singapore, discussed how we can improve our environmental situation.

Reference
http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=85987

Global medical organizations urge leadership on climate change.
Eighteen of the world’s professional medical organizations have published a statement in Britain’s prestigious Lancet Medical Journal, urging the medical community to encourage strong action to halt global warming and avert a worldwide health catastrophe.

In a separate editorial, they caution that while people in developing nations will suffer the most first, all will be impacted.

The editorial, authored by Lord Michael Joy of the Merlin health charity and Professor Michael Marmot of University College London, affirm that a low carbon economy creates opportunities good for global health and the world, stating, " A low carbon-diet (especially eating less meat) and more exercise will mean less cancer, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.” 

Our earnest appreciation, Professor Marmot, Lord Joy, and participating medical institutions for your concerned call for action and for linking meat to climate change and health.

May all members of the esteemed medical profession similarly recommend plant-based diets for the benefit of all beings and our planet.  
Reference
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8257766.stm
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5iMLmNQXAgXMIEGBZt8pkeq1_dB7g
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/6195050/Doctors-warn-of-global-health-catastrophe-unless-climate-change-is-fixed.html

Extra News
San Francisco International Airport in California, USA launches a new program called “Climate Passport” that enables passengers to purchase carbon offsets either online or at airport carbon kiosks to contribute to emission reduction initiatives.  
http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/18905


Taipei City in Formosa (Taiwan) celebrates Car Free Day, during which approximately 3,000 cyclists, joined by Mayor Hau Lung-bin, enjoy riding to work on the city’s open streets.
http://www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_content.php?id=1061605&lang=eng_news&cate_img=logo_taiwan&cate_rss=TAIWAN_eng


As part of a rhinoceros reintroduction program to prevent their extinction, India’s Dudhwa National Park welcomes the birth of a new baby rhino, bringing the park’s population up to 29.
http://ecoworldly.com/2009/09/16/rhino-calf-born-in-dudhwa-national-park/
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/lucknow/New-arrival-ushers-hope-for-rhino-population-in-Dudhwa/articleshow/5016133.cms


UN Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon calls upon all government leaders to set aside national interests and finalize a climate agreement in December for the good of all humanity.  
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-09/18/content_12072271.htm