European Union leadership ranks environment at the top of the list.

 As the Czech Republic assumes presidency of the European Union for the next six months, the country’s Deputy Environment Minister Jan Dusik stated that environment is a top priority. Plans include addressing adaptation to climate change, protecting biodiversity, reducing industrial emissions, labeling products for environmental impact and finalizing preparations for the 2009 international global warming discussions in Denmark. We deeply appreciate your concern for our world’s climate, Your Excellency and Czech Republic. Wishing your leadership many progressive and green accomplishments for Europeans as well as citizens across the globe.

Biofuels take to the skies in airline tests

First US test flight with biofuel successful. Partnered with aeronautics company Boeing, Continental Airlines flew a 737 plane for an hour and 40 minutes with one engine powered by a mixture of jatropha oil, algae and conventional jet fuel while the second engine used all conventional fuel. Based on tests conducted in-flight, Boeing spokesperson Terrance Scott stated that the biofuel mixture provided even better performance than conventional fuel. A green hats off Continental Airlines, Boeing and all others who are working to develop greener fuel sources for the skies. We look forward to the day coming soon when eco-friendly air transportation is the norm for all travelers!

Prolonged drought hits parts of north, east China

Lingering drought raises concern in China. As six provinces in northern and eastern China attempt to cope with limited water supplies, in Shanxi province, where there has been no rain since last October, nearly 1 million people are facing water shortages. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, more than 5 million hectares of wheat crops have been compromised across the provinces, almost five times more than last year. Work is being done to dig new wells, construct irrigation facilities and deliver drinking water. Our prayers that the drought soon ends in China and that all those in need receive the supplies they require. May sustainable and compassionate lifestyles adopted by all Earth’s inhabitants lessen severe conditions such as these.

 During an international seminar in August 2008, in answer to a question regarding the natural disasters, Supreme Master Ching Hai had answered as follows:

Supreme Master Ching Hai: Nowadays the disasters are more frequent than ever. If it’s not earthquake, then it is storm, typhoon, drought. Western Americans now worry about water. This is even more permanent disaster than just earthquake, which lasts not long. The bad karma has to be paid. If the people turn to noble lifestyle, just even be vegetarian to save the planet, to save the animals, that’s enough to save them also.

New 35 dollar water purifier

Swedish company develops solar water purifier. The “Solvatten,” meaning “sunwater” in Swedish, is a new technology for providing affordable water purification to meet the needs of many developing countries. Using primarily solar energy to accomplish this task, several liters of water poured into two tanks and are then left in the sun for up to 6 hours. Once the water temperature inside reaches 55 degrees Celsius (131 degrees Fahrenheit), an indicator displays the water’s readiness for use. As a final step the water is also filtered when pouring out for use. What a simple and user-friendly system! Kudos Solvatten for this thoughtful green innovation and our best wishes for its benefit to many lives across the world.