Climate Change Now the Main Driver of Natural Disasters

Natural disasters related to global warming. With the number of natural disasters doubling in the last 20 years from 200 to approximately 400 per year, over 75 percent have been deemed climate related.

This year alone, more than 230,000 lives were lost and 47 million people affected by two devastating calamities – the earthquake in Sichuan, China and Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar. At a United Nations-sponsored meeting in Malaysia with the ministers of 40 Asia-Pacific nations, initiatives were discussed to address the impact of these increasingly extreme events, with recommendations that included more stringent measures to address global warming along with improvements in disaster preparedness.

United Nations and Asia-Pacific nations, we appreciate your commitment to facing and alleviating these often-tragic climate-related effects. Our prayers that all governments join hands in effective actions such as the animal-free lifestsyle to most quickly lighten our footsteps and restore planetary balance.

Wind Screen Collects Cool Air To Help Save The Rhône Glacier In Switzerland

Scientists create a wind screen to slow the melting of glaciers. Researchers from Germany's Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz set up a small wind screen on the Rhône glacier in Switzerland to keep cool winds from blowing down the valley. Their efforts have succeeded in reducing nearby temperatures by as much as three degrees Celsius. Professor Hans-Joachim Fuchs stated that such a device might also help slow down the melting rate of the glacial ice. Our accolades, Dr. Fuchs and colleagues on your initial successes. Our prayers that efforts such as yours will help ease the transition to a balanced planet as we also simultaneously adopt the plant-based diet to eliminate the cause of the warming itself.
 
New speed limit designed to protect rare whales

Speed limit implemented to protect rare whales. To help ships avoid collisions with North Atlantic right whales, whose numbers have dropped to only 400 remaining in the world, a newly passed US federal law requires ships 65 feet or longer to travel at reduced speeds of 10 knots maximum when within 20 nautical miles of major ports. Effective immediately in the south and mid-Atlantic, this speed limit will be extended northward in January 2009 when the whales begin to migrate toward New England. United States, we are grateful for your efforts to protect the beloved North Atlantic right whale. With God’s grace and our kinder stewardship of the planet, may the numbers of this gentle giant prosper once again.

Australia’s unites against climate change.

Tens of thousands of Australians across the country joined to walk for sustainable energy and a safe climate future for children. “Walk Against Warming” was organized by the Conservation Councils of Australia in collaboration with the nation’s Climate Institute, international environmental group Greenpeace and others. 

Glenn – Co-organizer of “Walk Against Warming” (M): There are people deeply concerned not only about our natural environment but their way of life and the future for their children. We all want action; we all want action now, and this is what today is about.

VOICE: The cities of Sydney and Melbourne each drew some 15,000 people, while huge crowds also participated in Brisbane, Canberra and other major cities, as well as smaller groups all the way from Townsville to Wagga Wagga.

Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association members from Tasmania, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart also joined in the walk to show their support.

Citizen of Kiribati island living in Australia (F): We’re here to support this effort because Kiribati is going underwater and I think it’s important for the world to know about it.

VOICE: Among the many different groups and individuals, some were there to make a stand about the impact of animal agriculture on climate change.

Jesse – Representative, Animals Australia, Vegetarian (M): In Australia and also globally, it actually contributes more to greenhouse gases than all the planes, trains, automobiles and all of the other transport in the world combined, which is huge. So it’s an important decision that people can make to reduce their meat consumption and help the environment in the process.

VOICE: Adding his voice to raise awareness was Australian Congressman Ronan Lee, who recently received the Shining World Hero Award from Supreme Master Ching Hai for his brave efforts to alert the government about the links between meat and global warming.

Ronan Lee – Member of Parliament, Queensland, Australia (M): What I say to people is, “Hey, it’s really simple to live a happier and healthier life that involves eating a lot less meat, and it’s good for the environment as well.”

VOICE: Hats off, all the caring Australians who took part in this year’s Walk Against Warming! We join you in the call for governments and societies to quickly adopt measures that ensure the health of our planet and all beings.