Micronesian island suffers climate change impacts - 28 Dec 2009  
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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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