Climate change-induced drought impacts lives worldwide. In Africa’s Sierra Leone, the water company has imposed rationing throughout Kenema, the country’s third largest city, as the region’s water table level has fallen to drastically low levels due in part to deforestation around the dams supplying water. In South Africa, the National Defence Force has begun transporting water to towns in the Eastern Cape that have run out, with rationing already in effect in many other regions. It is feared that if adequate rains do not arrive by April, the area will not be able to cope with the additional demand brought on by tourists and residents at that time. In the Middle East, Palestine has only received 30% of its average rainfall this winter, and Jordan is also facing a water deficit. The Jordanian government is prohibiting crops needing large amounts of water and is commencing desalination processes as well as digging more wells.
We send our sincerest prayers for the situation to soon improve for all those affected by water shortages. Let us do our part in restoring more life-sustaining conditions by quickly turning to gentler, Earth-saving lifestyles.
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. 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.
Google Earth, Google Ocean: mysteries of the seafloor are mapped for the first timeGoogle unveils Google Ocean. As an addition to the popular Google Earth software, Google Ocean is now available for virtual navigation beneath the sea. This new software combines satellite imagery, underwater photographs and video of thousands of marine species along with scientific data, which convey images of the ocean floor, coral reefs and even the melting of the Arctic sea ice cover. Awareness of our marine worlds’ environmental predicament is also part of Google Ocean’s informative message.
Kudos, Google on the launch of Google Ocean! We looked forward to this new tool bringing abundant enjoyment as well as awakening the care needed to restore the health and beauty of our seas.
Ten new amphibian species discovered in ColombiaNew amphibian species found. Returning from a recent expedition in northwestern Colombia, researchers from the non-profits Conservation International and the Ecotrópica Foundation report finding ten new amphibian species, including the orange legged rain frog and transparent “glass frogs.” Encouraged by these new discoveries, Scientific Director of Conservation International Colombia José Vicente Rodríguez-Mahecha, said, "The high number of new amphibian species is a sign of hope, even with the serious threat of extinction that this animal group faces in many other regions of the country and the world."
We are thrilled at the discovery of new animal co-inhabitants in Colombia! Blessed be our efforts in helping to preserve their precious habitat.
Allegheny Power offers wind energy to customersUS energy provider gives wind power option. Allegheny Power of Pennsylvania, USA is offering its clients the option of buying sustainable wind energy credits. Through a partnership with wind farms across the country, the Allegheny Renewable Energy Program allows customers to purchase in 100 kilowatt-hours blocks, with 200 kilowatt-hours of wind energy saving the carbon dioxide equivalent of planting over one acre of trees.
Bravo, Allegheny Power of Pennsylvania for providing customers with an eco-option in alignment with their eco-consciousness. May we continue to take steps to tread lighter on our planet.