More lives will be lost due to global warming.
Researchers from the World Health Organization and the University of Wisconsin at Madison, US estimate that climate change already costs the lives of approximately 150,000 people annually, a number is that is expected to double by 2030. Global warming accounts for some 5 million human illnesses each year through such factors as infectious disease spreading more with heat as well as an increase in the frequency and strength of disasters. Previous findings have also shown that fatality rates are much higher in higher temperatures than cold snaps.

World Health Organization, University of Wisconsin researchers and all others, we appreciate this factual information about the tragic toll of climate change on human life. Let us quickly take heed and adopt the most eco-conscious lifestyles to ease the precariousness of our Earth.

In a videoconference in July 2008 with our Association member in Seattle, USA, Supreme Master Ching Hai expressed her concern for humanity once again in speaking of the dire conditions of a warming planet as well as the way to address them.



Unusual rain patterns affecting Philippine crops.
The National Disaster Coordinating Council of the Philippines reported over US$27 million in agricultural damage from global warming effects due to Typhoons Dante and Chan-hom. The storms’ heavy rains that normally occur in June instead began in May this year. Dr. Antonio La Viña, Dean of the Ateneo School of Government of the Philippines and a presidential adviser on climate change said, “Farmers have to learn to adapt to the new seasons. It means having to change the planting calendar. You can no longer assume the seasons will be the same.”

We pray that God will grace Philippine farmers and leaders with solutions in coping with the many effects of climate change to prevent further losses. May all avoid future disasters such as these by creating a harmonious atmosphere with our surroundings.

Kenyan marathon hero dons running shoes to save wildlife.
Former marathon world champion and Olympic medalist Douglas Wakiihuri of Kenya is collaborating with a group of Japanese investors on a half-marathon race to be held in Nairobi National Park. This event is part of a larger partnership between Mr. Wakiihuri and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to protect diverse habitats and species from increasing threats of human development.

We join in cheering on Douglas Wakiihuri and all runners, along with the Japanese investors and Kenya’s Wildlife Service for your noble contributions to this event. Through caring endeavors such as these, may Kenya’s natural heritage soon be restored to her life-giving pristine state.