Syria Suffers Water Shortage - More News on Middle Eastern Drought
Syria’s capital faces perilous water shortage. Ongoing drought for the past five years along with increasing demand resulted in water taps running dry this past summer in Damascus. The city’s water department head Mufak Khalouf is forecasting a catastrophe if efforts are not taken immediately to ensure a more stable water supply. Japan has donated US$50 million for reducing leakage in 100 kilometers of pipes and is promising continued support. However, this is considered only a partial solution. Ecologists recommend awareness raising about the individual water requirements of everyday items, such as the shockingly large amounts of water needed to produce meat.

Thank you for this reminder, scientists, as we also pray for the blessing of water in Damascus. Let us all meanwhile do our part in conserving resources by changing to the most effective Earth-saving lifestyle, which is the sustainable plant-based diet.


Nigeria: USAID to Spend 5.1 Million Dollars on Rice Farming in Country, Others
US supports increased rice production in Africa. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is donating US$5.1 million to Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal and Mali to purchase better seeds and fertilizer. Aside from boosting world food supplies, the program seeks to assist Africa in becoming a global center for rice production.

Heaven bless your generosity, US Agency for International Development. Surely assistance such as yours, together with sustainable living, will bring sustenance in plenty for all.

Wal-Mart Foundation Donates $5.7 Million to Support the Creation of Green Jobs in the U.S.
Wal-mart Foundation supports creation of green jobs. The charitable branch of the large US retailer Wal-mart has announced a US$5.7 million donation to the US Conference of Mayors and to the Veterans Green Jobs program. The funds will support for the creation of jobs in a variety of eco-friendly industries, as well as training sites in different states to help veterans develop green job skills.

Kudos, Wal-Mart Foundation, for your commitment to helping build a clean, green future. May caring support such as yours continue to be a cornerstone of our society’s sustainable development.

Florida county to transform waste to electricity.
Saint Lucie County, Florida, USA has decided to use plasma arc technology to literally vaporize waste by subjecting it to temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun. The resulting gas will provide power for both the plant and 3,600 homes. The community also plans to use the leftover slag, another byproduct of the vaporization process, for road construction.

Way to go, Saint Lucie County and Florida! We applaud your green innovation and send our best wishes for the Earth-friendly success of this project and many more.