The
oxygen-deprived region that is measured annually in the Gulf of Mexico
is smaller than predicted this year; however, it is more severe in its
effect as the areas of low oxygen levels are closer to the surface.
The
“dead zone,” a region where life can no longer be supported, is formed
from agricultural runoff resulting largely from livestock-related
activities enters the Gulf and stimulates an overgrowth of algae.
The
algae in turn sinks, decomposes and then consumes excessive oxygen form
the water. Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Administrator for the US National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, stated, “Clearly the flow of
excess nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural fields in the
Mississippi drainage basin continues to wreak havoc with life in the
Gulf.”
Many thanks Administrator Lubchenco and National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for your candid report. Let us
all make strides toward adopting sustainable ways that honor the lives
of all beings on Earth.
During a March 2009 videoconference in
Xalapa, Mexico, Supreme Master Ching Hai addressed how human activities
contribute to dead zones while offering the fastest solution to the
problem.
Supreme Master Ching Hai :
Overfishing and chemical run-off from farms and factories all cause
harm, because they do not consider the impact of our actions on other
beings. For example, you are surely aware of the so called “dead-zones”
in the Gulf of Mexico. These waters have been contaminated to such an
extent that no life can exist anymore there.
The way to solve
this problem is through greater consideration for all life. If everyone
is vegetarian, better still vegan, having an animal-free diet, then
there is a different outlook for for development of all kinds. In our
case, it will proceed to restore the wonders of our marine life.
Referencehttp://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Tech%2Band%2BScience/Story/STIStory_408936.html http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gvqjyoei8OyXZvmjx28wMMqrUL-gD99L4LLO2http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE56Q55U20090727