China
is experiencing the worst drought in crucial agricultural areas in 60
years, with Shandong Province potentially facing the worst drought in
200 years if rains fail to materialize by the end of this month.
The
situation is so severe that the UN Food and Agriculture Organization
released a warning that the drought is threatening the , of the world's
largest wheat producer, and also creating shortages of drinking water.
Given the number of people needing sustenance across the country, the
global grain market could be also affected if precipitation patterns
fail to improve and China is forced purchase grain from abroad.
Food
prices have also been increasing in China, despite officials'
assurances that there is ample supply to meet demand. Fortunately, 90%
of China's wheat harvest is spring wheat, which is planted in March and
harvested in June, providing time for improvements in the situation.
The
government has also announced an allocation of US$15 billion in an
effort to assist farmers in coping with the situation, with other
attempts to mitigate the dry conditions including the drilling of
additional wells for irrigation and seeding clouds to encourage
precipitation.
Our prayers, farmers and people of China, for
ample rain to bless the region and many thanks for the Chinese
government's efforts to help.
May we step in concerted endeavors
toward sustainable lifestyles that support abundant harvests for people
worldwide. Speaking during a September 2009 videoconference in Peru
with concern for the plight of those enduring the tolls of climate
change, Supreme Master Ching Hai reminded of the critical actions needed
immediately to restore our planetary balance and abundance.
Supreme Master Ching Hai :
The truth is, we are already not able to handle such situations in
places where global warming is already reaching extreme degrees. Some
countries and communities have to cope with worsened drought situations.
There is not enough water to raise crops or even to drink. Their rivers
and lakes are drying up or completely gone.
We are not ready
for the changes that are coming. All the leading scientists we have
spoken to tell us one and the same: that we must handle it now, not
tomorrow. The smartest way would be to stop the worsening of global
warming by being vegan. It sounds very simple but it is the best
solution, the most effective and the effect of it will be felt almost
immediately.
Moreover, the problems we already face now - such
as the warming atmosphere, water shortage, food scarcity,
desertification - we can quickly eliminate by stopping meat production.
Stop it now, no further!
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2011-02/17/c_13737197.htmhttp://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/chinas-drought-has-global-implications/article1910465/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12497459http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/09/business/global/09food.html
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