Himalayan villagers on global warming frontline - 5 Jan 2009  
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Himalayan villagers on global warming frontline

Global warming toll felt in Himalayan region. With a 0.06 degrees Celsius temperature rise occurring each year, the annual increase in the Himalayas alone is almost as much as the global average over the past century. One of the side-effects of this steeper temperature rise is ice melt that causes the formation of glacier lakes, which if overflowed could release millions of cubic tons of water, endangering residents and the land.
In Nepal, 2,000 of these glacier lakes are forming, with 20 in danger of bursting.

We appreciate this reminder of the dire state of the treasured Himalayas and pray that phenomena such as these are minimized as we join in supportive actions to save the planet.

On November 26, 2008, in a videoconference with Supreme Master Television staff, Supreme Master Ching Hai had answered the following question regarding the rapid melting of the Himalayan glaciers.

Supreme Master TV-Mike (m): Scientists in India predicted that by 2035 all of the glaciers in Himalayas will have melted and of course the global warming is accelerating the melting and this can cause floods and droughts for the people. And Master was in Himalayas about 20-plus years ago and so Master can see the difference between before and what is the condition now. Can Master please share her thoughts about the status of the Himalayas today and your concerns. Thank you, Master.

Supreme Master Ching Hai : Through the scientists and research, it’s been proven already that it’s melting faster than we have expected and that we have imagined. The Ganges River feeds millions of people, depending on the glacier of the Himalaya and if it melted all, then first of all, we’ll have a lot of flood and then we will have drought and dryness afterwards. Because water will not be distributed evenly like it has been done for centuries. Then cities will be drowned, people will die and flood will be everywhere and later we will have no water even. No reservoir anymore. So either way, either a lot of flood or drought, it’s very dangerous for the people, especially the people who depend on the Ganges River and the glacier to survive. I am really worried, but I just pray and hope that the people who are in power will do something. SMTV(m): Understand. SM: The only solution is vegetarian diet for everybody and it’s so easy to do. So we just have to do our best and be patient.

First hibrid urban bus in Spain


Spain goes green in public transportation. A first-ever hybrid bus designed by the Spanish company Mormendi has been named Spain’s Bus of 2009 for its unique construction and 50% reduction in fuel use. Called Tempus, the new bus is also small enough to travel through the smaller streets of Europe’s historic city districts and features clean electric motors for use within cities and a diesel engine to power the bus in less populated areas. With requests already in place from the city councils of Barcelona, Madrid, Sevilla, Oviedo and Leon, the Tempus is expected to be on the road by summer of 2009. Way to go, Mormendi and Spain! Wishing you the best of success for this green new mode of travel.


Nokia contributes to green awareness.

To start the New Year, Nokia India on January 1 launched a program that encourages the growing number of mobile phone users across the nation to drop off their old handsets and accessories of any brand at Nokia stores. The collected devices will not only be recycled, the company will also plant one sapling for each one received. A big green thumbs up Nokia India for this marvelous eco-friendly initiative! May the gentle people of India be inspired by this green opportunity toward further actions that benefit our Earth.

Road tour to combat climate change

Caravan crosses India promoting green. The Climate Solutions Caravan, a procession of three vehicles powered by non-food crop biofuels and solar energy, is traveling with 20 participants some 4,000 kilometers across India. Its five-week Climate Solutions Road Tour is stopping at universities in a campaign to raise awareness about green lifestyles to save the planet from global warming. The group is accompanied by Solar Punch, a band bringing music with an eco-message along with entertaining dancers. What an exciting trip, Climate Solutions Caravan participants! May lively initiatives such as yours unite us all in the effective steps needed to save our lovely abode.