Tension in the Andes as water supplies dwindle.
Experts warn that conflict is one of the effects communities in places like Peru and Bolivia may experience as climate change and glacial melt cause water sources to be drained faster than they are replenished, and agricultural distribution is disrupted. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has projected that by 2020, 1.5 billion people worldwide could experience water stress. United Nations IPCC Chairman Dr. Rajendra Pachauri said, “Inherent in these projections is the potential for conflicts and the disruption of peace.” In Latin America, the water shortages could affect up to 77 million people.

Our prayers for the sustenance of the Latin American people in meeting their resource needs. With Heaven’s grace, may we quickly shift to more sustainable and water-conserving practices.

In December 2006, Supreme Master Ching Hai spoke with our Association members in the United Kingdom about the dangers to civilizations resulting from the shortage of vital resources such as water.



Mayor promotes bus program in Formosa (Taiwan).
To celebrate the launch a new public transportation system, Mayor Jason Hu of Taichung himself rode to work on one of the city’s public buses. The “Taiwan Easy Go” program offers cardholders free rides on any one of seven new regional bus lines as well as Taichung’s downtown area. This program is part of a five-year initiative to promote bus ridership across the city.

What a great way to support cleaner, more efficient modes of transportation, Mayor Hu and Taichung! Wishing you many happy passengers in your city’s efforts to go more transportation green.

Sustainable garden watering introduced.
A water-recycling garden designed to encourage healthy exercise and sustainable resource use is featured in Britain’s Chelsea Flower Show. Designed by Gerardine and Wayne Hemingway, two stationary bicycles stand in the garden. These are not just any bikes –pedaling them is what brings water to the plants, which is also intended to raise awareness about water as a resource. The garden includes a “living wall” of vegetables and fruits such as pak choi and strawberries. After the show, it will be moved to a community park in the northeastern town of Gateshead, where it will be maintained in part by the children in the community who also helped design the garden.

What a natural innovation! Bravo, Gerardine and Wayne Hemingway, for your fun and eco-friendly green design. May all people let their creativity guide them towards Earth-benefiting ways.