In recent years, eco fashion consumption and supply has been a hot global topic. Earlier, in 2019, there were around 150 fashion brands who had signed the G7 Fashion Pact, which is a fashion coalition aimed to tackle environmental impacts from the fashion industry. In 2020, we have seen many fantastic eco trends in fashion raw materials, dyeing techniques, fashion designs, marketing and digitaliza

Harboring some 600 billion tons of ice, the Himalayan glaciers are crucial for life in numerous parts of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, India, Myanmar, and China. These immense glaciers are the source for many major rivers, and supply more than 800 million people with water for irrigation, hydropower, and drinking. However, as temperatures increase, the glacial ice is rapidly di

"Every year, on the 22nd of March, the world comes together to help create water awareness. Everyone, from our world leaders to children in primary schools, join the fight against the abuse, pollution, and over exploitation of our precious water resources." Fresh water is the resource that all of us must share to meet many of our daily needs. We need fresh water for drinking, cooking, personal hyg

On today’s program we’ll explore how ocean warming is also contributing to extreme weather events. Warmer waters in both the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean have spawned some of the strongest storms on the planet. The warmer the water, the more chaotic and extreme the weather event will be. Supreme Master Ching Hai also told this in the conference, which took place in Orizaba on November 16, 200

In today’s program, we’ll discover how ocean warming is also adversely affecting marine life. One serious threat is the occurrence of marine heatwaves. “When marine heatwaves occur, they affect the biology (of the ocean) in a range of ways. Species change the location in the way where they live, and so for example, in Western Australia, many unusual species were pushed further south by the warm wa

Today the planet is facing critical climate challenges due to human activities that are detrimental to the environment and our animal co-inhabitants. Raising animal livestock is recognized as a leading cause of human-driven greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and air and water pollution. Ocean warming is accelerating due to excessive amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere that prevent

More recently, Deb had another experience that finally prompted her to write the book, “Beyond Hope,” and thus raise awareness about the critical condition of our planet. “I had a prompt when I was living out in British Columbia (Canada) in 2016. I started having premonitions. That’s what I’m calling them. But I had really vivid dreams, and these vivid dreams were all about the death of the ocean.

Ms. Deb Ozarko of Ontario, Canada is the author of “Unplug” and “Beyond Hope: Letting Go of a World in Collapse.” She is also a graphic designer, the creator and host of the Unplug podcast, an “unapologetic vegan,” and an Ironman triathlon competitor. In her latest book, “Beyond Hope,” Deb writes that between climate change, widespread pollution, mass plant and wildlife extinctions, global overpop

On today’s program, we’ll travel to Asia and Europe to learn how these continents have been affected by severe weather events lately. In China, torrential rains during the summer of 2020 caused dangerous flooding in several major river basins, especially around the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers. The number of floods in China this year was 60% higher than in previous years, and 77 of the nation’s river

This year in Africa, more than 1.21 million people in 12 different countries were affected by heavy rainfall and flooding. The following is a summary of the floods’ consequences in Africa between June and October 2020. Floods in Democratic Republic of Congo had resulted in at least 15 fatalities and thousands of people were affected. Floods in Tunisia, Ghana, Uganda and Burkina Faso had caused at least 15 fatalities and thousands had been affected. Floods in Sudan, South Sudan, Benin, Chad and Nigeria had resulted in at least 421 fatalities and over one million were affected. Floods in Ethiopia and Niger had caused at least 68 fatalities and over 600,000 people were affected. Floods in Somalia had caused at least 6 fatalities and over 150,000 people were affected. Meanwhile, in California, USA massive wildfires have raged across the state since August, being responsible for 31 deaths, destroying more than 8,687 structures, and driving thousands of people from their homes. By mid-September 2020, the damage caused by the wildfires had become the worst in the state’s history, with an estimated economic toll of more than US$20 billion. Supreme Master Ching Hai often speaks about the many dangers arising from climate change and reminds us about the fastest and easiest way to halt it. “I think people should see these disasters as a warning. It’s a sign of warning, telling us, ‘Wake up! Wake up! Wake up quickly!’”“We should choose the nobler and more virtuous path. We should look for enlightenment. It’s because only when we are enlightened can we use our inner almighty power. This almighty power is the so-called God, or Buddha Nature. Only this almighty power can direct us to the right way which will lead us further and further away from these disasters and all the suffering.” “Second, we have to protect other people’s lives. We have to protect other people’s lives and other animals’ lives so that we can protect the lives of ourselves, our relatives and friends. If we truly seek enlightenment and choose the noble and virtuous way of life, and walk in this direction, all natural disasters will disappear. And we will find Heaven on Earth.”

When Edith and Mike first changed from operating a beef operation to running an animal sanctuary, they knew they would face many challenges. But they also knew deep in their hearts that it was the right thing to do. "I think for him (Mike), once he made the decision that he didn’t want to slaughter the animals anymore, it was just, 'That’s it.' He couldn’t do it anymore. We knew we were going to face some backlash, and we knew it was going to be difficult. But you just have to push through it because you know it’s the right thing to do. Yeah, he (Mike) definitely is really brave and compassionate. For me, ethically I know and spiritually that it’s the right thing to do. You feel more in line with your values in terms of the way that you live. I can’t imagine sitting down for dinner and having an animal on my plate. It just feels so wrong to me now. And I think once you make that connection, it’s hard to continue living an ethically and spiritually fulfilled life while you’re also eating animals." Many people are deeply grateful to Mike and Edith for sparing the lives of the innocent cows, and for founding an animal sanctuary where they can live. In fact, as soon as the sanctuary was created, volunteers offered to help. The story behind Farmhouse Garden Animal Home has touched the hearts of many, including non-vegans. And the sanctuary has received considerable media coverage. "It feels amazing to look at the animals and know that they’re safe and they’ll always be cared for. It’s such a fulfilling feeling knowing that I was a part of something that I think has inspired a lot of people and has helped so many animals. So I’m really happy with how far we’ve come and I’m proud of all the work that we’ve done. It’s a good feeling." Mike, Edith, and all the others involved with Farmhouse Garden Animal Home, we applaud your courage and determination to do what you feel is right. May you be blessed with good health, long lives and continued success.

On today’s program, we’ll learn more about Farmhouse Garden Animal Home. The mission of the sanctuary is “to provide a safe home for the animals in [their] care, as well as to show others that farm animals deserve love and compassion.” When Edith and Mike first transitioned from beef farming to running a sanctuary, they wondered about the best way to accomplish the change. "So when we first became

On today’s program, we’ll travel to Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada to visit Farmhouse Garden Animal Home, an animal sanctuary co-founded in 2016 by Michael Lanigan and Edith Barabash. For many years, Mr. Lanigan had been a fulltime farmer, earning his income by growing organic vegetables and raising beef cattle for slaughter. Although he did not like having his animals butchered, he did not know what e

Mr. Guttman describes how he was able to achieve his dreams by incorporating minimalism into his life, and how ecofriendly travel is attainable by the ordinary person. "You know, now I just have my bicycle, a few bags, and it's my whole life. I’m traveling on my own money. Some ask how I get the money to do it. Some say you have to have a lot of money. Or you won the lottery. Or you have to be rich to be able to do it. That's not true. I travel on US$12 a day and you can do your math how much it costs in a month or a year. What I spend in one year is the same as some people spend in two weeks on a holiday. So, you have to remember that." Are you looking to reduce your emissions in the area of lodging? Try camping. Homestays are another great option to help locals earn income while offering the traveler accommodations that are affordable. If that’s not available, stay at a smaller, independent, locally owned, and most importantly, environmentally conscious place; you don’t always have to stay at a big chain hotel. With a little research you can even find a relaxing hotel or resort that puts those core values into practice – like a vegan hotel. No matter where you stay, conserve energy and resources as you would at home, and bring your own reusable water bottle, straw, and utensils to reduce waste. "When you're thinking about ecotourism, I would highly, highly suggest for everyone travel slowly and less places, and coming together with locals on the same level, not to be arrogant thinking I'm rich and I want you to do this and that for me, no. Come and meet local people on the same level, on the same base. Traveling slowly, respect people and you get a good time. But it would be much better if we’re using less planes and less cars. Just travel on public transports or using your own power moving around as eco-tourists, because otherwise we are ruining our world. And I want to invite everyone to go vegan because I think it's really important to go vegan and eat less meat because we have to save our world and also to be grateful and thankful for your own body and it's your own strength and your own health. Remember that, it’s really important to what you eat, and I will say just be vegan, go green and save the planet!"

Our special guest on today’s program, Sebastian Guttman, is an environmentalist and vegan athlete from Germany who has chosen to use a zero-emissions form of travel with his selfmade bamboo bicycle. A champion of sustainable travel, Mr. Guttman has traveled to approximately 30 countries over the past two-and-a-half years, and plans to pause his bicycle tour during the COVID-19 pandemic. "I would h

In 2019, a record number of people traveled internationally, 1.5 billion, to be exact. However, conventional mass travel has been shown to be unsustainable and actually has many hidden, deeply intertwined costs for both tourist destinations and our planet. The good news is that over the past decade trends in travel have been changing considerably. As the world becomes more aware of the threats that human-induced climate change poses to people, our planet, and our future; ways to reduce the carbon footprint of activities such as mass tourism are being sought. What can we do about our recreational travel habits? The answer is ecotourism. Ecotourism is a way of travelling that minimizes the environmental impact of visiting tourist destinations, while respecting the local culture and people. The practice allows host countries to benefit and future generations to enjoy these beautiful areas as much as we do. Now let’s find out what researchers from Purdue University in Indiana, USA have to say about this new trend. "Heritage and culture and its protection are very important parts of sustainability. They are very vulnerable to the negative effects of tourism, which is why we need to ensure that we have the correct policies in place to ensure its protection for future generations." "I study community-based tourism and that is a form of tourism that is being operated by a community, usually in rural areas, specifically in rural areas in Indonesia for my research. I think identifying the resources that they have is really important and how they can use that to show their culture, and then, once they’ve identified those things, then the tourism operation can be initiated." "Sustainable tourism is about looking after people’s economic well-being, it’s about looking after their heritage and their culture, and it’s also about looking after the environment so that we can keep these three things working together for the benefit of the communities." Many thanks, Purdue University students, for sharing your knowledge about eco-tourism. May your research continue to touch the lives of all the planet’s inhabitants.

In late May 2020, a 23-square-kilometer horde of locusts entered Argentina after passing through Paraguay. The insects landed first in the provinces of Santa Fé and Formosa, both of which are essential for agriculture. Millions invaded cities and farms, devouring all the crops in the area in a matter of hours. The locusts were enormous; technicians from the Argentine government measured specimens up to 15 centimeters in length, about the size of a human hand. Climate change experts warn the warming oceans that feed cyclones and heavy rains have led to record-breaking groups of desert locusts, which could grow larger and more widespread if climate change continues. Is there a spiritual meaning to all of this? Locust attacks are mentioned in almost all the world’s ancient texts, from wall paintings on Egyptians pyramids to the Holy Bible and Holy Qur’an. In the Christian tradition swarms of locusts have typically been associated with the end of the world, stemming from a prophecy about an apocalypse. Numerous scientific reports conclude that the animal livestock industry is responsible for massive levels of greenhouse gas emissions leading to climatic change and thus recommend that people shift to a plant-based diet. Supreme Master Ching Hai also explains that worldwide adoption of the vegan lifestyle is the fastest way to halt climate change. “According to the latest report, animals are responsible for 51%, at least, of all the greenhouse gas emissions that heat up the planet. So, if we stop the animal industry, we cut out 51% of the heat. And then, if we use all the tillable land, all the cultivable land, to plant organic vegetables and fruits, then we cut off another 40%, at least, of carbon dioxide that exists. The planet cools off in a few years.” “But we can only stop the disaster once and for all by tackling the root problem; that is, by stopping the killing of humans, and mass murdering of innocent animal lives. Only when we walk in peace and love on this Earth will the Earth and nature respond peacefully to us. If we protect others, we will be protected. And as more of us become vegan, the spiritual consciousness of humankind can be elevated higher. Let’s continue striving to touch people’s hearts and minds, to change to a vegan lifestyle, and to love the precious animals and our respected planet. Then, the changes in our world could happen in more surprising speed than you think!”

On today’s program, we’ll travel to Pakistan and India to learn how the insects have affected these countries. But first, let’s find out more about locusts, and why they’ve been so plentiful during the past year. Many scientists believe that climate change is largely responsible for the current locust plague. The unusually warm, wet weather in the normally arid areas around the Arabian Peninsula have created ideal conditions for the insects to hatch and multiply. (The) reason behind increased breeding of locusts this year [is] the Indian Ocean temperature changes, (and) increased numbers of abnormal rains and cyclones. So, increasingly, the number of insects over the Arabian Desert [is] roughly 8,000-fold. This year’s attack has been the worst in three decades. Scientists predict that the disaster will enhance as we enter monsoon season. This year’s outbreak has been the worst in Pakistan in nearly three decades, causing billions of dollars in damage and raising concern about food shortages. Pakistan’s prime minister, His Excellency Imran Khan, Shining World Leadership Award for Good Governance laureate, declared the invasion a national emergency, and the government has pledged to assist farmers. Since April 2020, swarms of locusts of biblical proportions have been attacking India. The skies over some parts of the country have been blackened by the insects soaring overhead. The vast swarms have devastated crops in India's heartland, and are now threatening food supplies in the world’s second-most populous country. And the locusts continued to move through the nation. On June 29, 2020, a cloud of insects several kilometers long swarmed into New Delhi, India’s capital region, flying through metro stations and playgrounds, invading sugar cane fields and threatening major losses to the agricultural sector. The infestation came at an already difficult time for New Delhi. Dr. Anshu Sharma of the Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS), a non-profit disaster management organization, says that India faces a number of challenges in the months ahead: "We need to be alert and anticipate where this is going next. The situation is all the more alarming as it comes at a time when the affected states are already reeling under COVID-19 and the ongoing heatwave."

On today’s program we’ll travel to Africa to learn about the recent massive invasion of locusts that the continent has experienced. The plague began in June 2019 and has continued through 2020. Billions of desert locusts, resembling dark storm clouds, have descended on the Horn of Africa, destroying vast areas of cropland and vegetation. Dr. Rick Overson of Arizona State University's Global Locust Initiative further explains, "They are powerful, long-distance flyers, so they can easily go a hundred-plus kilometers in a 24-hour period. They can easily move across countries in a matter of days, which is one of the other major challenges in coordinated efforts that are required between nations and institutions to manage them." The locust plague came as many countries in East Africa were already struggling to manage food insecurity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), about 20 million people are experiencing acute food scarcity in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania. As billions of locusts have invaded farmers’ crops, the swarms have multiplied by as much as 400 times, spreading far beyond Kenya’s borders. An article in the scientific journal Nature reported that in Kenya one unusually large swarm occupied an area of 2,400 square kilometers, more than three times the size of New York City. Swarms typically occupy 100 square kilometers. Even at this size, they can contain from four- to eight-billion locusts, which can consume the amount of food 3.5 million people would eat in a day. “The swarms came from Yemen, then down from the Red Sea to the Horn of Africa. The unusual warm temperatures off the coast are partly to blame. The recent heavy rainfall has created the perfect breeding conditions.” The amount of unpredictable weather to come will be crucial in determining how long the crisis lasts and which areas will be affected next. Climate change experts have warned that warming oceans that feed cyclones could continue to create conditions for record-breaking swarms of desert locusts. Such plagues could grow larger and more widespread if climate change continues.

On today’s program, we’ll look at some of the solutions emerging all around the globe. According to a 2019 study published in the journal Science Progress, as many as 90% of all plastic items are used only once and then discarded. Plastic bags are among the biggest sources of pollution, with as many as five trillion being consumed globally each year. When disposed of improperly, the bags clog waterways, pollute oceans, and choke marine life. Many nations have decided that this must stop. As of 2020, more than 90 countries have banned the use of single-use plastic bags, and an additional 36 nations minimize the problem by applying fees for their use. Sadhguru, an internationally renowned spiritual teacher and founder of the Isha Foundation, calls for global action both by individual citizens and governments. “I am talking about one simple solution. This is not a total solution. This is a simple correction step. That is, single use plastic must be banned in all the countries.” Currently, plastic is made primarily from petroleum. But scientists around the world are searching diligently for alternative, more eco-friendly materials from which to make it. For example, polyhydroxyalkanoate, or PHA, is a biodegradable material derived from plant-based sources. Mr. Dane Anderson and his twin brother Mr. Jeff Anderson have co-founded Full Cycle Bioplastics, a company that produces plastic from this more sustainable alternative. “Full Cycle Bioplastics is the company that we founded that has the technology that can turn any organic waste into a compostable and marine degradable bioplastic.” In Chile, an award-winning company called Solubag whose founders are Shining World Invention Award recipients, produces another type of eco-friendly non-plastic bag. The biodegradable Solubag material was created in 2014 from a new raw material made through a synthesis of calcium carbide and natural gas. The company’s environmentally friendly bags completely dissolve in water within five minutes and are being used in major shopping centers in Chile. Supreme Master Ching Hai frequently reminds us about the detrimental impact of plastic pollution on our environment, saying that each of us has a personal responsibility to reduce our use, especially of plastic water and drink bottles. “Plastic bottles have been the cause of suffering for much marine lives because they will float everywhere, in the river, in the lake. And then they flow also to the ocean, everywhere. And they’re not digested with time, even. And sometimes fish, or other marine life, they swallow them and it causes them a lot of pain and sickness. And sometime birds also get caught in them, or eat them and they get sick also. Please take care of the environment so that we can live in a beautiful place. Not just for the animals; it’s also for us.”