Water A Matter of Life or Death Archives

Editorial

The Right To Water

Water scarcity is an increasing global problem. The world’s most precious resource is diminishing due to waste and the slow but persistent changes in the global climate caused by deforestation, soil degradation, increased pollution – which are damaging ecosystems and the health, lives and livelihoods of those without access to adequate, safe drinking water and basic sanitation. One of the results is that extensive droughts and floods, as well as other water-related disasters, have become more frequent and destructive.

José Rebelo | Editor

Global Warming

Corals Can Adapt?

The warming phenomenon of seawater threatens the corals, scientists are affirming. Then, the coral reefs, with an area calculated worldwide in more than 280 thousand square kilometers, give sustenance to more than 25 per cent of all the known marine species, and therefore its disappearance will inevitably have consequences for the survival of some of these species.

United Nations

A Call For Global Solidarity

Archbishop Celestino Migliore, the Holy See’s permanent observer to the United Nations, called a high-level meeting of the organization for a “surge of solidarity” with the least developed countries, suffering from the scourge of poverty.

Africa

15 Billion Wasted In Military Expenses

In 2006, military expenses in the world will beat the Cold War record. Only in Africa, according to a UN organization, every year 15 billion dollars are wasted on war. This is true even in the poorest countries, where hunger is like a plague and money for development measures is always scarce.

Convicts’ Organs For Sale

In an undercover investigation, a BBC correspondent visited a hospital in Tianjin, where he was told he could get a new liver at the cost of something less than 95,000 US dollars. The chief surgeon confirmed that one of the China’s many executed convicts would be the “donor”: death row inmates “offer” their organs “as a gift to society.” The organs, taken from the bodies of executed prisoners, are largely sold to foreigners who need a transplant.

Vatican

Priority For The Poor

The Vatican’s new secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, is proposing a “universal commitment” in favor of the poor as part of the Vatican’s new diplomatic agenda. In his first address to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See, the prelate said this is one of the top priorities.

Filipino Focus

The Presence Of The Dead

Relatives come from all over the world. There are comforts
such as radio, TV and taped music. Also food, drinks and games. For the Filipinos, wakes are obligatory family reunions, the Feast of the Dead is a form of communion with the departed. Because the truth is that they are “real,” able to intercede and give advice, even to “eat” the essence of the food offerings: they remain present.

Fr. Leonardo Mercado, SVD

World Report

Saudi Arabia At The ‘Top’ Of Religious Persecution

Protector of the most sacred shrines of Islam, the Saudi monarchy has a special police force that persecutes both moderate Muslims and Christians, in spite of a law allowing the practice of their faith in the privacy of their homes. Among the countries that don’t respect religious freedom, Saudi Arabia has already been classified as the second most intolerant.

Ronny Marinoto | Journalist

WM Special

A Matter Of Life Or Death

Considered as a universal and fundamental right of all human beings, water can also be used as a weapon against enemies in cases of conflict, or it can itself be a source of conflict among peoples. Studies carried out by the United Nations affirm that, in 50 years time, water will be more precious than oil. This is not a surprising statement because water is already, nowadays, a scarce good, which many people misuse.

Ana Glória Lucas | Journalist

WM Special

A Call To Hydro-Solidarity

In a recent and long document, “Water, an Essential Element for Life,” Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace states the need for a deep and worldwide engagement in favor of increased access to safe water and sanitation: the only way to save millions and help poor countries to develop. Some excerpts:

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Series: Water A Matter of Life or Death