The world of Tzu Chi January 2020 (Vol.118)

TZU CHI 118 37 lobal News Reported by Tzu Chi Documenting Team Translated by Translating Team Photographs provided by Tzu Chi Taiwan Headquarters Torrential rains throughout August and September 2019 had caused water levels in the Mekong River to swell, flooding many settlements along the riverbank. The floods affected over 500,000 across six provinces in southern Laos, with the provinces of Savannakhet and Champasak experiencing the worst of the disaster. Tzu Chi volunteers from Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar and Taiwan conducted the first phase of relief distribution sessions from November 30 to December 4, benefitting more than 10,000 households reeling from the disaster. Registration procedures for the distribution sessions were simplified with the use of an online registry to improve efficiency while maintaining order. The volunteers were expected to keep tabs on the welfare of the beneficiaries who have received rice seeds and rice supplies during the distribution sessions and extend assistance whenever necessary. Laos 2019.11.30–12.04 Online Registry Expedites Relief Distribution Processes Member countries of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) gathered at the 2019UNClimate Change Conference (COP 25) held in Madrid, Spain from December 2 to 13. The conference was attended by delegates from nearly 200 countries, with a footfall count of 29,000. A group of Tzu Chi representatives participated in the two-week conference as observers, sharing with the delegates information on diseases and disasters caused by climate change, the organization’s humanitarian relief efforts, as well as innovations in the generation of a zero-waste economy by recycling plastics, textiles, paper containers and other recyclable materials. Although technology assumes an important role in supporting environmental conservation efforts, it is imperative for mankind to take the lead in initiating change to reduce environmental pollution and mitigate global warming. Spain 2019.12.02–12.13 Environmental Concerns in the Spotlight at COP 25