Accelerated glacial melt causing water sources to dwindle

As home to 70% of the Earth’s tropical glaciers, Peru has witnessed a 30% loss of glacial mass in the last 30 years due to climate change. Catholic University Research Center Director Bernex Nicol expressed his concern about the matter in a talk given on the radio station Radio Programs of Peru.

With shortages already threatening cities like Lima, where 1.5 million people are currently without water, further reductions are anticipated from factors such as the disappearance of freshwater springs in the northern Andes, where over 50% have dried due to deforestation.

Moreover, Peru’s National University of Engineering Director Julio Kuroiwa has stated that further shortages are expected in Lima, where water supplies could decrease by another 25% over the next decade.

Meanwhile, demands on this fragile resource are further complicated by metal contamination coming from mines in the country’s highlands.

Our appreciation Directors Nicol, Kuroiwa and colleagues for your evaluation and voiced concern about the vanishing Peruvian glaciers and their effect on people’s lives.

Let us act in unison now to stabilize the security and survival of the Peruvian people and all inhabitants of our shared Earthly home. As on previous occasions, Supreme Master Ching Hai spoke during a September 2009 conference in Peru about the country’s water crisis and how to bring relief to this global problem.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: In Peru, the loss to glaciers is equivalent to 10 whole years of water supply for Lima city.

With 8 of the country’s water basins already noted as being insufficient to meet people’s needs, Peru’s President Garcia announced in 2008 the construction of two desalination plants to try to address the water scarcity. It’s that urgent already in Peru.

Dwindling water supplies have caused escalating tensions and even conflicts to erupt as many people, including disadvantaged farmers, don’t have enough water, or are struggling for their share.

So please, before the situation gets any more out of hand – let’s choose the vegan diet. The future effects will be greatly eased. Only then will we have a manageable situation.

Be veg, go green, so we can all save the planet.

http://www.peruviantimes.com/limas-water-supply-to-decrease-by-25-percent-over-next...
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/sci/2010-03/28/c_13227756.htm
http://www.peruviantimes.com/brack-limas-water-supply-secure-over-next-years/285418

Past natural disasters the result of human activities

The Nasca culture that flourished in South America is famous for its mysterious lines, best viewed from the air, that depict animals and other shapes across the deserts in Peru.

While being aware that the Nasca civilization ended suddenly between the 6th and 7th centuries, scientists at the University of Cambridge in the UK have recently revealed that the Nasca demise was related to deforestation.

This was due to their clearing of huarango trees, whose deep roots played a key role in regulating moisture and soil richness. Thus, removing so many trees eventually caused a tipping point to be reached, after which the ecosystem was irreversibly damaged and the climate became more and more dry.

The study's authors say that these findings are highly relevant in view of parallels with humanity’s situation today.

Meanwhile, experts from the Leibniz Oceanography Institute in Kiel, Germany announced their discovery of signs that a severe natural disaster occurred in the Atlantic Ocean two millennia ago.

According to the scientists, the edge of an African continental shelf broke off, scattering debris over 150,000 square kilometers across the deep Atlantic off the coast of Morocco, south of the Canary Islands.

This event could have set off a massive tsunami that some say impacted the lost city of Atlantis, believed to have existed in the Atlantic basin before being engulfed by the sea.

What intriguing findings! Thank you University of Cambridge and Leibniz Oceanography Institute scientists for your reports that offer insights into past civilizations.

Let us strive to prevent the repeating of such devastations through our increased stewardship of the environment. During a videoconference in Togo in May 2009, Supreme Master Ching Hai gave a spiritual perspective on such cases in history as well as ways for humanity to choose a safer course today.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: At least 2 major times, our planet has undergone major destruction due to detrimental human activities. It may be that past civilizations on Earth did not last also because their moral standard did not develop along with their technical power.

Spiritual development and compassion are what ensures the safety and balance of every other endeavor. I pray that our civilization will be different, will be wiser, and more advanced in many beneficial ways.

So, let us not neglect to cultivate our virtues. If we want good things then we have to do good. If we want life, we have to spare lives. Because that means we spare life, we want life, we want constructive energy, we don’t want destruction. So vegan is the answer.

http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSTRE5A100O20091102
http://www.kew.org/science/anniversary-conference/Kew-250thConferenceProgramme.pdf
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/scienceshow/stories/2008/2432894.htm
http://www.naturalnews.com/028358_deforestation_human_civilization.html
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/315771,oceanographers-find-signs-of-at...
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1543702.php/Oceano...
http://en.mercopress.com/2010/03/27/german-scientists-find-evidence-of-major...

Urban dwellers’ meat consumption among the factors of increasing deforestation

In a study published in the journal Nature Geoscience, US-based lead author Dr. Ruth DeFries discovered that along with an increased move to cities has been a rise in the clearing of forests.

This observation reverses previously held beliefs that fast-growing urbanization and technological efficiencies might slow or even reverse such deforestation.

Moreover, the research found that the trees’ decline is due in part to the tendency of city-dwellers to eat more animal products and processed foods.

Dr. DeFries stated, “One line of thinking was that concentrating people in cities would leave a lot more room for nature. But those people in cities and the rest of the world need to be fed.

That creates a demand for industrial-scale clearing.” Some of the nations most affected by the immense land clearing needed for livestock and related products include Brazil, Paraguay, Indonesia and Cambodia.

Related research has found that in Brazil alone, more than 80% of the deforested regions are occupied by cattle or crops grown for animal feed.

Our sincere appreciation, Dr. DeFries and colleagues, for your work in documenting further the immense eco-damage created by meat consumption.

May such findings hasten our actions toward life-giving plant-based fare to save our Earth.

Highlighting as on previous occasions the preciousness of our planet’s biodiversity, Supreme Master Ching Hai addressed once more the need to halt the destructive tolls of the livestock industry during an October 2009 videoconference in Formosa (Taiwan).

Supreme Master Ching Hai: Right now, one-third of the entire Earth’s land surface is used either for grazing animals or growing feed for the animals, not for humans. We humans use very little of this agriculture section.

This is a devastating way to make a cheap profit at the cost of our planet’s and our people’s survival. We are eating our planet by consuming meat. So, without the needless animal industry, not only will we gain forests, we can also have organic vegan farmlands to grow real, decent food for humans, and like the forests, these farmlands can also absorb a lot of heat, a lot of heat from the atmosphere.

And a global shift to organic vegan practices could mean 40% of all greenhouse gases absorbed as well, apart from the 50 plus percent that we eliminate through the terminating of the animals raising practice.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/feb/11/cities-farming-deforestation
http://www.earth.columbia.edu/articles/view/2470
http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/blog/forests/how-cattle-ranching-chewing-amazon-rainforest-20090129
http://www.nature.com/ngeo/journal/vaop/ncurrent/abs/ngeo756.html

Kuwait’s natural desert being damaged by excessive livestock grazing

The chairman of the Ornithological Society of Kuwait, Abdel Rahman Al-Serhan, has issued a statement saying that the non-human-inhabited regions of Kuwait are being destroyed by deforestation and livestock.

He warned that if people continue to exploit the unregulated lands with animal grazing, the diverse wildlife and plants of Kuwait will suffer more and face extinction.

Calling for the media to help raise public awareness, the chairman stated that laws should be implemented to protect habitats so that the flora and fauna can be restored. Studies conducted by the United Nations Security Council, Kuwait University and others have also highlighted livestock grazing as one of the main causes of Kuwait’s damaged lands and depleted desert vegetation. Our sincere appreciation, Chairman Al-Serhan, the Ornithological Society and all other organizations and scientists for your concerned voice on behalf of the animals and plants that are in danger.

May we heed such calls to action so that the natural beauty of Kuwait and all lands still exist for future generations to appreciate. Supreme Master Ching Hai has often cautioned of the livestock industry’s costs to both humanity and the planet, as in an October 2009 videoconference in Formosa (Taiwan).

Supreme Master Ching Hai: Right now, one-third of the entire Earth’s land surface is used either for grazing animals or growing feed for the animals, not for humans. We humans use very little of this agriculture section. This is a devastating way to make a cheap profit at the cost of our planet’s and our people’s survival.
We are eating our planet by consuming meat.

So, without the needless animal industry, not only will we gain forests, we can also have organic vegan farmlands to grow real, decent food for humans, and like the forests, these farmlands can also absorb a lot of heat, a lot of heat from the atmosphere.

http://www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgenciesPublicSite/ArticleDetails.aspx?Language=en&id=2053167
http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=MjIwMTc3OTc5
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Livestock reduction is key for Copenhagen’s deep emission reduction goals

At the two-week United Nations Climate Change Conference in Denmark, discussions have continued to revolve around how much global temperatures should be allowed to rise, with low-lying countries vulnerable to sea level rise calling for no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius increase. Even at this level, many such as the tiny island nation of Tuvalu are likely to be submerged. But a new study was presented at the conference on Saturday that highlights a very important component in limiting temperature rise.

Supreme Master Television’s correspondent is on location at the Danish capital with this report.
Supreme Master Television Danish correspondent: As delegates weigh in on proposals leading up to a final agreement, a summarized draft document calls for more drastic emission reductions than have been committed to thus far by industrialized nations.

In addition, for the first time, text has been proposed that would allow “interstate cooperation” to help countries with anticipated relocation of possibly millions of global warming refugees. Meanwhile, countries have been pledging future financial aid to vulnerable nations, with European Union leaders agreeing to funding €7.2 billion
over the next three years.

Anders TURESSON, Chief Negotiator for the Sweden, Presidency of European Union (M): These monies should be used for public support, adaptation, mitigation, and capacity building, with an emphasis on the least developed countries.

Supreme Master Television Danish correspondent: Meanwhile, Brazil stepped up efforts to protect the Amazon rainforest, a vital climate regulator whose deforestation is a major source of greenhouse gases.
Supreme Master Television recently spoke with Brazilian Ambassador Paulo Alberto da Silveira Soares about the government’s plan coinciding with the Copenhagen summit.

Paulo Alberto da Silveira Soares – Brazilian Ambassador to Singapore (M): Brazil is really the only country that came, weeks ago, before any other countries with a very straight forward proposition, a target of curbing CO2 emissions between 36 to 39% and 80% reduction in deforestation in the Amazon area.

Supreme Master Television Danish correspondent: A new study released on Saturday at the Copenhagen conference found that livestock raising is the biggest source of greenhouse gases, at more than 50%, and that about 75% of total Amazon deforestation was to clear grazing land for cattle.

Brazilian sociologist Marley Winckler has more to share about this message.
Marley Winckler – Sociologist, President of Brazilian Vegetarian Society (F): If you really want to mitigate greenhouse gases, you must address meat production. SMTV Danish correspondent: The Brazilian government announced this week that it will use satellite surveillance in an effort to ensure that cattle ranchers do not destroy more land than they are already allotted and that violators will not be granted permits to transport their cattle to be slaughtered.

We asked Ambassador da Silveira Soares his thoughts about changing dietary consumption to being meat-free as an immediate solution for both government and people.
Paulo Alberto da Silveira Soares – Brazilian Ambassador to Singapore (M): We need a big effort, Brazil is net producer of meat. So we have to make more than a campaign and make people more aware that for the health, of me, you and everyone in the world, less consumption of meat only helps your health and climate change.

Supreme Master Television Danish correspondent: This is Supreme Master Television reporting from Copenhagen, Denmark.

VOICE: We thank His Excellency Mr. Alberto da Silveira Soares, Ms. Winckler, and all negotiators and leaders who are working to chart our world’s best future course. May we work together to halt climate change through the organic vegan diet and farming practices, for the survival and happiness of all.

In a March 2009 videoconference with government dignitaries and the public in Mexico, Supreme Master Ching Hai once more highlighted the exceptional government measures required to address the current crisis of global warming.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: I suggest all world leaders and governments to please promote the animal-free lifestyle and quick so that we can save our planet. We have not too much time left. This is no longer even about politics.

It’s about the survival of ourselves and our children. If all governments encourage people toward the healthy, animal-free diet, the planet could be saved in no time.
And the activities that are good for our Earth can also gener ate livelihoods. We have a shortage of food, so the government can easily support organic vegan farmers and the advancement of other green practices.
This will help greatly. The government must make a priority, saving the planet, organic vegan farming subsidies.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/carteret-islands/6771651/The-sea-is-killing-our-island-paradise.html
http://www.ipsnews.net/africa/nota.asp?idnews=49630
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_465710.html
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Macedonians plant 5 million trees in one-day reforestation campaign

Macedonians plant 5 million trees in a day. To raise ecological awareness and help reforest the land, the country sponsored her third tree planting, this one called "Tree Day -- Plant Your Future." Joining the activity were statesmen such as Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski along with celebrities like renowned opera singer Boris Trajanov. Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Milososki commented on the nationwide endeavor, saying, “Tree Day is a uniting action, and investing in ecology is investing in our common future.”

A big green bravo, Your Excellencies and all Macedonians, for your country’s multi-million tree planting accomplishment! Such wholehearted participation is surely an inspiration for all in our striving to live sustainably on Mother Earth.

Amazon could shrink by 85% due to climate change, scientists say

Climate change could claim 85% of the Amazon. As home to half the world’s plants, animals, and insects, the lush rainforest historically has been able to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide by two billion tons annually. However, British researchers from the Met Office Hadley Centre for Climate Change report that not only deforestation but now global warming itself is jeopardizing the health of the trees, saying that 85% of the forest could perish with an atmospheric temperature rise of four degrees Celsius. Findings from other scientists who attended the Copenhagen climate change conference last week concurred, including those of Dr. Carlos Nobres of Brazil’s Space Research Institute, also Chair of the International Geosphere Biosphere Program in Sweden.

Dr. Carlos Nobre – Brazil Space Research Institute, Chair, International Geosphere Biosphere Program in Stockholm, Sweden (M): Certainly, the most alarming climate change danger is the collapse of the Amazon forest. If the temperature rises 4 or 5 degrees, it’s very likely that the Amazon forest will collapse almost totally. So this is really the most alarming climate change danger that we are facing in South America.

VOICE: Also attending the conference was Professor Tim Lenton of the UK’s University of East Anglia, who stated: “Unless we can restrict the warming and seasonal changes we're already seeing in the tropics, the prospects for the Amazon aren't good.” A key to limiting this warming , according to Dr. Carlos Nobre, is to curb meat production, that is, to halt the clearing of the rainforests for cattle grazing.

Dr. Carlos Nobre (M): Worldwide, that’s very important because really, there will be lots of emissions if we think in the future of 9 billion people consuming meat; this is huge meat consumption which will lead to huge emissions. So, on the long range, we have to decrease meat consumption – and particularly for the global tropics. Specifically for the Amazon, deforestation comes about mostly to open up cattle ranches, so to produce meat.

VOICE: Our gratitude, Dr. Nobre, Met Office Hadley Centre scientists, Professor Lenton and all involved for this vital information that helps awaken us to the severe effects of continued global warming. Let us quickly turn to more eco-conscious lifestyles to save the irreplaceable Amazon, its lush biodiversity and support of all life on Earth.

Through her deep spiritual insights, Supreme Master Ching Hai explained in a June 2008 videoconference with our Association members in Surrey, United Kingdom how a rapid and complete restoration of our biosphere could be possible if humankind would become vegetarian altogether.


Videoconference with Supreme Master Ching Hai
Surrey Center, United Kingdom - June 12, 2008

Supreme Master Ching Hai: If the world were to go 100% vegetarian right now, the good effect of it would be seen within more or less 60 days.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: Eight short weeks, yes. And what kind of Earth would we live in? It would be Eden again.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: Things will be more lushful, abundant. People will feel happier, even without reason, they will not know why they feel happy, and food will be enough everywhere. Rivers will run plentiful again. Disasters will cease. Heaven will smile on humans and good wishes will be fulfilled. That is a kind of Eden. If we are to be vegetarian, all of the humans on the planet, that will be the effect.

World's largest wetland threatened in brazil

Largest wetland in the world in decline. The Pantanal region, shared by Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay, is the world’s largest wetland and home to an extraordinary array of rare animals, along with 650 species of birds. However, the area has become increasingly threatened by unsustainable economic development, large-scale deforestation and pollution. The biggest problem is cattle raising, which has caused a 63 percent loss of the Pantanal forests in elevated regions. Farm pollution now also jeopardizes the balance of the fragile ecosystem. Sandro Menezes, manager of Conservation International's Pantanal project said, "It's very probable that local flora and fauna will become extinct."

Conservation International, we appreciate this clear picture of the potential losses facing the unique Pantanal wetlands. Our prayers that a caring humanity adopts sustainable lifestyles to ensure the flourishing our world’s irreplaceably diverse inhabitants.


Videoconference with Supreme Master Ching Hai with Supreme Master Television staff
November 26, 2008

During a videoconference with Supreme Master Television staff in California, USA in November 2008, Supreme Master Ching Hai explained the interconnectedness of human-caused events, including the spiritual redemption that results from turning to a meat-free lifestyle:

Supreme Master Ching Hai: Fertilize for more animal feeding, clearing more forest for animal feeding, planting animal feed and fertilizing animal feed and run-off pollutions, acidity caused by run-off pollution and weather change and cause more destruction and then erosion, then reconstruction, etc., etc.

It’s the whole chain of effects. And another thing, people forget all the time the “cause and effect,” the karma. Even people now, they eat meat all these years and they just turn to vegetarian diet then their cancer is diminished or lessened, their sickness is gone, even cardiovascular disease and many other diseases just disappear. So even if the methane gas is still there in the air from the animal but we turn away from killing; we drop the butcher knife, then we are protected by our own virtues.
We are protected once we turn to be a compassionate person.