Loss of Arctic ice could cost trillions

The Pew Environmental Group in the USA has released a peer-reviewed report stating that damage from rising seas, floods and heat waves due to the loss of Arctic Sea ice will cost the sectors of agriculture, real estate and insurance up to US$24 trillion by 2050.

The report also estimates that heat waves, flooding and other factors are already resulting in hundreds of billions of dollars lost annually. Report author and resource economist Dr. Eban Goodstein stated, “The Arctic is the planet's air conditioner and it's starting to break down. Everybody around the world is going to bear these costs.”

During the December 2009 Copenhagen Climate Change Conference in Denmark, the Arctic Council announced new findings that the fastest way to halt the rapid melting of the Arctic is to reduce shorter-lived substances like methane, ground-level ozone and black carbon, and that the best way to ease ground-level ozone, the third most prevalent greenhouse gas, is to decrease methane.

Jonas Gahr Støre - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Norway, Arctic Council Leader (M): If there is one positive message from this report, it’s that doing something about that, if not easy, is manageable.

So while we wait for the results of curbing CO2 emissions, we need to address the issue of methane, ozone, black carbon, swiftly.

VOICE: With livestock accounting for 36% of human-caused methane, it is clear that decreasing animal agriculture is the fastest way to cool the planet and avoid catastrophe.

The Netherlands’ Environmental Assessment Agency has also calculated that global adoption of a vegan diet would reduce the costs of mitigating climate change a full 80% by 2050.

We appreciate this sobering report, Pew Environmental Group scientists. Let us all step toward the most rapid way to reduce costs and cool the Earth: the life-saving plant-based fare.

In a September 2009 videoconference in South Korea, Supreme Master Ching Hai highlighted as she has on previous occasions the need for quick action to restore Arctic ice and the planet as a whole.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: They call the Arctic ice the refrigerator of the planet, and without it, there will be more droughts and floods in other, even, faraway parts of the world.

The world’s leading climate scientists told us in television interviews that being vegetarian – meaning no animal products – is the single most effective thing an individual can do to stop global warming.

Meat is the number one cause of global warming. So, the number one solution is to stop producing it. So, we all have to be vegan. That is what the science is clearly telling us right now.

If the world’s people become vegan, one of the results is that the ice in the Arctic will be restored, and quickly, along with the repairing of nature in every corner of the planet

Isn’t that wonderful? This is the truth that I could promise you, but we all must act fast, like, yesterday.

http://planetark.org/enviro-news/item/56999
http://www.pewtrusts.org/uploadedFiles/wwwpewtrustsorg/Reports/Protecting_ocean_life...
http://www.pbl.nl/en/publications/2009/Climate-benefits-of-changing-diet.html

Scientists discuss the need for a greener diet

In order to avoid runaway climate change, industrialized countries have agreed to a 2050 goal of a 90% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions compared to pre-industrial levels.

Toward this end, scientists are emphasizing the need for behavioral, rather than technological, approaches for faster results. This is especially true in the area of food.

Multiple studies have suggested that reducing or eliminating meat consumption would be more cost effective and quicker in reducing greenhouse gas emissions than attempting to develop technologies to capture the large-scale emissions involved in meat production.

Dr. Juha-Matti Katajajuuri, senior researcher at MTT Agrifood Research Finland, evaluated the climate impacts of various typical Finnish meals, ranging from meat-based to vegan.

He found that vegetarian main courses had a 50-60% smaller climate impact compared to their meat-based counterparts. Dr. Katajajuuri also highlighted the likelihood of obtaining more immediate results from a behavioral approach.

Dr. Juha-Matti Katajajuuri – Senior researcher, MTT Agrifood Research Finland (M): It is a lot more challenging to find easy and new technological solutions by which we can reduce the environmental effects of food production.

VOICE: Industrial ecologist and climate scientist Dr. Peter Tom Jones of the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium, agreed, saying that personal human action rather than technical change is the key for greener food consumption.

Dr. Peter Tom Jones – Industrial ecologist and author, Vegetarian (M): This entails: more local chains, more organic food, less dependence on oil.

In that manner you can drastically reduce the environmental impact of the production issue.

But then a second essential component of the reduction in the food sector has to do with our meat and fish consumption.

VOICE: Dr. Jones, a vegetarian himself, stated that if governments encouraged the consumption and production of organic vegan foods, the international reducing of emissions by 90% would be attainable, with added health benefits.

Peter Tom Jones, PhD (M): We can easily go to a reduction of 90% if associated with the agro-ecological food model, with even much healthier nutrition.

So there would be less nutritional disease, less cardiac and blood vessel disease, less diabetes, less obesity, etc.

VOICE: Our sincere appreciation, Dr. Katajajuuri, Dr. Jones and associates for your research in the crucial area of food production emissions.

May all governments and co-citizens start now to eliminate costly animal products and switch to organic plant-based fare to halt climate change. Supreme Master Ching Hai has often emphasized the priority of dietary change needed to save the planet, as during a September 2009 videoconference in South Korea.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: In order to call ourselves a low-carbon or carbon-free society, we must eliminate our meat consumption, because that is the number one cause for climate change – that is, our meat consumption.

In fact, if we focus on shifting people to be vegan, it will save us much more money than green technology, and of course it’s much more effective.

And I urge you, the government leaders, because our time is running out, we have to act on this now. Please explain to your co-citizens this important truth and tell them we must work together to become animal-free consumers.

We have a very short time to save our planet. We have a great planet to save. We have a great precious treasure, that is, our children, to save.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=limits-on-greenhouse-gas-emissions
http://www.mtt.fi/english/
http://www.se2009.eu/polopoly_fs/1.24468!menu/standard/file/Juha-Matti...
http://www.petertomjones.be/content/blogsection/6/27/

Sulfur dioxide reduction could speed global warming

As a harmful aerosol pollutant emitted in the processing of coal, oil and industrial processes, a focus on sulfur dioxide levels have brought drastic reductions in several industrialized nations.

Currently, countries such as India and China are also making efforts to reduce these pollutants. However, a study by the European Commission Joint Research Center has found that such endeavors are likely to heat the planet more quickly.

This is because the presence of sulfur dioxide causes atmospheric cooling, which balances the heat of the CO2 released during these fossil fuel-burning processes, suggesting that heat from coal, oil and industry has played a smaller role in climate heating than previously thought.

This finding also corresponds with a report from Dr. Drew Shindell of the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration, who evaluated the interaction between methane and aerosols such as sulfur dioxide.

He also concluded that methane, generated primarily by livestock and related meat production, was having a much larger warming effect than previously understood.

Our appreciation, European Commission Joint Research Center, Dr. Shindell and all other participating scientists for this insightful finding. May such research as yours motivate more rapid efforts to reduce planet-heating greenhouse gases to preserve our environment for future generations.

As in a September 2009 videoconference in South Korea, Supreme Master Ching Hai has highlighted on many occasions that the most urgent global warming threat lies in sources other than fossil fuel-burning industries.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: If the goal is to be a truly carbon-free society, we should consider all the major sources of greenhouse gases emissions. You see, we are emitting greenhouse gases not just through the fumes from factories, houses, and cars, but also through the products that we choose to consume. Besides, CO2 is cancelled out by aerosols, which are released at the same time from burning fossil fuels.

Even though aerosols are very detrimental to our health, they actually have a cooling effect that cancels out the CO2 heat in the atmosphere.

The warming climate problem is not from CO2, is not from carbon dioxide. I repeat, it’s not from carbon dioxide. It is from other sources, mainly methane.

First and foremost, eliminate the single largest source of human-caused methane, namely, livestock. Stop animal products, then we stop global warming.

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20527481.400-smoke-bomb-the-other-climate...
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/science/earth-environment/article6895907.ece

Government and schools rally for meat-free meals

On March 4, all 151 elementary and middle schools in the Formosa’s (Taiwan) Chiayi County pledged that Friday meals would be without any beef, pork, chicken, lamb or fish.

This health- and environment-promoting measure was led by Chiayi County Magistrate Zhang Hua-guan.

Zhang Hua-guan – Chiayi County Magistrate (F): From now on, every Friday, we shall have healthy veg lunches. What does it mean to have healthy veg meals?

It means that there is no meat, no beef, no chicken, no pork, no lamb. With this kind of meal, our students will be much healthier and livelier.

Children assembled (M,F): Okay!

VOICE: At the official starting event, County Magistrate Zhang and students enjoyed a nutritious vegan lunch with soy protein and pumpkin-cabbage soup. Also attending in support were the heads of Chiayi County universities, high schools, and elementary schools.

Dr. Lin Jin-chao – Dean, Toko University (F): After this activity, I will make a report to our president to have the school join together with County Magistrate Zhang.

VOICE: With the Formosan(Taiwanese) Environmental Protection Department finding that eliminating meat is a simple, effective, and practical way to reduce

greenhouse gas emissions, the central government is now recommending that schools across the island make meat-free meals available one day each week.

Dr. Lin Tsong-Ming – Deputy Minister of Education, Formosa (Taiwan), VEGAN (M): Global warming is becoming worse. As to the vegetarian diet, I think we can encourage it.

VOICE: The Chiayi plan, like other recently introduced reduced-meat programs in Yunlin, Hsinchu, and Changhua Counties, emphasizes healthy eating habits and especially the halting of global warming by avoiding animal products.

Tseng Nan-shun – Principal, Song-May Elementary School (M): Being veg is the way for us to reduce the danger of global warming, and I totally agree with it.

Chen Yun-ru – Student, Jhu-Tsun Elementary School (F): With the serious situation of global warming, meat eating is causing a lot of bad effects.

VOICE: Another aspect of this county-wide initiative is its encouragement of respect for life and care for the animals.

Dr. Huang Gui-nan – Professor, Tatung Institute of Commerce and Technology (M): The first consequence of being veg is less killing, and this is a kind of ethical education.

Zhuang Ming-xun – Student, Jhu-Tsun Elementary School (M): We have to do something to protect the animals.

VOICE: Our respectful accolades, Magistrate Zhang, Chiayi County and other Formosan governments and schools! May this be the start of even greater meat-eliminating actions to curb climate change, save the animals and ensure a safe and healthful future for all children!

Group of students (M,F): Be veg! Go green! Save the planet! Yeah!

British government agency Natural England reports that nearly 500 species of flora and fauna became extinct in the past two centuries alone, with 1,000 more now on the brink of vanishing forever due to hunting, pollution and climate change.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/mar/11/extinct-species-england

Sulfur dioxide pollution highlights methane as key to global warming

With countries such as China and India now reducing pollutants containing sulfur dioxide, Dr. Frank Raes, head of the Climate Change Unit of the European Commission Joint Research Center in Italy reports that the planet is likely to heat more quickly in response.

Sulfur dioxide, which is emitted in the processing of coal, oil and other industrial processes, has already been significantly reduced in many developed nations.

Although it is harmful to health, sulfur aerosols create an atmospheric cooling effect that offsets the heat emitted by the CO2 released in these same processes.

This suggests that the heat from coal, oil and industry in developing nations has played a smaller role in global warming than previously thought. Such a finding corresponds with the conclusions of Dr. Drew Shindell from the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration, who estimated that because of sulfur dioxide’s cooling effect, methane, which is generated primarily by activities related to meat production, is heating the atmosphere much more than previously thought.

Our appreciation Dr. Raes and European Commission Joint Research Center fellow scientists, for this insightful finding. Let us choose the fastest way to return to health and cool the planet, namely, through the safe and Earth-friendly vegan diet.

As mentioned on previous occasions, Supreme Master Ching Hai reminded once again during a September 2009 videoconference in South Korea that the most urgent global warming threat lies in sources other than carbon dioxide.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: If the goal is to be a truly carbon-free society, we should consider all the major sources of greenhouse gases emissions. You see, we are emitting greenhouse gases not just through the fumes from factories, houses, and cars, but also through the products that we choose to consume. Besides, CO2 is cancelled out by aerosols, which are released at the same time from burning fossil fuels.

Even though aerosols are very detrimental to our health, they actually have a cooling effect that cancels out the CO2 heat in the atmosphere.

So the warming climate problem is not from CO2 I repeat, it’s not from carbon dioxide. It is from other sources, mainly methane.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: First and foremost, eliminate the single largest source of human-caused methane, namely, livestock. Stop animal products, then we stop global warming.

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20527481.400-smoke-bomb-the-other-climate-culprits.html
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/science/earth-environment/article6895907.ece

Global warming to necessitate land use changes

According to a new report by Britain’s Government Office for Science, increasingly hotter, drier summers could cause extreme water shortages as river flows are reduced by 80% even as a rise in population of 9 million people is expected by 2031.

Scenarios in the report, written by 300 contributing scientists, economists and planners, include a future in which greenhouse gas emissions would be controlled by carbon rationing and state-mandated reductions in the space allocated to livestock as well as forced migration of citizens from places like the crowded southeast to more northern towns.

Chief UK scientific adviser and director of the research, Professor John Beddington warned, “Over the next 50 years we cannot manage land in the way we’ve done…

The effects of climate change and new pressures… could escalate, seriously eroding quality of life.” Professor Beddington, Government Office for Science and all report contributors, we are thankful for your objective report informing of outcomes we would wish to avoid. Let us join in making choices today that allow a harmonious and plentiful future for all on our planet.

During an August 2008 interview by Ireland’s East Coast FM Radio, Supreme Master Ching Hai highlighted as she has on previous occasions our need to act upon the factual information provided by scientific experts.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: According to the scientists, whatever they have predicted or prescribed about our critical situation is accurate up to 99%. They want us to change the way we live our lives, to protect our fragile ecosystem, by cutting down CO2 emissions. And the fastest way that individuals can do, without a lot of protocol and ado, is to be veg.

It’s truly critical now, as we have witnessed increasing disaster worldwide, due to climate change.

We still have time, we still have a little time to change the course of destiny, thanks to the vegetarian population, old and new members that reduce the most karmic retribution in the shortest span of time.

But it’s not much. We must change fast to avoid much more damage to the Earth as well as loss of more lives and resources.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article7041857.ece
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/feb/26/uk-land-management
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/7317864/Land-management-in-UK-must-change-to-cope-with-climate-change.html

UN recommends tax on livestock

A report issued by the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recommends levying fees for livestock as a way to reduce this sector’s emission of greenhouse gases, currently estimated at 7,000 billion tons of CO2 equivalent annually.

Moreover, livestock raising is known to impact not only human health but also causes enormous damage to ecosystems, biodiversity, land, forests and water quality.

“The State of Food and Agriculture” report thus calls for market-based policies such as taxes and subsidy reductions that would cause producers to minimize environmental damage by being required to absorb its costs.

FAO Director-general Jacques Diouf stated that the rapid growth of the livestock sector has unfortunately thus far had little oversight, with current estimates forecasting that without a change in course, the number of livestock cattle alone will increase 70% to 2.6 billion by mid-century.

Director-general Diouf and United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization, we laud your recommendations for such planet-protecting policies. May governments across the globe be motivated to implement measures as these for the benefit of all the Earth’s inhabitants. During an August 2009 videoconference in Thailand, Supreme Master Ching Hai spoke of this very subject, calling on world leaders to forego livestock raising as a way to save the planet.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: I hope the governments would please make it into law to forbid the killing of animals, to forbid any more animal livestock raising. If they are truly the leaders that pledge to protect their people, to improve their country in many aspects, then this is the first step we have to do. Stop the meat industry, stop the fish industry, stop the dairy industry, then our planet will be the way it was and even better.

There are only two ways to do things in our world - the correct way and the incorrect way. And right now, to save the planet, there is only one way to stop the cause - that is, the animal industry, by all means, in all aspects. We have to do it.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: Spread information, encourage everyone, inform everyone to be vegan.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/38154ea0-1cb2-11df-8d8e-00144feab49a.html?nclick_check=1
http://www.agrimoney.com/news/un-green-crusade-plans-tax-on-livestock-wind--1368.html

Reducing meat consumption better than changing livestock feed and practices

In evaluating options such as emission abatement plans that would reduce livestock greenhouse gases by providing different food sources for the animals and using manure for fuel, scientists have found that these methods provide minimal benefit and in fact could create larger problems of both food quality and ethics.

Moreover, a decade-long study by New Zealand’s AgResearch concluded that such alternatives only reduce emissions by a few percent. Moreover, UK Food Ethics Council Executive Director Tom MacMillan has raised similar concerns, emphasizing the importance of reducing meat and dairy consumption to significantly minimize livestock emissions.

Mr. West, Mr. MacMillan, New Zealand AgResearch and UK Food Ethics Council, many thanks for your insightful findings. We look forward to people everywhere supporting the environment through the ultimately sustainable plant-based fare.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/bdde1dec-0a00-11df-8b23-00144feabdc0.html?nclick_check=1

International media, CCTV reports on “Eating for a low-carbon world”

On China Central Television (CCTV-9), news journalist Wang Mangmang is host of a program series called “My Low Carbon Life” and reported recently how being veg is catching on in China as a way to curb climate change.

She went on to say that this trend is actually being set by the younger generation. Dong Ziyang, manager of the organic vegetarian Jintai Catering Club said, “The average age of our customers is under 33 years old...

Young people are more environmentally aware and more open to new ideas.” The journalist also cited the United Nations report on animal agriculture generating more greenhouse gases than all the transportation in the world combined, and concerns about livestock being the cause of environmental desertification and deforestation.

She stated, “As more and more people strive for a low-carbon lifestyle, the climate-diet equation is becoming more prominent.”

Our appreciation and applause, journalist Wang Mangmang and CCTV for sharing the eco-statement being made by the low-carbon diet.

Blessed be such programs as yours in benefiting many viewers as well as the animals and our Earth. Speaking during a May 2009 videoconference in Togo, Supreme Master Ching Hai highlighted the key role of the younger generation in being good stewards for the environment.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: I’m happy to see young people especially involved in endeavors like this, which contributes to human health and also the planet.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: They are also often the most open-minded people. They are intelligent, they are easy, they are an impressionable and honest group of people.

Once they make a connection of global warming to their lives, they may really decide to do something.

Especially if they understand that what they do can truly make a difference, they may be the first ones to take action.

They can be true heroes, by being vegan and spread the news of this solution. They can save lives, including their own, but also of people all over the world, and countless animal lives around the world.

The young people are oftentimes the most ready to change their lifestyle if they see a reason for it. Their age group is also, in many cases, the first one to see that veganism is good, it is correct.

http://english.cctv.com/program/newshour/20100121/103665.shtml

New York Times reports on being veg to save the planet

Since the December 2009 international climate change summit in Copenhagen, Denmark, discussions continue to address the evermore pressing matter of halting global warming. In an article published in the New York Times on January 24 entitled, “Stop Eating Meat and Save the Planet” author James Kanter acknowledged the growing number of people raising awareness of the vegan diet as a solution to global warming, including members of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association.

He wrote: “Delegates arriving at the gates of the climate conference in Copenhagen last month were met by women in furry animal suits holding placards showing pictures of lambs, cows and pigs, warning, “Don’t Eat Me.” The women were representatives of [Supreme Master] Ching Hai, the leader of a group that advocates adherence to… precepts, including following vegan… diets.

As they lined up for hours in freezing conditions, many of the delegates seemed grateful for the neatly wrapped snacks — meat-free sandwiches — that the women were handing out free[ly]. Followers of [Supreme Master] Ching Hai say that one of her principal goals is to fight environmental disasters, and her representatives in Copenhagen … spread the message that methane, which is belched in large quantities by cows and other livestock raised for the meat and dairy industries, is among the most potent planet-warming gases.”

VOICE: Mr. Kanter went on to state that being veg to halt climate change goes beyond being a spiritual matter as he cited others who have also identified the livestock industry as a primary cause of global warming.

These include former Beatles member Sir Paul McCartney and chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, along with international campaigns like Meat Free Mondays as well as a recent World Watch Institute report showing that over half of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions arise from the meat industry.

We thank James Kanter and the New York Times for helping inform society about this urgent matter of our times. With such awareness being brought to the attention of the public, surely we all can swiftly and conscientiously transition to the Earth-saving vegan lifestyle.

Speaking at a September 2009 videoconference in South Korea, Supreme Master Ching Hai spoke of the media’s potential to engage in such noble endeavors as bringing more awareness of issues like global warming.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: This is exactly the role the media should have, like that of a true, honest friend to human society: warning everyone of any harmful situation; bringing new connections and data to light, like the urgent link between meat and global warming; giving chances for people to choose a better way of life; and being a brave voice, a heroic voice especially for the voiceless, including animals who suffer so much, so much, because we are all related and affected.

The world needs the media’s noble service and leadership. So please, again, once more I ask all the courageous journalists to do what you do best, tell the truth about how we are to save the planet.

Please, tell as many people as you can through your profession and otherwise to be veg, to do good, and be good, and save our planet. Be the fine example for the world.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/25/business/energy-environment/25iht-green25.html

Former Miss World Irish celebrity promotes veg solution in campaign with Supreme Master Television

With time running out to save the planet from irreversible climate change, a new public service announcement campaign has been launched throughout the Republic of Ireland, promoting veganism as global warming’s most effective solution. Irish top veg model and Miss World 2003 Ms. Rosanna Davison collaborated with Supreme Master Television to produce the series of video as well as print advertisements.

Ms. Davison, daughter of the world famous Irish singer-songwriter Chris de Burgh, reveals the secret to her picture perfect image of radiant health.

Rosanna Davison (F): Hi I'm Rosanna Davison and I'm a vegetarian. I get all the nutrition I need from a plant-based diet. According to the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency Report, 80% of the cost of climate change can be avoided if we adopt a plant-based animal free diet. With the world in financial turmoil, this is a great way to save your hard earned money and also benefit the environment.

VOICE: A vegetarian since childhood and up to the time of filming, Ms. Davison became a vegan through working with Supreme Master Television and learning about the harmful effects of meat production and consumption in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, health, and care for all beings.

Rosanna Davison (F): Yumm... Veggie chicken! Cruelty-free, a whole lot better for your health, easy to cook, and it tastes amazing!

VOICE: The announcements appear on the major television channels TV3 and 3E airing on the Sky TV network in Ireland. Their print counterparts appear on five large posters around Dublin, in every carriage of the Luas, the capital’s light rail tram system, and on the buses of Ireland’s four largest cities, Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Galway.

Rosanna Davison (F): To learn more about the healthy, compassionate vegetarian diet, Supreme Master Television, SKY channel 835.

VOICE: You are beautiful inside and out, Rosanna! Our kudos and thanks for the noble choices you’ve made in being vegan and encouraging others to do the same. May the heroic people of Ireland and beyond join the loving veg trend to save the planet.

http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=17547&channel=0&
title=Former+miss+world+backs+veganism+for+climate+change

Siberian Arctic temperatures and methane emissions sharply increased

Scientists from the University of Alaska at Fairbanks in the USA have reported that the shallow undersea permafrost in Siberia, which until recent years was stable, is now noted as releasing significant amounts of methane, even more than the record highs from Summer 2008.

According to lead scientist Professor Igor Semiletov, who is also head of the International Siberian Shelf Study (ISSS), the region is experiencing the fastest temperature rise of the planet.

Springtime air is currently measured at an average of 4 degrees Celsius higher than in the last three decades of the 20th century. Sudden releases of methane gas are linked to runaway global warming and are considered a factor in the past mass extinction of species.

The Alaskan researchers state that if the current warming conditions continue, the melting of underwater Siberian permafrost would release catastrophic amounts of methane.

Dr. Sergey Kirpotin – Tomsk University (Quote in Russian): As more permafrost melts, more greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere. It is absolutely evident. We could be uncertain in quantitative terms, but the fact that this process has a global character, global importance and global scale is absolutely evident.

Vladimir Chuprov – Greenpeace Russia Representative (Quote in Russian): It is essential to come up with a new international agreement that could guarantee the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions – the causes of the global climate change.

Only then could we slow down these negative processes that take place also in the Russian Arctic. Professor Semiletov and University of Alaska colleagues, we appreciate this clarion call about the dire signals being conveyed by our Earth.

May we all deeply realize the grave nature of climate change and act now to protect our shared planetary home. As on many occasions, Supreme Master Ching Hai explained during an October 2009 videoconference in Hong Kong the urgent situation of methane gas release, while offering the surest solution.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: There are massive quantities of gases, poisonous and explosive, such as under the permafrost. The gas released then causes more warming, which causes even more gas to be released. This is like a vicious circle. They even call this vicious feedback cycle a so-called “climate time bomb.” We are running out of time, we must wake up soon; we must make a small sacrifice and changes.

I am hopeful. I’m having a positive feeling that it won’t happen to Earth, but we all must work; we cannot sit there and wait for a miracle to happen. God needs us to represent Hirm in compassion, in merciful heart, in the way we live a godly life, befitting God’s children. If we all become vegan and live a virtuous, compassionate life, it won’t happen.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8437703.stm

Current emission goals put world on path for 3 degree temperature rise

Using a combination of scientific sources, the United Kingdom’s Guardian newspaper presented an overview of the effects of different global temperature increases. Starting with the minimum, it reported that an average rise of 1 degree Celsius is viewed as ideal and would ensure the survival of island nations such as Tuvalu. However, since this goal is considered impossible by many, scientists have called for a more realistic average increase of 2 degrees, which would still bring heat waves such as the one that cost tens of thousands of lives in Europe in 2003 as well as the collapse of Western Antarctica, leading to still-rising seas.

However, adding another degree for a 3-degree total temperature rise, which is forecast if nations continue with current emission reduction commitments only, could push global warming out of control, with billions of people forced to leave their lands. Without any mitigation whatsoever, researchers point to a 5 or more degree rise, which would drastically impact human populations.

Many thanks, scientists, journalists and Guardian newspaper for this informative overview, despite its alarming scenarios. Let us act in unity to create the safest and most planet-cooling future for ourselves and our children. As on many occasions, Supreme Master Ching Hai spoke with concern during an October 2009 videoconference in Hong Kong about the devastating effects of global warming, also suggesting the fastest sustainable solution.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: A lot of the ecological and environmental news today is not very good due to the effects of global warming. We hear about glaciers melting, water becoming more scarce, rising food shortages, rising food prices with over one billion people going hungry every day, animals becoming extinct and many species gone forever and so on and so forth.

But even though our time is running out, we do still have time to save this beautiful planet and restore it to its original splendor, or even more so if all turn to the vegan diet.

As it has already been mentioned, recent research shows that more than 50% of emissions which heat up our planet, which put our lives in danger, which put our world into the perilous situation of mass extinction, are from the livestock industry.

The solution is at hand for each and every one of us, which is simply to forego animal products and become vegan – one small change; it’s no big deal.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/dec/18/copenhagen-five-climate-scenarios

New book by Dr. James Hansen warns of last chance to save humanity

In a plea for action to address global warming for the sake of his and all future generations, Dr. Hansen authored the book “Storms of My Grandchildren: The Truth About the Coming Climate Catastrophe and Our Last Chance to Save Humanity.”

In the book, the US climatology expert and Director of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Goddard Institute for Space Studies cautions of a climatic point of no return that is approaching more rapidly than previously forecast.

He also states that scientists have lowered the projected highest levels of CO2 that Earth’s atmosphere can handle to 350 parts per million, even though current CO2 levels stand at 387.

The book also warns of the consequences if governments and officials don’t act quickly to stop global warming, emphasizing that eco-stabilizing efforts are crucial for our global survival.

Our gratefulness goes to Dr. James Hansen for addressing the very real urgency of our planetary crisis. May all people quickly heed the need to take compassionate, eco-conscious actions to alleviate global warming and stabilize our ecosphere.

Supreme Master Ching Hai has also often called on humanity to act in accordance with the important warnings of such esteemed scientists as Dr. Hansen, as during an interview published in the September 2009 edition of The House Magazine.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: Please, let us heed the warnings and advice of these respected, wise scientists as we continue our shared commitment to the Earth’s welfare.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: According to Dr. Hansen, our planet is on a dangerous course to passing irreversible tipping points with disastrous consequences. These you know already, like melting of the Arctic sea ice which causes oceans to absorb more sunlight and speeds up melting; and the melting of permafrost which in turn releases toxic methane gas, resulting in more warming of the atmosphere; and the extinction of cornerstone species that cause further collapse to our already ailing ecosystems, thus endangering even more species, and most important of all, us humans.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: But these two great scientists not only point out our grave planetary situation. They do offer a simple, efficient and economical solution: The adoption of a plant-based diet is the single most effective action that an individual can do to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

http://www.stormsofmygrandchildren.com/storms_of_my_grandchildren.html
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-ca-james-hansen27-2009dec27,0,5460299.story

Enthusiasm runs high in Formosan (Taiwanese) school for reduced-meat program

Following an initiative launched by the Student Council, Yangtze High School in Yunlin County, Formosa (Taiwan) began to adopt meals without beef, pork, chicken, and fish, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The program is starting with one day, and eventually will extend to all days of the week. With students who were inspired by a recent presentation on the climate impact of meat given by the Yunlin County Government, Supreme Master Television’s correspondent reports on the program’s success from Yangtze High School, Formosa.

Formosan (Taiwanese) Correspondent (F): Earth-loving viewers, I am here at the Yangtze High School of Yunlin County, Formosa. In this school, a group of students realized how desperate the warming is now faced by the planet.
On their own accord, they asked their principal to offer the whole school a “Healthy Less-Carbon Diet” to help save our precious Earth.

Alex Wu – Student Council chair (M): We thought it will impact the planet a lot if we continue to eat meat.
Therefore at first, I promoted this measure in our class.

Eric Hong – Student (M): We held a class meeting and decided to extend this activity to the whole school in the future. Then hopefully in the future it can be extended to our families.

Peng-Chou Wei – Principal, Yangtze High School (M): After the media reported the fact, I received many calls and many internet messages, commending us.
They also look forward to our students inspiring other schools – all of us together to save the planet!

Correspondent (F): The Student Council chair represented all students in the pledge: “Cherish animals, respect lives and eat vegetables to stop global warming” and save the Earth.

The decision has brought about enthusiastic responses from the students. Many conveyed their messages in the school newspaper to show how much they support this wise, loving decision.

“Only after having this lunch do I feel that I have made a contribution to the Earth…” – Yang Kai-Hsiang

(female) “… I realize how valuable each life is. I also understand how I can change the world through small actions.”
– Wang Sheng-Wen

Correspondent (F): Let’s take a look at these young, healthy and active friends.
Correspondent (F): What is your vision of Earth’s future?
Eric Hong – Student (M): So we hope that in the future, through the vegetarian activities we promote, we can gradually curb climate anomalies.
Janny Yang – Student (F): I think it’s a very great measure. We let ourselves be healthier and even protect our environment. Classroom of students: Be veg, go green, save the planet! Yeah!

VOICE: Bravo and many thanks, Yangtze High School Student Council, fellow students and faculty, and the Yunlin County Government of Formosa for your leadership in reducing meat to stop climate change.
May this be the start of the most ideal organic vegan trend benefiting schools throughout Formosa and the world!

UK government supports reducing meat for the planet and human health

Following a year’s investigation by 55 scientists in nine countries,the report “Public Health Benefits of Strategies to Reduce Greenhouse-gas Emissions” was published in the prestigious British medical journal the Lancet. It concluded that reducing livestock production by consuming fewer animal products would provide the greatest benefit for reducing emissions, improving health, and containing climate change mitigation costs.

The new report, which described the health benefits of various global warming mitigation strategies, including lifestyle changes, was officially endorsed during a launch event in the United Kingdom by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and leaders of the World Health Organization, the UK Department of Health and Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and the US Department of Health. Supreme Master Television spoke with lead author Professor Sir Andrew Haines, Director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

Professor Sir Andrew Haines – Director of London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK (M): You can't ignore the food and agricultural sector if you're serious about reducing greenhouse gas emissions quite dramatically, which is what we know has to be done. So we look first of all at the potential for technological change. Could it all be done just by improving technology of farming? And we concluded that that would be not sufficient.

VOICE: The report found that a 30% reduction in the number of livestock animals had the benefit of reaching 50% greenhouse gas reduction goals by 2030 and improving overall health. In particular, heart disease rates alone would be reduced by 15%, saving 18,000 lives in the UK per year from the country's #1 killer.

Sir Andrew Haines (M): Since we already consume sufficient nutritional content from the Western diet, we can quite safely reduce our saturated fat consumption by let’s say, 30%.
There's many people who don't consume very much animal products and meat and other animal products, some who are purely vegetarian and vegan, and all these different dietary patterns are compatible with a healthy lifestyle.

VOICE: We thank the dedicated world scientists and The Lancet medical journal for this very important study integrating climate change and health. We also laud the British government and United Nations officials for supporting this call to global action in reducing meat production and consumption.

May world citizens enjoy the multifold benefits of a plant-based diet including longevity, vitality, and above all, a saved planetary abode. Supreme Master Ching Hai has frequently discussed the effective role of governments in reducing global warming, as in an interview published in the September 2009 edition of the British Parliament's The House Magazine.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: The government can support organic vegan farming through subsidies. They can also redirect the funds away from the meat industries and instead toward encouraging citizens to plant, to buy and to choose organic vegan food. And when they do, we will soon have a lot of healthy, happy, productive people, a restored green environment, and minimum climate mitigation costs – something all governments can look forward to and gain the enthusiastic support of all citizens.

US and China agree to encourage climate change accord in Copenhagen

As part of his first state tour of Asia, United States President Barack Obama visited China, where he met on Tuesday, November 17 with President Hu Jintao and discussed goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Obama: The United States and China are the world's two largest emitters of greenhouse gases that is causing the planet to warm.

Obama: Between myself and President Hu, the United States and China can show leadership. Because I will tell you, other countries around the world will be waiting for us. They will watch to see what we do. And if they say, ah, you know, the United States and China, they're not serious about this, then they won't be serious either. That is the burden of leadership that both of our countries now carry.

And my hope is, is that the more discussion and dialogue that we have, the more we are able to show this leadership to the world on these many critical issues. Obama: Truly, this is a nation that encompasses both a rich history and a belief in the promise of the future.

The two leaders concurred on their commitment to a comprehensive plan at the December United Nations climate change conference in Copenhagen. Both presidents also agreed on a settlement in Denmark that would require set emission goals for industrialized nations along with assistance for developing countries in adapting to climate change.

President Obama stated, “Our aim… in support of what Prime Minister Rasmussen of Denmark is trying to achieve, is not a partial accord or a political declaration, but rather an accord that covers all of the issues in the negotiations and one that has immediate operational effect.” Their two heads of state also signed
cooperative agreements in low-carbon technology and spoke of other matters such as trade, Tibet, human rights and Iran.

President Hu later described their discussions as "candid, constructive and very fruitful." On Wednesday, the last day of his visit, President Obama went to the legendary Great Wall, where he reflected on his admiration for the Chinese civilization and the ancient history of the people.

Our respectful accolades, Your Excellencies, on your cordial meeting and shared commitment toward an effective plan to halt climate change. Wishing your countries flourishing relations as all world leaders come together in making wise and compassionate decisions to save our planet.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/19/world/asia/19wall.html¸
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/nov/17/barack-obama-hu-jintao-climate
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091117/ap_on_bi_ge/climate
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/17/AR2009111701090.html
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33979715/ns/politics-white_house/page/2/

Animal farms imprison families

Supreme Master Television spoke with residents in California’s Central Valley in the USA, to understand some of the wider effects of consuming animal products. With one of the highest concentrations of dairy factory farms in the country, the region is subjected to large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants such as methane, hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia. Some of the odors are intolerable and dangerous, causing human and environmental harm. There is a social impact as well. A common theme in surrounding neighborhoods is the depression felt by families who find themselves unableto breathe fresh air and enjoy the simple pleasures of spending time outdoors in their gardens.

Resident (M): Well, there, there is a lot of flies, and sometimes the smell is so bad that I can’t even come outside and play with my kids. (SupremeMasterTV (M): How bad is it?)

Unbearable. Well you’re going to throw up like, like someone went to bathroom. That’s how bad it smells.

Resident(M): There’s a lot of fleas here.

SupremeMasterTV(M): I am getting the same response from your neighbors, too.

Resident(M): Fleas?

SupremeMasterTV(M): Yes, fleas, flies, and the smell.

Resident (F): The smells really affects us. We can’t come out to get the fresh air, especially for my kids, and for me who is pregnant. I can’t come out get fresh air, because I need fresh air. And sometimes it’s hot, and we can’t come out. My kids, they don’t call it a home; they call our home is where the cow smell’s at. I don’t want my kids to grow up knowing that we live in this house where all it does is smell like cow.

VOICE: As meat and dairy consumption degrade the quality of life for communities where the animals are raised, the public health threat from the swine flu virus, which had been bred within the animal agriculture industry, continues to extend its reach. More than 25,300 26,500 victims worldwide have fallen ill in 73 countries, with fatalities about to surpass 140. Places as far apart as India, northern Canada, and the Philippines are seeing jumps in the numbers afflicted, with persons contracting the virus that include prominent sports athletes and government officials, a reminder that few of us are immune.

May an emerging awareness of the full impact of meat and dairy products grow rapidly across the planet, so that communities currently bound by these animal operations may reclaim their rightful chance to enjoy fresh air and lives with loved ones. We send our sincere prayer for the safe recovery of all those enduring the swine flu and comfort for the mourning, until this global ordeal passes, with Heaven’s grace.

Reference:
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3727596,00.html, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/swine-flu/5473240/Swine-flu-mayor-of-New-Orleans-Ray-Nagin-quarantined-in-China.html
http://www.thetechherald.com/article.php/200924/3811/Australian-sports-stars-quarantined-due-to-swine-flu-fears

Global shift to vegan diet would reduce emissions and mitigate costs 80%.

Governments worldwide are challenged with the task of reducing greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming. The Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency analyzes and makes recommendations for Dutch and international policy for environmental sustainability.

In February, researchers issued a proposal involving a dietary change that would also reduce the cost of mitigating global warming. Department Director Dr. Joop Oude Lohuis said in a phone interview that this study was one of a growing number being conducted in Europe.

Dr. Joop Oude Lohuis – Department Director, Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (M): We are now at the point that science has more and better numbers on the effect of changing our diet and eating less meat. So there is more consensus on that side if you look at the total picture of the chain. It did lead to several heavy discussions in Germany, in the Netherlands, some in Belgium and in the UK.

VOICE: The Netherlands study, entitled “Climate Benefits of Changing Diet,” analyzed the entire chain of animal-raising activities from field to fork. It calculated the monetary cost of halting climate change, which was defined as stabilizing atmospheric CO2 at the level of 450 parts per million.
The report concluded that US$20 trillion, or 50 percent of a total US$40 trillion estimated cost, could be saved from the global shift to a low-meat diet.

What would happen in the case of a vegetarian or vegan diet?

Dr. Joop Oude Lohuis (M): If you would go for a completely meatless diet in the next 10-15 years, then in the year 2050 you would have a 70% reduction of attaining the climate goals That is a substantial cost reduction in getting to the same climate targets.

VOICE: Going even further, the researchers found that a completely vegan diet with no animal products would save an enormous 80% by 2050. What’s more, another benefit was discovered. Because plant-based diets produce much more food for humans than meat and dairy-based diets, some of the land not used to grow livestock could be turned back into carbon-absorbing forests, which are known to help reduce CO2 emissions.

Dr. Joop Oude Lohuis (M): We assumed that the grasslands that were not used by cattle anymore would go back to their natural state. For that reason, several parts of the world will grow forests and retain carbon in terms of more woodland.

VOICE: Dr. Oude Lohuis said the trend toward plant-based alternatives to meat has already gained momentum as consumers learn about meat’s harm to health and the environment.

Dr. Joop Oude Lohuis (M): If you look around in shops, maybe two years ago there were four, five, or six alternatives in terms of soy products or alternatives for a piece of meat. And now it has quadrupled; maybe there are 20 or 25.It’s a very easy way to change your buying behavior and have a fantastic quality of your meal. It saves lives as well.

VOICE: We thank Dr. Joop Oude Lohuis and the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency for demonstrating to us the tremendous power of a plant-based diet in reducing both financial costs and our carbon footprint. May we all quickly make this free and immediately beneficial choice to save lives and our planet.

In July 2008, during a videoconference with our Association members in the United States, Supreme Master Ching Hai once more encouraged the worldwide trend toward vegetarianism.

All those positive changes do indicate the higher level of consciousness as the world population become more aware of the ephemeral nature of life and how fragile the planet can be and realizing their lifestyle habits should be changed. So now they begin to treat the environment with respect.
They begin to have more vegetarian choice. It’s good to see.
.
All that change is good. And if we hasten this process, there will be Heaven on Earth. I hope we can make it. Just change to vegetarian diet. How easier can it be!

http://www.biomarkt-karo.de/index.php/cPath/253_116/online-shop/1/bioprodukte/Tofu_Seitan_Lopino.html ,
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16573-lowmeat-diet-could-slash-cost-of-climate-change-action.html