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

World leaders gather in Denmark for historic climate change conference

The much-anticipated Copenhagen summit was launched on Monday, December 7. The meeting represents the culmination of years of negotiations to create a successor to the Kyoto protocol, in which 192 countries across the planet are being asked to come to a legally binding agreement that will reduce emissions quickly and efficiently enough to save the world.

Supreme Master Television’s correspondent reports from Copenhagen.
Correspondent in Denmark (M): This year’s conference is expected to be one of the most important in history, a turning point where firm decisions will be made to prevent runaway climate change.
Yvo de Boer – Executive Secretary, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (M): I believe that negotiators now have the clearest signal ever from world leaders to craft a solid set of proposals to implement rapid action.

Correspondent (M): Scientists from all around the globe have been warning that the Earth is approaching dangerous tipping points.

Dr. Rajendra Pachauri – Chair, United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (M): There are viable adaptations options that can be implemented in several sectors at low cost and with high benefits costs.

Correspondent (M): It is hoped that the negotiators and world leaders who are gathering here in the Danish capital will provide strong and unifying decisions.

Connie Hedegaard – Danish Minister for the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen (F): So ladies and gentleman, let's get it done. The time has come to set the right cause for our world while we still can.

Correspondent (M): This is Supreme Master Television reporting from the COP 15 here in Copenhagen, Denmark.

VOICE: In addition to government and civil efforts, 55 newspapers from 45 countries acted in unison by publishing an editorial that called upon all global leaders to take action in determining the direction if not the fate of life on Earth.

Our full support and salute, leading decision-makers, participants and all others involved for your caring determination and courage. We pray for an outcome of the most effective and practical solutions, including a policy for the essential and planet-cooling organic vegan diet. Blessed be the wise collective efforts made in this crucial period.

Leading up to this key summit, Supreme Master Ching Hai has been unreservedly urging the world’s governments in particular to mobilize rapid and necessary efforts to address the livestock emissions, as in this August 2009 videoconference with dignitaries and the public in Thailand.

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. Spread information, encourage everyone, inform everyone to be vegan.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/dec/06/copenhagen-editorial
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2009/dec/04/copenhagen-climate-change-conference-liveblog

“Meat strike” by French VIPs during Copenhagen summit

Starting just ahead of the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, ten distinguished personages from France have issued a declaration titled “The Call of the 10.” The members include French film director Jean-Paul Jaud, distinguished journalists, respected environmental organization heads, and three Members of
the European Parliament.

Their document demands recognition of the impacts of meat on the environment, human health, and animal suffering. Specifically, the public is being invited to boycott the meat industry, and to press for a moratorium on intensive livestock farms as well as strong policy measures to reduce animal agriculture.

The declaration states that rising levels of meat consumption are causing global warming, resource waste, pollution, deforestation, soil degradation, hunger of over one billion human beings and the slaughter of billions of land and aquatic animals.

Supreme Master Television spoke with leading activist Fabrice Nicolino, French journalist and author of the book, “Bidoche, the Meat Industry Threatens the World.” “Bidoche” refers to a cheap form of meat.

Fabrice Nicolino – French journalist, author of “Bidoche, the Meat Industry Threatens the World” (M): I am looking forward to the governments, and political leaders talking about this issue, as well as the NGOs and individuals, to finally open this debate, which is an essential discussion that concerns us all.
We must stand up; we must have the courage to say that these threats are so important, so disturbing, that it is time to react in a clear, decisive and determined way. I think that if a new consumer movement comes to life, and if this movement has as a priority to make the livestock industry disappear, then maybe we will have a chance to stop this infernal machine …before everything explodes.

VOICE: We are grateful, Mr. Nicolino and all government and civil leaders for your urgent clarion call to eliminate the unsustainable meat habit. May world citizens and leaders everywhere act swiftly for a healthy, green, survived planet. Supreme Master Ching Hai has reiterated on many occasions that indeed, only an immediate halt to animal agriculture could ensure a stable planetary future, as during the following September 2009 videoconference with various experts in South Korea.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: As for what I wish the Copenhagen conference to accomplish, I wish what you wish. I wish what everyone who cares about the planet wishes – that all the leaders come together for the highest benefit to all humanity and animals, and the environment. To be honest, as the plans are going right now, we can’t save the planet, I am so sorry. Not in time, not in time. It will be too late the way we are doing now. So we have to be veg first.

We cut down the number one cause of global warming. We have to eliminate animal products because we want to save the planet. And if it goes like this, we will have a saved world in no time. No animal products means having the planet.

http://www.viande.info/sommet-copenhague-greve-viande
http://www.france24.com/en/node/4939253
http://suprememastertv.com/bbs/board.php?bo_table=killers&wr_id=117&goto_url=&sca=killer_1&url=&

Copenhagen Diagnosis Report reveals dire planetary state

Released this past week just ahead of the Copenhagen climate conference, the report is authored by a group of 26 climate scientists, including 14 members of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Their prognosis is that climate destabilization is much worse and precipitously more rapid than previously thought.
The scientists observe that greenhouse gas emissions are still skyrocketing even as Arctic sea is melting 40% faster than had been forecast, and sea levels are already rising 80% more than previously predicted.

The scientists say that without a significant change in course, the planet is set to warm 7 degrees Celsius by 2100. Eminent scientists, we appreciate this important message to the international community.

Let us all take steps now to stabilize the ecosphere during this precious window of opportunity that is still available to us.Ever-concerned for our global welfare, Supreme Master Ching Hai has frequently called for the swiftest actions to reverse climate change, as during an October 2008 videoconference in Thailand.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: We must let people know it’s urgent now and it’s time to stop global crisis. Time is short and we must all act as one to save our world from disappearing, to save our lives, and all the lives on the planet. Everything else takes too long.

So the fastest and easiest way is to stop animal products and to stop consumption of it. The result will be almost immediate, within a few weeks. It’s just the meat industry that causes the most pollution for the planet, that the planet is overloaded, nature is overloaded, the ocean is overloaded. So everything warms up because of meat and animal products.

If we change into vegan diet, this planet will become a paradise, will be plentiful, will be peaceful, will be very happy for everybody to live on.

http://www.casavaria.com/cafesentido/2009/12/01/5205/climate-scientists-say-destabilization-much-worse-than-ipcc-reporting/

French actress Brigitte Bardot calls for European Vegetarian Day

In an open letter dated November 2009, celebrated French actress and animal rights group founder Ms. Brigitte Bardot addressed European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, urging the European Union to highlight meat production's serious impact on global warming and prioritize discussion of the issue in December's climate summit in Denmark.

In the letter, which was also endorsed by more than 100 organizations worldwide, she also called for a “European Vegetarian Day.” During a telephone interview with Supreme Master Television, Ms. Bardot explained her concern about livestock industry harms to the environment.

Brigitte Bardot – President of Fondation Brigitte Bardot, legendary French actress, Vegetarian (F): Because livestock raising, either on pastures or in batteries or industrial breeding, emits more greenhouse gases than those produced by transportation, all categories: car, train, etc., airplane and all that.
The World Bank has shown that 90% of the deforestation in the Amazon is related to the meat industry. So that’s really something terrible and it has impacts on the global warming which preoccupies us enormously today.

Supreme Master TV (M): So if you have a message to convey, what would it be?
Brigitte Bardot (f): Be veg. Go green. Save the planet. And your life will have meant something.

VOICE: Our appreciation and support Ms. Bardot for your deeply caring heart for our planet and animal co-inhabitants. We join in the plea for peace between humans and the environment and all fellow creatures so that indeed we may have a meaningful, worthwhile future. The essential need to halt animal farming in favor of
the planet-saving vegan lifestyle has often been mentioned by Supreme Master Ching Hai, as during an August 2009 videoconference in Thailand.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: 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. This, I can promise.
Otherwise, the year 2012, 2013, 2014, we will never know what will happen to us if we do not do the right thing.
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.Very simple, just be veg. Just be veg is truly enough for now. And it will be enough for a long future to come.

http://www.evana.org/index.php?id=49886&lang=en
http://vegetarianstar.com/2009/09/28/nicolas-sarkozy-asked-to-initiate-vegetarian-day-in-france/
http://www.france24.com/en/20090927-bardot-turns-75-with-new-turn-spotlight
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/article1072649.ece

Livestock contributes more to climate change than previous estimates.

In 2006, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization had estimated that animal agriculture was responsible for 18% of global warming. However, it is becoming increasingly clear to scientists that the industry is playing a more significant role.

Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, chief of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) hinted at this during a talk he gave in September 2008 on the role of reducing meat consumption in addressing global warming.

Dr. Rajendra Pachauri – Chair of United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, VEGETARIAN (M): Since people found out about this talk that I was going to give here today, I’ve received a number of emails from people that I respect saying that the 18% figure is an underestimate; it’s a low estimate and in actual fact it’s much higher.

VOICE: Dr. T. Colin Campbell, a renowned researcher and internationally bestselling author of “The China Study,” also indicated that livestock’s role in heating the planet is much bigger.

Dr. T. Colin Campbell – Renowned nutrition researcher, Cornell University, USA, VEGAN (M): I just had some information just recently, that the new figures now indicate that at least half of the greenhouse gases that are up there now, not that 15 or 20%, at least half – and maybe considerably more – are due to livestock production.

VOICE: The United Nations’ 18% estimate follows virtually every step of the meat producing process, including enteric fermentation and manure, deforestation for grazing and feed crop production, transport, processing, refrigeration, and more.

LIVESTOCK GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION SOURCES:
1. Enteric fermentation
2. Manure management and application
3. Nitrogen fertilizer emission
4. On farm fossil fuel use to raise livestock
5. Deforestation of pasture
6. Deforestation for feed crops
7. Feed crop production
8. On farm fossil fuel to produce feed
9. Nitrogen deposition
10. Soil carbon losses due to burning, erosion, harvests, and grazing
11. Transporting animals to slaughter
12. Processing the meat
13. Refrigeration
14. Transporting the meat

VOICE: Accounted for are the three major greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, the latter two of which are shorter-lived but while in the atmosphere cause much more damage than carbon dioxide. However, what is unaccounted for is the fact that methane may be as much as 100 times more effective at trapping heat in the Earth’s atmosphere than carbon dioxide, compared to a 23 times estimate used in most reports – including that of the United Nations. Dr. Kirk Smith is a professor at the University of California – Berkeley in the United States, as well as a member of the IPCC and the US National Academy of Scientists.

Dr. Kirk R. Smith – Professor, University of California – Berkeley, USA (M): Already livestock is 20% of all greenhouse gas emissions, excuse me, the meat system, which includes the animals, includes growing the food for the animals, includes the transport of the meat, includes the fertilizer to grow the food to feed the meat. And that’s with not treating methane any more than the sort of normal way it is used.

VOICE: Dr. Smith believes that by factoring in methane’s truer global warming potential, livestock emissions would be calculated to be higher.

Dr. Kirk R. Smith (M): If you treat it more, then that 20% will go up to maybe 30%. So the 30%, in the next 20 years, is going to be due to meat production.

VOICE: In addition, according to US physicist Noam Mohr, livestock have an even larger share of emissions when yet another unaccounted factor is acknowledged: aerosols, or particles released along with CO2 from burning fossil fuels that actually have a cooling effect.

Voice of Noam Mohr – Physicist with degrees from Yale University and University of Pennsylvania, USA, VEGETARIAN (M): When you consider aerosols and consider the net effect of burning fossil fuels, the carbon dioxide released heats the planet, the aerosols cool the planet, and the net effect roughly cancels each other out. That means that most of the warming we have seen historically and are likely to see in the future comes from other gases, namely methane.

VOICE: We thank the distinguished scientists for this revealing information. May your research continue to be updated and illuminate our decisions in the wisest direction. We pray that humanity’s bold action to reduce meat consumption and meat production will quickly bring us to a safer situation.

In a July 2008 videoconference with our Association members in Thailand, Supreme Master Ching Hai revealed through her deep insight the reality of animal agriculture’s cumulative cause in global warming.

Videoconference with Supreme Master Ching Hai
With Bangkok, Thailand Center – July 24, 2008

Supreme Master Ching Hai: Because meat producing causes 80% of global warming. Transportation, water, deforestation, refrigeration, medical care for animals and humans, and etc, etc. All kinds of pollution coming from meat production. It’s not just the land that they use, it’s not just the methane gas and nitrous oxide that they produce, it is all its by-product; there’s no end to the list. We cannot rely on green technology alone to save the planet. Because the worst cause of it is from the meat industry. Everybody knows it; all the scientists already report it to us.