ĂN CHAY và HÂM NÓNG TOÀN CẦU

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

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Fish farming destroys important carbon sinks - 26 Nov 2009

Coastal habitats, such as mangroves, sea grasses and salt marshes are being cleared at a rapid rate for shrimp farms as well as agriculture and other forms of human development. Now a new study by Dr. Emily Pidgeon, Director of the Conservation International’s Marine Climate Change advocates for the immediate preservation of these vanishing habitats, due to their ability to sequester as much as 50 times the amount of carbon as tropical forests.

Dr. Pidgeon explained that unlike forests, which store carbon primarily in the living flora, plants in salt marshes are very efficient at burying carbon in the soil itself so that it is not released when the plant dies and can remain underground for thousands of years.

She stated, “The simple implication of this is that the long-term sequestration of carbon by one square kilometer of mangrove area is equivalent to that occurring in fifty square kilometers of tropical forest.”

Dr. Pidgeon and colleagues at Conservation International, many thanks for shedding further light on the value of our coastal ecosystems. Let us all strive to tread more lightly and preserve nature’s balance.

Supreme Master Ching Hai has long highlighted the need for humanity’s greater protection of our marine environment, as during a November 2008 interview with Ireland’s East Coast Radio FM.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: We have to stop it Just stop the fishing. The government has to forbid fishing because it’s too important to our survival to delay any further. To stop this destructive practice of fishing, the solution is the vegan diet, no fishy stuff in our meals.

The sea offers us plenty of better food choices; the wide varieties of super healthy and nutritious sea plants. We can even live on it forever. We must protect a living and healthy sea, as it relates to our living and healthy self.

http://news.mongabay.com/2009/1117-hance_coastalveg.html

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1527&page=2#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

UK government supports reducing meat for the planet and human health - 27 Nov 2009

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.

Professor 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.

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1528&page=2#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Informing ourselves of true carbon meat costs – 28 Nov 2009

A landmark report has been officially supported by the British Departments of Health as well as Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the United Nations World Health Organization, and others.

Published in the esteemed medical journal, The Lancet, the report advises that both meat production and consumption be reduced by one-third, as the only way to meet the country’s ambitious carbon emission reduction goals. Furthermore, citizens would be more than compensated by direct and favorable effects on health. Dr. Alan Dangour - London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK: The policy is reduced production, because our primary aim is to reduce carbon emissions, and we’re saying, in our series of papers, look at the health co-benefits. I think it is important for people to become much more aware about the true carbon costs of food production. Meat and meat products and dairy have an enormous carbon cost.

Today, the climate savings of plant-based eating are abundantly known, such as findings that a vegetarian diet saves more greenhouse gases than a hybrid car, or that an animal-free vegan diet reduces emissions by 94% compared to one with meat-based fare.

Regarding health savings, co-author Dr. Alan Dangour of the UK’s London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine stated that these could be even greater than the 18,000 lives forecast to be saved from heart disease alone if other meat-related diseases, such as colorectal cancer and obesity, were included. The hope is that knowing the true health costs will prompt the public to voluntarily shift away from harmful animal products. Dr. Alan Dangour: That information and the knowledge of the risks of climate change combined should allow them to make decisions about their future consumption patterns.

Our thanks Dr. Dangour and all researchers involved, as well as the British and United Nations officials who are prudently weighing the climate costs of livestock raising and meat consumption. May we all choose the plant-based diet to save our lives and the planet. In addressing the impacts of meat on all areas of our lives, Supreme Master Ching Hai has for decades urged the remedy of the vegan diet as in a May 2008 videoconference in South Korea.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: You see the meat diet not only causes the greatest emission of poisonous gas into the planet atmosphere but many other costs. There is the transportation energy cost, the electricity energy cost, there’s water wasting cost, there’s a land resource occupation cost, there’s a deforestation cost and there’s a related illness medical cost and there’s the grievance, sorrow of the people who lost loved ones due to disease related to meat diet cost.

And because we use food to feed livestock for human consumption instead of feeding directly to humans, therefore there is the cost of war and famine due to shortage of food and resources. Add them together, then we will see the real answer. So, right now, what’s good for our planet – vegan diet - we do it. We try as best as we can.

Reference:

http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2009/11/25/Brit-official-backs-meat-reduction-report/UPI-81791259183429/

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6933045.ece

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1529&page=2#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Prestigious vegan scientist sets out to transform the food industry - 30 Nov 2009

Concluding that the planet cannot sustain humanity if consumption of animal products continues to increase, Stanford University professor and US National Academy of Sciences member Dr. Patrick Brown decided to set aside his normal scientific work for 18 months and instead seek to eliminate animal farming across the globe.

His plans include helping people change their diets by showing companies how to create and market tasty vegetarian foods.

For the next six months, he will be working with scientists on models demonstrating that the economic and environmental costs of animal foods are too high to sustain, followed by a year of working with famous chefs and food researchers developing savory vegetarian dishes and a program to overcome food security issues.

Saying that he wants to approach our planetary crisis as a solvable problem, Dr. Brown offered a simple summary of the solution: “Eliminate animal farming on planet Earth.”

Our accolades and admiration, Dr. Brown! May Heaven bless your lofty ideals in speeding our world toward adoption of the lifesaving plant-based fare.As part of her tireless work to aid humanity in facing our precarious global situation, Supreme Master Ching Hai has advocated an urgent transition to the organic vegan diet, as via a video message for a June 2009 conference in Mexico.

Supreme Master Ching Hai : Adopting a plant-based diet can halt as much as 80% of global warming, eradicate world hunger, stop war, promote peace, and it will free up the Earth’s water as well as many other precious resources, offering a lifeline for the planet and for humanity. In short, it will very quickly halt many of the global problems facing us right now. Therefore, it is vital that we do our part to bring to the public’s attention the urgent climate change issues and its solutions; the foremost being the vegan diet, to safeguard our precious planet.

http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2009/1130/thought-leaders-mcdonalds-global-warming-drop-that-burger.html

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1530&page=2#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Food insecurity looms with more rapid climate change - 5 Dec 2009

With recent research doubling forecasts due to new information about accelerated ice melt in Antarctica and other regions, a 1.4-meter sea level rise is now being anticipated in coastal areas and islands before the next century.

Countries such as Âu Lạc (Vietnam) are thus calling attention to the issue of food security ahead of the upcoming international negotiations in Copenhagen. Deputy Director of the Aulacese (Vietnamese) Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change Department, Mr. Nguyễn Khắc Hiếu has stated that the anticipated flooding would inundate 31,000 square kilometers of the Mekong Delta – an area about the size of Belgium.

As the world’s second largest rice exporter, the effect to both Âu Lạc and many other countries would be profound. Deputy Director Nguyễn is thus asking that adaptation issues be addressed at the Copenhagen climate summit.

Our appreciation, Deputy Director Nguyễn and Âu Lạc for calling attention to this vital topic at such a crucial juncture for humanity. May the decisions of our world leaders bring unified steps to restore the balance of our ecosphere. During an August 2009 climate change conference in Thailand, Supreme Master Ching Hai further highlighted the tolls of the current global crisis, while emphasizing the critical need for appropriate action to reverse the situation.

Supreme Master Ching Hai : In Âu Lạc (Vietnam), you probably know of global warming related problems such as the untimely flooding and encroachment of the sea of the Mekong Delta region –
both of which have caused havoc and further threat to the region’s vital rice and fruit crops.
This is due to a combination of sea levels rising, along with the effect of melting glaciers, which are now causing excessive floods but eventually will cause drought and vastly diminished water supplies as well.

So we must work quickly to avoid such unwanted outcomes.

And the most effective way is the organic vegan diet, organic vegetable farming. This is also the fastest way to reverse the increased warming climate to prevent further damage and disaster. If everyone does this – be veg – the Earth will begin to cool and we will have more time to implement the measures to eliminate all the carbon emissions. So please, be veg,and tell everyone else of these benefits.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iUQUHqrFNSnyGROkjhbTqf2dOWwQ
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977925407&grpId=3659174697244816&nav=Groupspace
http://www.rfi.fr/actuvi/articles/120/article_5911.asp,
http://www.france24.com/en/node/4938440
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-12/02/content_12571641.htm
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iNBHb6KnUMTIa-zGMZ_bgwwgAM5w

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1533&page=2#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

European Parliament Members discuss reducing meat and climate change - 6 Dec 2009

The European Parliament organized a hearing on Thursday, December 3 titled “Climate Change and Food Policy: Less Meat = Less Heat,” opening the floor for a discussion about ways that reducing meat consumption would mitigate global warming. Invited as guest panelists were former Beatles artist Sir Paul McCartney, known for his Meat-Free Mondays campaign, and Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, esteemed Chair of
the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, who is also a vegetarian.

Dr. Rajendra Pachauri – Chair, United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Vegetarian (M): I think we have to use every means to mitigate the emissions of greenhouse gases, and I’d submit to you once again that cutting down on meat consumption would be an extremely effective way of doing so.

VOICE: Dr. Alan Dangour, co-author of a recent report published in the esteemed medical journal The Lancet that recommended reductions in meat consumption to save lives, also joined Sir Paul and Dr. Pachauri in the lively discussion.

Dr. Alan Dangour – London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK (M): A greater awareness of the climate costs of all of our actions, including our choice about what we eat, is urgently needed. Surely cooling our love affair with animal source foods is a very small price to pay.

VOICE: During this session, Sir Paul and Dr. Pachauri fielded questions from international journalists, including one from our Supreme Master Television correspondent.

Supreme Master Television correspondent: How do you think we can encourage people to
change their eating habits, education-wise, and also in the compassion issue?

Sir Paul McCartney – Former Beatles musician, Vegetarian (M): I think what needs to be done is to point out the dangers of not changing our eating habits. There are a lot of facts available. I think we just have to encourage people, to guide them, to help them make the transition. But I think it’s doable, it’s very possible.

VOICE: We send our gratitude, European Parliament members, Sir Paul McCartney, Dr. Rajendra Pachauri and other participants, for your efforts to address this most urgent matter of our time.

May all people quickly make the shift to the vegan diet for the safe continuation of life on Earth. As one who has been dedicated to safeguarding humanity's course on the planet, Supreme Master Ching Hai again called for adoption of the life-giving plant-based lifestyle during an April 2009 videoconference in South Korea.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: We really need to stop global warming now, like yesterday, because I’m sorry to say that while all these green changes are good, there is still one action that must be on the top of the list, the most important one, which, once again, is the vegan diet.

The greenest of all the green policy, the greenest of all the green action, the most compassionate, the most heroic, the lifesaving action, the vegan diet. It will eliminate methane, one of the most heat-trapping greenhouse gases. And this will cool the planet the fastest and give us more time to exercise our green policy
or finding better technology. This is the most valuable step, the vegan step, that the governments could make, could encourage, could pass into law, could inform the people at large.

This is the realistic way, the only way that I know, the only way that I see that we can save the planet right now.

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1534&page=2#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

European livestock raising exceeds carbon storage of trees and soils - 8 Dec 2009

In a study published in the journal Nature Geoscience, researchers at Germany’s Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry found that although farms in Europe have the capacity to store some 125 million tons of CO2 equivalent through absorption by trees, grass and soil, these numbers did not take into account emissions from livestock and fertilizers. Lead author and Institute Director Dr. Detlef Schulze stated that the numbers changed drastically when factoring in the methane generated by livestock as well as the nitrous oxide produced by animal manure.

In fact, the beneficial absorption number was removed altogether and was replaced instead by 34 million tons of CO2 equivalent emissions. Commenting on the current method of ignoring these livestock-related greenhouse gases, Dr. Schulze said, “That’s definitely not acceptable.” Dr. Schulze and colleagues, our heartfelt thanks for this further documentation of the harmful effects of farmed animal raising. Our prayers that climate negotiators act on such clear data by ensuring that livestock production is accounted for and regulated under all new emission reduction agreements and goals.

In her endeavors to safeguard life on our planet, Supreme Master Ching Hai has frequently highlighted the need to stop the meat industry and its intense global warming effects, as during an interview published in the July 2009 edition of the Irish Sunday Independent newspaper.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: If we are vegan we don’t even need to worry about CO2 yet. CO2 by transportation and all that is not the grave urgency like methane gas and nitrous oxide and all the gases that are produced out of animal industry.

From my inside knowledge, and also scientifically speaking, 80% of global warming would be stopped if we stopped the animal industry. As the top climatologist Dr. James Hansen said, being veg is the single most effective thing a person can do to stop global warming.

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=143&art_id=nw20091122222410940C386700
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601100&sid=aceiR0hNQrcA

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1535&page=2#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Animal agriculture affects global hunger - 9 Dec 2009

With the numbers of people facing hunger worldwide having risen to more a billion for the first time in history, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) released a white paper calling for reduced reliance on industrial animal agriculture and greater support instead for plant-based foods to provide nutrition
for more people.

The report points out that with over 80% of all soy and up to 50% of corn already being fed to livestock, forecasts of animal product consumption doubling by 2050 means that livestock animals may soon be in competition with humans for food. Worse yet, livestock production is a major factor in global warming, which if continued will only intensify problems such as drought and extreme storms that are already threatening food security worldwide.

Our appreciation, Humane Society of the United States for this wise reminder that global hunger can be alleviated by the simple choice of plant-based foods.

May such research as yours lead us to swiftly adopt lifestyles that optimize the food supply for all.
In her dedication to ensure humanity’s wellbeing, Supreme Master Ching Hai has often warned of the major role of the livestock industry in world hunger, as during a January 2009 videoconference in Mongolia.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: Actually, we should not have to worry about food because we have it abundantly on our planet. It’s just that we have to use it wisely. Instead of using it to feed the animals, we use it to feed humans and that will be fine. We should remind everyone to be veg to invoke the mercy of the Buddhas, and we will be better protected.

Studies have shown that if the grain currently going to livestock animals for feed, if we feed it to humans, then all the hunger in the world will disappear and the reversal of global warming from a vegan diet will result in more plentiful growing conditions. So, we even have more food than now if we turn to vegan diet.

http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/farm/hsus-the-impact-of-industrialized-animal-agriculture-on-world-hunger.pdf
http://www.evana.org/index.php?id=50669&lang=en
http://www.humanesociety.org/news/publications/whitepapers/farm_animal_welfare.html

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1536&page=2#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

FAO hears expert consultation by Dr. Robert Goodland - 10 Dec 2009

The co-author of the World Watch Institute report that traces at least 51% of global greenhouse gas emissions to livestock raising was recently invited to speak at policy brief on climate change for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The Rome-based organization is working to garner support for a combined solution to global warming and food security, which calls attention to the many opportunities in agriculture to mitigate the effects of climate change. In his speech, Dr. Goodland made several recommendations including the promotion of a plant-based diet and that emissions from livestock should be considered in any approach to reducing global warming.

Dr. Goodland, our sincere thanks for sharing your expertise. May the United Nations, governments and organizations worldwide quickly adopt such wise and effective practices as the organic vegan lifestyle to halt climate change.

This solution to our global crisis has also been echoed time and again by Supreme Master Ching Hai, who again called on all leaders to take initiatives toward a plant-based world during a September 2009 videoconference in Jeju Island, South Korea.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: I urge 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. The government and the people have nothing to lose by being vegan. For the environment, the absence of livestock will bring about much less pollution and less waste of water and food resources. For the citizens, there are perfectly nutritious, delicious alternatives to animal products nowadays. And the vegan diet is also the best for our children.

http://www.evana.org/index.php?id=51046&lang=en
http://wellfedworld.org/PDF/FAOConsult12-09.pdf
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-12/02/content_12571641.htm
http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/robert_goodland/,http://www.wellfedworld.org/

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1537&page=2#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Galapagos species suffering from climate change and overfishing - 22 Dec 2009

The Ecuadorian Galapagos Islands were first brought to the world’s attention as the site where Darwin tested his theory of evolution. Now, they are speaking of the fragile state of our seas as a new report in the journal Global Change Biology indicates that the Galapagos black-spotted damselfish , and a remarkable 24-rayed starfish called Heliaster solaris are likely extinct as they have not been seen in the last 25 years.

Rising ocean temperatures caused by global warming-induced El Niño weather events as well as excessive fishing are blamed for their disappearance as well as the decline of other species such as the Galapagos penguin and the Floreana cup coral.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, seven species from this famous ecosystem are possibly extinct while nine others are critically endangered.

We are saddened to know of the perilous condition of the Galapagos and all marine life. Let us all act now to avert more losses by adopting considerate lifestyles that are in harmony with nature.
During a May 2009 videoconference in Togo, while addressing the urgent need to act on the crisis facing our marine co-inhabitants, Supreme Master Ching Hai again called on all humanity to turn to life-sparing ways.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: The marine ecosystem is in big trouble right now from global warming already. If those fish are all gone, we will see a catastrophic loss of other marine species as well. The coastal ecosystems will also be affected greatly by diseases and algae blooms that release toxins. The ocean is a wonderful recycler that normally can purify the water and create nutrients and turn carbon dioxide into oxygen, etc. The ocean is a miracle.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: It is in our interest to care for the oceans if we want to survive, and all the life that they contain, including fish. No animal products at all; that is the best way. We should be vegan.

http://www.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/04_14.html
http://news.mongabay.com/2009/1203-hance_galapagos.html

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1538&page=2#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Overfishing linked to harmful algal blooms - 24 Dec 2009

A new study by Swedish researchers found that, along with nitrogenous runoff from livestock raising and agriculture, algal blooms in the Baltic Sea are linked to the decline of certain species of large fish.

Specifically, the research showed that if perch and pike fish populations were healthy and no nitrogen pollution existed, the surrounding waters had only a 10% chance of being afflicted by an algal bloom.

However, in areas where fishing had caused their populations to be substantially reduced, the chances of an algal bloom went up to 50%. The researchers believe that the increase is related to a disruption of the food chain, which in turn affects the ecosystem. Swedish scientists, we appreciate your work that sheds new light on our oceanic environments.

Let us act on such knowledge to protect marine life for a vibrant planet. Supreme Master Ching Hai has often urged for an end to consuming fish and other animal products, to preserve the biosphere and our own peace of mind, as during a May 2009 videoconference in Togo.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: If those fish are all gone, we will see a catastrophic loss of other marine species as well. The coastal ecosystems will also be affected greatly by diseases and algae blooms that release toxins. The ocean is a wonderful recycler that normally can purify the water and create nutrients and turn carbon dioxide into oxygen, etc.

The ocean is a miracle. But if we ruin the ecosystems through overfishing, this will spell disaster for us. SM: It’s better for our body, for our conscience, for our mind, and for the planet to stay away from fish.

We should be vegan.

http://www.nature.com/news/2009/091201/full/news.2009.1116.html?s=news_rss
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Algal-Blooms-May-Be-Caused-by-Overfishing-128552.shtml

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1539&page=2#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Formosan (Taiwanese) high school students promote meat-free meals to save the planet - 26 Dec 2009

The Student Council of Yangtze High School in Yulin County, Formosa (Taiwan) launched a campaign calling on the entire school to adopt meat-free meals to reduce carbon emissions, going from class to class to promote their message.

After gaining approval from the students and teachers in the school of over 1000 people, the high school is starting with one veg meal a week and will gradually increase to meat-free meals served daily in the future.

A statement from the Student Council said, "We can be just as healthy and happy without meat, and have the vitality for our study while we love our planet at the same time."

Student Council and participating students of Yangtze High School, we applaud and admire your noble initiative. Blessed be all such efforts as yours in bringing optimal refreshment and vigor to humans while restoring our Earthly home.

http://mag.udn.com/mag/campus/storypage.jsp?f_ART_ID=227314

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1540&page=2#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Swedish burger fast food chain encourages meat reduction to offset carbon emissions - 28 Dec 2009

In efforts to lower meat consumption as part of raising environmental awareness, a Swedish fast-food chain called Max Burger has published the carbon footprint of every item on its menu, showing that beef has the highest CO2 emissions. Spokesman Par Larshans said, "We think you need to be honest with the customer. We hope to change the whole of the fast-food industry by this. We want people to eat less meat.”

A recent national poll showed that 92% of Swedish people wanted more information about eco “food-print” of products they consume.

We appreciate your endeavors, Mr. Larshans and Max Burger, for informing the public of the carbon-intensity of meat. May such information help everyone make more humane and greener choices, to tread more lightly on our planet.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8395287.stm
http://www.thebigmoney.com/blogs/daily-bread/2009/12/08/swedish-burger-chain-publishes-carbon-data-menus

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1541&page=2#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Enthusiasm runs high in Formosan (Taiwanese) school for reduced-meat program - 29 Dec 2009

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!

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1542&page=2#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Human consumption of salmon and lobster triggers marine imbalances - 30 Dec 2009

Studies conducted by the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) off the coast of Tasmania have revealed that lobster fishing results in increased populations of spiny sea urchins. These species then overgraze kelp beds, causing areas known as sea urchin barrens, which triggers further biodiversity loss and disrupts important rocky reef ecosystems.

Moreover, the scientists found the farmed salmon fishing also has a severe impact on marine life, with as much as four kilograms of wild fish being killed to produce one kilogram of Tasmanian salmon. In addition, nearly 18 tons of antibiotics were fed to these farmed fish from 2006-2008 due to their susceptibility to disease because of extremely confined conditions, with as many as 50,000 to a pen.

With temperatures of coastal waters in eastern Tasmania rising four times faster than the global average, the researchers warn that human-induced stressors such as lobster and salmon fishing increase the tolls and reduce the ecosystems’ capacity to adapt. What’s more, the farming of salmon generates vast amounts of toxic waste that are now polluting the once-pristine Tasmanian environment.

Our gratefulness, Australian Marine Conservation Society scientists for these findings. May all people quickly heed the urgency of this information and switch to wholesome vegan lifestyles for the conservation of precious marine life.

During a May 2009 videoconference in Togo, Supreme Master Ching Hai spoke, as on previous occasions, about the marine biodiversity loss that is mainly caused by fish consumption.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: Balanced marine ecosystems are extremely important, as more than two-thirds of the planet is covered by oceans. They provide half of the world’s oxygen and play a major part in regulating the global climate. To disturb the balance of the seas, thus, ultimately places our own lives in danger.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: What we are seeing from these fish and marine life are signs of distress.

Stop eating the flesh; stop killing for food; stop eating the fish.

We should be looking for ways to help the fish, to protect them and all the marine life from the devastating effects of climate change. Once we start thinking in this way, we are in a better position for ourselves, for the fish and for the planet.

http://www.sciencealert.com.au/news/20091512-20412.html
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/12/08/2765421.htm
http://nccnsw.org.au/index.php?option=com_contact&task=view&contact_id=50&Itemid=164
http://www.amcs.org.au/

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1543&page=2#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Fish farming destroys marine wildlife - 1 Jan 2010

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has reported a dramatic rise in sea louse , a parasite that infects salmon, is causing great concern in Norway as its populations triple in the crowded fish farms of the Norwegian fjords over the past year alone. Besides killing the farmed fish, environmentalists fear that this organism will further decimate already weakened wild salmon whose numbers have been reduced by half in the past decades.

Meanwhile, a 23-year Finnish study has concluded that lethal strains of the bacteria Columnaris have developed in the confined conditions of ocean fish farms. This infection destroys the skin, fins, and gills of fish and is currently the leading cause of their death. With infected farmed fish that sometimes escape or are let loose by fish farmers who wish to avoid fines and costly clean-up, wild fish are thus being subjected to an increasing number of virulent diseases that originate from factory farms.

Norwegian Food Safety Authority, we appreciate and share your concern for the well-being of wild fish and ocean life. May we all realize the damaging nature of meat and fish consumption and opt quickly for the life-enhancing vegan diet.

Supreme Master Ching Hai has often spoken of the tolls endured by the Earth’s animal inhabitants, addressing our need to halt the devastating practice of fishing as during a November 2008 interview with Ireland’s East Coast Radio FM.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: We have to stop it. Just stop the fishing. The government has to forbid fishing because it’s too important to our survival to delay any further. To stop this destructive practice of fishing, the solution is the vegan diet, no fishy stuff in our meals. The sea offers us plenty of better food choices; the wide varieties of super healthy and nutritious sea plants. We can even live on it forever. We must protect a living and healthy sea, as it relates to our living and healthy self.

http://www.naturalnews.com/027809_farmed_fish_disease.html
http://www.wildforsalmon.com/aboutscokeye.html
http://users.jyu.fi/~pukaan/
http://www.france24.com/en/node/4955477
http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1803174/norwegian_salmon_affected_by_lice/

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1544&page=1#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Fish-based oil and animal feed from dwindling species - 7 Jan 2010

Menhaden, a fish that plays a vital role in maintaining Atlantic Coast ecosystems, is suffering from decades of depletion through overfishing and global warming. Hundreds of millions of pounds of menhaden are ground into feed for hogs, chickens, pets and salmon, while also being used in omega-3 oils and in lipstick, paint, and other items.

As described by New York Times journalist Paul Greenberg and US author H. Bruce Franklin, the menhaden is an herbivorous fish whose algae consumption actually purifies tremendous amounts of water.

However, due to population losses, places such as Chesapeake Bay in the USA are now muddy-brown and contain a growing number of dead zones. In addition, the waste of commercial pig and chicken operations flowing into the Neuse River of North Carolina, USA, has caused vast algal blooms. As millions of menhaden try at once to consume the massive amounts of algae, the insufficient oxygen in the warm water has caused them to suffocate en masse. In the summer of 2009 alone, up to 50 million menhaden were killed and washed ashore along the Neuse River.

Of note is the fact that according to nutritional experts at the US-based Mayo Clinic, substitutes for oil obtained from menhaden readily exist in the form of plant-based oils such as flax seed.

Our appreciation Mr. Greenberg, Mr. Franklin, and Mayo Clinic scientists. We pray that humans quickly cease to consume fish and meat, which are at the root of climate change and environmental imbalance. May all of us strive to develop compassion and live in harmony with our animal co-inhabitants. At a March 2009 climate change conference in Xalapa City, Mexico, joined by Mexican dignitaries and the public, honored guest Supreme Master Ching Hai spoke, as in other occasions, about the preciousness of every species to all life on the planet.

It’s not only oil but other of our actions as well, such as overfishing and chemical run-off from farms and factories. These all cause harm, because they do not consider the impact of our actions on other beings.

Every being on Earth and in the sea has value, no matter how small they might look, and something unique to do on this planet. It is our ignoring of this balance and the preciousness of all lives that has contributed to our global danger right now.

The way to solve this problem is through greater consideration for all lives. This means we should respect all lives, and in action. If everyone is vegan, having an animal-free diet, then there is a different outlook, different conception for development of all kinds. In our case, it will proceed with compassion and care, which is what we need to restore the wonders of our marine life.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/16/opinion/16greenberg.html?_r=1
http://www.indyweek.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A407465
http://www.ethicurean.com/2009/03/23/menhaden/
http://www.newbernsj.com/news/top-54224-economy-journal.html
http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/environment/2009/dec/Dwindling-Population-of-Crucial-Fish-Could-Require-Federal-Attention.html

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1545&page=1#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Human impact of animal-borne disease more severe with global warming - 10 Jan 2010

According to scientists at the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ecological imbalance triggered by global warming is accelerating the spread of zoonotic diseases.
EPA environmental health scientist Dr. Montira Pongsiri stated, “Dramatic changes to the environment are triggering major alterations to human disease patterns ...”

The recent eruption of swine flu that came from a mixing of animal-borne viruses is just one of the emerging diseases that concerns EPA scientists, who also cited malaria, West Nile disease and others that are on the rise due to such factors as warming climate and changes in agricultural practices.

Over 300 new diseases have been identified since 1940, with 60% that have crossed from animals to humans. Scientists at the US Environmental Protection Agency, we appreciate your efforts to inform the public about the spread of zoonotic diseases that pose a threat to all of us. Let us all choose to live more lightly and thus protect our planetary home, especially by selecting the safe and immune-boosting plant-based foods.

Supreme Master Ching Hai has many times mentioned the need for humans to halt the consumption of animals to avoid related illnesses, as in an August 2009 videoconference in Thailand.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: The swine flu is by far not the only scary disease - that also comes from or is spread by humans’ cruel treatment of animals. Avian flu, tuberculosis, Listeria, Crohn’s disease, mad cow disease, campylobacter, Staphylococcus aureus, etc., etc. And now, we have its more dangerous form, called MRSA, namely methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; it’s a “superbug” – meaning there is no antibiotic to cure it, no antibiotic for this superbug.

These diseases arose because we over-breed animals and create the conditions for the diseases to form and spread. Other diseases came from hunting.

HIV, the killer of 25 million people since 1981, is from humans’ consumption of primates. So, all these diseases, not just the swine flu, could be prevented if only humans turn away from such unhealthy, cruel, violent habits – the habits of raising, hunting, and eating animal flesh. It has be stopped, the consuming of animal flesh.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/deadly-animal-diseases-poised-to-infect-humans-1856777.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/6930130/Scientists-warn-of-rise-in-diseases-spread-from-animals-to-humans.html
http://www.eht-forum.org/#

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1546&page=1#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Meat consumption drives rainforest destruction and global warming - 14 Jan 2010

A report recently issued by the Earth Policy Institute provides an in-depth look at global trends relating to soybean yields as well as revealing the link to destruction of tropical rainforests. First grown by farmers in China some 3,000 years ago, soy is now one of the world’s dominant crops, going from 17 million tons to 250 million tons in just 50 years, representing a 14-fold increased in yields.

However, the report states that only about 30% of soybeans are consumed directly by humans with some 70% being processed for consumption by livestock and poultry.

And as new acreage is carved out of the Amazon and other countries like Honduras and Paraguay, vast amounts of carbon are released from both the areas cleared for soybeans and the livestock that consumes them.

Currently, Brazil is the world’s second largest producer of soybeans, with countries like China importing 75% of the 55 million tons consumed primarily by livestock in that country.

The Earth Policy Institute report concludes that saving the rainforests depends on reducing demand for soybeans and thus eating more plant-based foods.

Our heartfelt thanks Earth Policy Institute for calling our attention to the connection between meat consumption and the demise of our irreplaceable rainforests.

May we all act now to save both the trees and the planet by adopting the sustainable vegan diet. In an interview published in the September 2009 edition of The House Magazine, Supreme Master Ching Hai again addressed such tolls of the livestock industry along with the most direct way to protect the rainforest and our ecosphere.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: On land, meat consumption is responsible for vast regions being cleared for grazing crops that are fed to livestock. One example is seen in the deforested Amazon areas that have gone from lush forest to bare fields used for cattle grazing or primarily animal feed crops.

With these activities essentially robbing our biodiversity, there has been an alarming rise in the disappearance of plants and animals. And one of the most comprehensive studies ever conducted in the field is now forecasting that over a million species will be lost in the coming 50 years.

The answer to all of this is quite clear. Stop the meat consumption. Stop it yesterday. This will eliminate the so-called need for livestock raising, which will immediately return immense amounts of land to natural sustainability or to natural growing methods that allow biodiversity to be replenished. This is the way we need to go, and fast.

http://www.earthpolicy.org/index.php?/plan_b_updates/2009/update86

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1547&goto_url=veg&page=1#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Former Miss World Irish celebrity promotes veg solution in campaign with Supreme Master Television - 22 Jan 2010

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

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1548&goto_url=veg&page=1#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/1246/aulaceseloisongmoizg9.jpg


Kuwait’s natural desert being damaged by excessive livestock grazing - 25 Jan 2010

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
http://docs.google.com/viewer
http://www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgenciesPublicSite/ArticleDetails.aspx?Language=en&id=2053167
http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=MjIwMTc3OTc5
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/110431937/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0 http://countrystudies.us/persian-gulf-states/23.htm http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=14970675 http://www.infibeam.com/Books/info/James-A-Young/Cattle-in-the-Cold-Desert/0874175038.html

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1549&goto_url=veg&page=1#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

New York Times reports on being veg to save the planet - 30 Jan 2010

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

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1550&goto_url=veg&page=1#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

International media, CCTV reports on “Eating for a low-carbon world.” - 1 Feb 2010

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

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1551&goto_url=veg&page=1#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Bremen introduces “Veggie Thursday.” - 5 Feb 2010

The picturesque city in northwest Germany has become the first municipality to introduce a weekly Veggie Day. The campaign has taken its cues from the success of a similar program in Gent, Belgium where schools, restaurants and citizens are all participating.

The German “Veggie Thursday” initiative has received the endorsement of Bremen’s mayor, Mr. Jens Böhrnsen; its environmental chief, Dr. Reinhard Loske and a broad-base of consumer and environmental groups.

Along with its health benefits, campaign organizers state that if 550,000 Bremen citizens stop eating meat for just 52 days in the year, they can prevent the CO2 emissions of 40,000 cars.

Bravo, “Veggie Thursday” organizers and Bremen citizens on your adoption of this wholesome trend! Surely such noble examples as yours will continue to spread, with more and more communities joining in the life-saving veg lifestyle.

http://www.evana.org/index.php?id=52632〈=en
http://www.taz.de/1/nord/artikel/1/bremen-propagiert-veggiday/
http://www.extremnews.com/nachrichten/natur-und-umwelt/656912d8c2bd91f

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1552&goto_url=veg&page=1#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Reducing meat consumption better than changing livestock feed and practices - 6 Feb 2010

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

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1553&goto_url=veg&page=1#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Reducing meat consumption a sure way to alleviate climate change - 7 Feb 2010

Speaking of the United Kingdom’s already established emission goals during a February 3 conference, Soil Association Policy Director Lord Peter Melchett said that these will be met only if consumers reduce their intake of pork and poultry alone by at least 75%.

Lord Melchett stated, “It's ludicrous … not to talk about consumption when we're talking about environmental sustainability.” Meanwhile, he also highlighted the benefits of organic farming, saying that a recently conducted study found that if all the farmland in the nation went organic, the soil could absorb 3.2 million tons of carbon, or the equivalent of removing nearly 1 million cars from the road.

Our appreciation, Lord Melchett and Soil Association, for your encouragement of the transition to meat-free, organic living. May we soon herald a vegan world for the vibrant stability of our precious Earth.

Supreme Master Ching Hai has frequently advocated organic vegan farming and adoption of the same planet-cooling diet, as highlighted in an October 2009 climate change conference in Formosa (Taiwan).

Supreme Master Ching Hai: 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 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.

World governments could save tens of trillions of US dollars, tens of trillions of US dollars if everyone be veg and plant organic. So you see, 50% less from no more animal industry, 40% less carbon dioxide from organic farming, then we will be singing, our world will be saved.

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/03/119820/Consumers-need-to-eat-less-meat-says-Soil-Association.htm
http://www.meatinfo.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/10134/Soil_Association_calls_for_UK_consumers_to_eat_less_meat.html
http://www.soilassociation.org/Whyorganic/Climatefriendlyfoodandfarming/tabid/215/Default.aspx

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1554&goto_url=veg&page=1#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Veg trend on the rise in Australia - 11 Feb 2010

Just weeks after the country launched Meatless Mondays, a campaign encouraging at least one meat-free meal a week, Sydney’s famed Bondi Beach was the site of the country’s biggest vegetarian barbecue for the recent celebration of Australia Day.

Sponsored by Fry’s Vegetarian brand and hosted by spokesperson and Australian comedian Simon Kennovich, the veg event raised funds for the Bondi Surf Life Saving Club while advocating a healthy, environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Supreme Master Television’s correspondent reports.

Australian Correspondent (F): We’re here on Australia’s famous Bondi Beach at Australia’s biggest vegetarian barbeque where Simon Kennovich is telling Australians not to eat lamb on Australia Day but to instead try a Fry’s burger and to try being veg for the planet and for our beautiful Australia.

Simon Kennovich – Comedian (M): Hallo everyone, people of the world. Come to Australia. Get down here, have a vegetarian barbeque with us. We’ll all have a good time.

VOICE: Served fresh off the grill were vegan alternatives to the meat often eaten on holidays, with a crowd of people showing their interest in tasting more.

Attendee/Citizen (M): It’s good.

Attendee (M): Mouth-watering, really.

VOICE: The barbeque also raised awareness on vital veg benefits for one’s health and the planet.

Volunteer (F): That’s obviously helping with the cutting down of methane gases that are produced by animals. And also just having a different protein source, it’s a great way of benefiting your diet.

Attendee (M): Anyone that loves this planet and loves the blue sky and the conditions we have at the moment really should get behind a vegetarian diet for the planet. If we get enough people behind this, we could change this global warming phenomenon.

VOICE: Many thanks, Fry’s Vegetarian, Simon Kennovich and Bondi Beach for your celebration and support of the Earth-protecting plant-based diet. May the compassionate lifestyle soon be adopted by all countries for a vibrantly sustainable world.

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1555&goto_url=veg&page=1#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Urban dwellers’ meat consumption among the factors of increasing deforestation - 18 Feb 2010

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

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1556&goto_url=veg&page=1#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

UN recommends tax on livestock - 23 Feb 2010

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

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1557&goto_url=veg&page=1#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Media report : Irish celebrity spreads veg solution with Supreme Master Television - 25 Feb 2010

Recently in the Environmental Data Interactive Exchange, or Edie.net, Europe’s largest environmental website that has become a main news source for environmental professionals, journalist Luke Walsh wrote about Irish top model and Miss World 2003 Rosanna Davison’s recent campaign to promote the vegan diet.

Titled “Former Miss World backs veganism for climate change,” the article stated: “Rosanna Davison is fronting the campaign for Supreme Master Television, featured on TV3 in Ireland, on buses and the Luas – Dublin's light rail tram system.

The campaign is aimed at encouraging people to re-think their attitudes to animal treatment generally and to eating meat in particular, due to its carbon footprint.”

Ms. Davison, daughter of the world-famous Irish singer-songwriter Chris de Burgh, had been a vegetarian since childhood. She decided to be vegan after working with Supreme Master Television and learning about how only a pure veg diet could most effectively stop animal cruelty while sustaining personal and planetary health.

Edie news cited Ms. Davison as saying: “Watching the effect meat production and meat consumption is having on the world around us in terms of cruelty, emissions and health issues, I was determined to totally cut out dairy, eggs and cheese and have a completely vegan diet. It's going well so far and I feel great.

I've loads of energy and just feel so much more invigorated as a result.”

Many thanks, Mr. Luke Walsh and Environmental Data Interactive Exchange, for your articles that inform readers about global warming’s most effective solution. We also extend our appreciation to you, Ms. Rosanna Davison, for your noble initiative as a beloved role model. May all of Ireland and the world join in preserving our planet with the smart, rejuvenating, and lifesaving vegan diet.

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

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1558&goto_url=veg&page=1#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

New low-carbon program in China includes reducing meat - 20 Mar 2010

Three Chinese governmental organizations – the China Women's Federation, the Central Civilization Office, and the National Development and Reform Commission have jointly organized a series of events with the theme, “Low Carbon Family Lifestyle.” A range of activities are being carried out nationwide to encourage families toward more environmentally conscious lifestyles, with a set of 15 recommendations presented for eco-living that includes conservation practices, planting at home and reducing meat consumption.

Our green salute China Women's Federation, the Central Civilization Office, and the National Development and Reform Commission for your collaborative efforts to promote sustainable living. May the people of China flourish in the compassion of Earth-harmonious ways.

http://www.women.org.cn/adj/zxgx_104646.doc
http://www.women.org.cn/manguage/zxgx/1.html
http://www.womenofchina.cn/news/Spotlight/215841.jsp

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1559&goto_url=veg&page=1#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Award-winning TV legal expert makes the case for vegan solution to climate change - 27 Mar 2010

As a longtime host for her own national live talk show on “Court TV,” Lisa Bloom now serves as a legal analyst for the major television networks CNN and CBS News.

Admired for her insights, unbiased interviews and direct manner of speech, Ms. Bloom appears daily as a legal expert or guest host on multiple television and radio programs, including “The Dr. Phil Show,” “Larry King Live,” “Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell,” and “The Early Show.” Ms. Bloom has also become a champion of justice for the defenseless such as children, and she is also a committed vegan and animal lover.

On March 23, she attended a book signing event for “Gristle,” which describes the harms of intensive livestock raising and is co-edited by multi-award winning vegan musician Moby.

Affirming her support of the book’s message about the animal suffering caused by meat consumption, Ms. Bloom also articulated her firm stance on climate change and its largest cause, factory farming.

Lisa Bloom – Award-winning CNN and CBS TV news network legal analyst, Vegan (F): I’m a lifelong vegetarian and I’m a vegan now. And you know, there’s no question that the number one contributor to climate change is livestock production – in fact, more than all of the cars, planes, trains and boats in the world contribute to climate change.

And climate change is the biggest threat to my children’s generation. It’s probably going to be the biggest humanitarian crisis in world history. So I think we all have a moral imperative to do whatever we can to stop it. And the quickest way to make an effect is to immediately start on a vegan diet.

It also happens to be delicious and good for your health, so it’s a win-win. But you know, the methane gas that cows produce, which is a big contributor to climate change will very quickly disappear from the atmosphere if we stop producing livestock, versus the CO2 that stays in the atmosphere for a very long time, so it just makes sense on so many levels to stop eating meat, to stop eating any kind of dairy products or eggs, from a climate change point of view, to reduce animal suffering, and also for human health.

VOICE: Well said, Lisa Bloom! Our admiring salute and appreciation for your honesty, courage, and dedication in discussing this most important issue of our time. Through clear voices such as yours, may there soon be justice for all beings in a humane and loving world.

Lisa Bloom (F): I’m Lisa Bloom from CNN. I’m a legal analyst from CNN and CBS News. Be veg, go green, save the planet!

http://www.lisabloom.com/
http://www.lisabloom.com/id1.html
http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/courttvtrutv/_lisa_bloom_leaving_trutv_105384.asp

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1560&goto_url=veg&page=1#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Stop eating fish to help the planet - 5 Apr 2010

In India, the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is urging the public to go vegan and especially stop eating fish to help animals and the planet.

Senior coordinator for the campaign, Mr. Nikunj Sharma explained the results of a year-long study confirming that the practice of bottom trawling is one of the most ecologically damaging and unsustainable ever as it involves dragging huge, heavy nets along the sea floor, which in turn empty the waters of all life.

Mr. Sharma also highlighted fish as a health risk, being a major source of mercury and other damaging chemicals. Our sincere thanks Mr. Sharma and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals in sharing the message of the connecting our dietary choices to the health of our planet.

Let us step together in choosing the vital plant-based fare to save the lives of marine and all fellow co-inhabitants.

In an October 2009 videoconference in Indonesia, Supreme Master Ching Hai once again emphasized the importance of not consuming any animal products, including fish, if we wish to sustain ourselves and the planet.

Supreme Master Ching Hai : “Meat production” also means fishing. After billions of these underwater animals have been snatched from their homes and killed en masse, our oceans are now gravely imbalanced.

Stopping meat and dairy consumption and fishing, all the animal products – is the fastest and most effective way to cool our planet and halt these dangerous changes.

And now that we also understand the immeasurable benefits for the organic vegan diet, which offers not only better personal health, but literally can save the entire planet, the entire world.

So, please join us, and become part of the trend to save our world.

http://sify.com/news/stop-eating-fish-to-help-planet-says-peta-news-national-kdznObjbbca.html
http://orissadiary.com/CurrentNews.asp?id=17493

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1561&goto_url=veg&page=1#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Livestock feed increases ground ozone levels - 8 May 2010

Researchers at the University of California-Davis in the USA conducted a study to discover why tropospheric, or ground ozone levels are as high in California’s rural central valley region as they are in densely populated cities.

To find this source of ozone, which is normally associated with vehicles and industry as the world’s third-most prevalent greenhouse gas, the researchers in this rural area analyzed emissions from seven different types of livestock feed. They concluded that not only is fermented animal feed generating the harmful ozone gases, it is doing so at regional levels higher than those emitted by cars.

With related research finding that tropospheric ozone levels are increased in the presence of methane, whose single largest human source is livestock, scientists have noted that reducing meat consumption would decrease these detrimental ozone levels, while naturally removing fermented feed as a source as well.

Our appreciation, University of California-Davis scientists, for helping further clarify the key role of the livestock industry in global warming. May such findings awaken many to the eco-importance of adopting the humane and conscientious plant-based diet.

During an interview published in the July 12, 2009 edition of the Irish Sunday Independent, Supreme Master Ching Hai, as on several previous occasions, spoke of the meat industry’s grave tolls while offering the quickest, most effective a solution to global warming.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: Reducing these more potent and shorter lifespan gases, like methane, for example, will bring a faster cooling than CO2 reduction. Besides, these will also in turn reduce CO2 as well, as a consequence.

Livestock is the single largest emitter of methane. Moreover, because of methane’s faster disappearance from the atmosphere, if we stop eating meat the planet will be able to cool immediately – almost, yes. Livestock raising and animal breeding also cause many other damages to our planet.

Livestock, by far, is the single largest human-related occupier of land, the main driver of deforestation, the biggest water polluter, and top culprit of biodiversity loss. And that’s just to name a few of the damages caused by livestock.

So, this pollutant is yet another damaging byproduct of the meat industry again. We will destroy the world if we do not stop eating and producing meat and other animal products.
So, the organic vegan diet is the fastest, easiest, and most effective solution for a life-sustaining planet.

http://www.grainpro.com/pdf/PU2043PV0709%20-%20Fermented%20Corn%20for%20Animal%20Food.pdf
http://www.atmos.washington.edu/~sgw/PAPERS/2008_Quinn.pdf
http://www.physorg.com/news191076164.html
http://www.physorg.com/news191076164.html
http://methanetomarkets.org/documents/events_steer_20090127_plenary_pomerance.pdf

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1562&goto_url=veg&page=1#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Portland, Oregon, USA leads the way in veg sustainability - 10 May 2010

The city of Portland has long been upheld as a role model in environmental policies in areas from energy-efficient buildings to food and agriculture.

Steve Cohen – Manager, Food Policy and Programs, Portland, Oregon’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, USA, Vegetarian (M): We were the first city to actually have a climate change plan way back in 1993 and we just updated that plan last year in 2009.

VOICE: Portland’s citizens also say that sustainability is a known part of their culture.

Leslie Pol-kosbau – Representative, Portland Parks & Recreation Community Garden Program (F): I represent Portland Parks & Recreation’s Community Garden Program, providing community garden spaces in the city for 35 years. The citizens of Portland wanted us to start a program that would allow them to use land so that they could do that year-round.

VOICE: Mr. Steve Cohen, manager of the Food Policy and Programs of Portland, Oregon’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, is the first US city government official with the title. The creation of his position reflects how the city is also at the forefront of addressing food policy in relation to environmental protection and climate change.

The City Hall recently held a public “Climate and Food Choices Discussion” with Mr. Cohen and author Anna Lappé of the bestselling book, “Diet for a Hot Planet” to seek ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from food. This was followed by a community vegetable garden re-dedication activity, led by Mr. Cohen, who is also a long-time vegetarian.

Steve Cohen (M): I read Francis Moore Lappé’s book in 1972, “Diet for a Small Planet,” and it just made total sense to me. That we’ve got these animals out there that are actually food factories in reverse, putting all this grain in them and you get one pound back for 20 that you put in. Didn’t make sense, and I became a vegetarian and that was it.

VOICE: With the veg diet known to be a key solution to climate change, Portland City also has a head start, with 35 community vegetable gardens and ranking as America’s #1 Best Vegetarian-Friendly Large City by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

Moreover, in April 2010, The Oregonian, the largest newspaper in both Portland and the Pacific Northwest region of the USA, launched a twice-monthly column on Oregonlive.com called “Going Vegan,” which features recipes and other tips on enjoying a vegan lifestyle in Portland.

Bravo Portland and thank you Mr. Cohen, the city government and co-citizens for your leadership in the area of food and the environment.

May yours and other cities worldwide help continue the veg trend for truly sustainable lifestyles. In a November 2009 videoconference in Mexico, Supreme Master Ching Hai encouraged all world governments toward leading roles in the needed shift to veganism to save the planet.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: The governments have the power to make this urgent transition to the organic vegan diet. First, they should ban all animal products, informing people about the facts of animal products, explaining that because it’s poisoning their co-citizens and piling up far more costs than
any gains, economically and environmentally, and because it’s eating up our planet.

Next, the governments can help the agriculture sector transition to being an organic vegan sector First, it will help the world be veg easily, thus eliminating more than half of the greenhouse gas emissions which are heating up our planet and endangering our lives; and second, the high-quality organic soil will absorb much of the rest of the greenhouse gas emissions and it will also help to save our planet.

According to respected Dutch scientists, tens of trillions of US dollars can be saved by world governments if all the world becomes vegan. In addition, the governments of the world have the power to make the veg trend an exciting movement for everyone toward a healthier lifestyle.

http://www.portlandonline.com/bps/index.cfm?c=49989&
http://vegnews.com/web/articles/page.do?pageId=143&catId=6
http://www.goveg.com/f-vegcities-portland.asp
http://www.oregonlive.com/foodday/index.ssf/2010/04/posole_and_column_about_fresh.html
http://www.oregonlive.com/foodday/index.ssf/2010/03/a_vegans_journey.html

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1563&goto_url=veg&page=1#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

French National Assembly presented with veg solution - 25 May 2010

French Parliamentarians and other dignitaries were treated on May 19 to a vegetarian buffet and informational seminar. The event was hosted by a consortium of individuals and veg organizations sponsoring the website Viande.info (Meat.info), which is calling for a moratorium on factory farming and a reduction in the animal product consumption, with support from Parliament member Yves Cochet, journalist Yolain de la Bigne and author and actor Laurent Baffie and many others.

Besides the delicious repast, the guests had the opportunity to learn about the adverse health and environmental impacts of meat-eating along with the benefits of veg fare.

As stated by Senate member Jacques Muller, "Less meat is more health, more for the environment and more for international solidarity."

Parliament member Cochet added, “We need to bring awareness to the government about the possibility of an amendment in the law that would establish a vegetarian day per week."

Paris is already home to a number of other initiatives promoting plant-based cuisine including school cafeterias that serve a purely vegetarian menu one day each week.

Bravo, Viande.info sponsors, Parliament members Cochet and Muller, journalist de la Bigne and Mr. Laurent Baffie for your efforts to foster both greater humanity and health.

May the lovely people of France, and beyond, be graced with the manifold health and eco-benefits of wholesome vegan fare.

http://www.20minutes.fr/article/405838/Planete-Trop-de-viande-nuit-a-l-environnement.php

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1595&goto_url=veg&page=1#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

United Nations and European Commission call for shift toward vegan diet to save the Earth - 5 Jun 2010

The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the European Commission have jointly launched a major report calling for radical change in the way that economies use resources known to be dwindling at alarming rates, in order to minimize environmental impact.

The study, titled “Assessing Environmental Impacts of Consumption and Production: Priority Products and Materials,” identified two leading causes of environmental pressure: fossil fuels and agriculture, with specific attention given to the livestock raising sector.

Authored by researchers from the UNEP-hosted International Panel for Sustainable Resource Management, the report states: “Agriculture and food consumption are identified as one of the most important drivers of environmental pressures, especially habitat change, climate change, water use and toxic emissions.”

The report further explains that with a growing global population and developing economies, the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation will be even more dangerous – unless patterns of production and consumption, especially starting at home, become more sustainable.

Particularly highlighted is the fact that an unsustainably large proportion of the world’s crops are currently fed to livestock, resulting in such damaging effects as excessively high water consumption and toxic use of pesticides and fertilizers, with the report saying that a global drop in meat consumption is vital to avoid devastating consequences.

The authors state: “A substantial reduction of impacts would only be possible with a substantial worldwide diet change, away from animal products.”

UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner further highlighted the destructive role of livestock, stating, “Two broad areas are currently having a disproportionately high impact on people and the planet's life support systems—these are energy in the form of fossil fuels and agriculture, especially the raising of livestock for meat and dairy products…Some tough choices are signaled in this report, but it may prove even more challenging for everyone if the current paths continue into the coming decades.”

The report, which will be presented to world governments, urges policy makers to adopt strict but creative measures to avoid these adverse consequences.

Our appreciation, Executive Director Steiner, United Nations Environment Program, European Commission and International Panel for Sustainable Resource Management scientists for your leadership in stating the need to prioritize a widespread shift to a diet free of animal products. May wise governments and individuals worldwide quickly heed this call to ensure the survival of lives on Earth.

Supreme Master Ching Hai has similarly spoken on many occasions of the immense toll of meat and fish production on the planet, tirelessly urging for a global switch to plant-based fare, as in the following excerpt from an October 2009 videoconference in Germany.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: But even though our predicament is very grave, we do still have time if we act now. And the solution is still very simple. Well, you know it, right? It’s the vegan diet – no animal products.

According to the most recent figures from scientists, livestock raising is actually responsible for more than 50% of global warming. The original United Nations report in 2006, “Livestock’s Long Shadow,” spoke in bold terms even already about the damage caused by the livestock industry, saying that, “It is one of the topmost significant contributors to the most serious environmental problems at every scale, from local to global.”

First, depleted land and forests. According to the United Nations, livestock is the main reason for deforestation which in turn is causing tragic declines in natural biodiversity.

Second, wasted resources. For every kilogram of animal protein produced, livestock are fed about 6 kilograms of plant protein.

Third, wasted water. Scientists have found that each person eating a meat and dairy based diet uses around 4,500 gallons of water per day, compared to 300 gallons per day for a vegan diet.

Fourth, wasted energy. It takes 8 times as much fossil fuel to produce animal products as to produce plant food. This is the key. If everyone switches to this beneficial lifestyle, our planet will be cooled in no time, scientifically speaking and my promise.

http://www.unep.org/resourcepanel/documents/pdf/PriorityProductsAndMaterials_Report_Full.pdf
http://www.uneptie.org/shared/publications/pdf/WEBx0159xPA-
PriorityProductsAndMaterials_Summary_EN.pdf
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=34886&Cr=sustainability&Cr1=http://www.un.org/apps/news
/story.asp?NewsID=34886&Cr=sustainability&Cr1=
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LDE6501M0.htm
http://ec.europa.eu/avservices/player/streaming.cfm?type=ebsvod&sid=161127
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jun/02/un-report-meat-free-diet
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/7797594/Eat-less-meat-to-save-the-planet-UN.html

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1598&goto_url=veg&page=1#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

South Korean officials pledge to be veg one day a week - 10 Jun 2010

A seminar was recently held in Gwangju, South Korea inviting government officials and educators to consider implementing a vegan policy in schools. It was organized by a coalition of civil groups called Hope Group Meal Alliance for a Green World, who share the goal for creating healthier low-carbon school meals for children.

Politicians on stage (M): I will adopt a vegetarian diet one day a week.

VOICE: Invited South Korean parliament members and others signed a document pledging to be veg themselves while formally promoting the lifestyle.

Jang Hui-Gook – Gwangju City Superintendent of Education Candidate (M): I have pledged to work to provide once-a-week vegetarian school meals, and first-and-foremost to provide menus in schools that give students a choice.

VOICE: In addition to lectures given on the relationship between climate change and diet, presentations were given by Dr. Wei Jong-Bi from Formosa’s (Taiwan) National Chang Hua University on the successful precedents in Formosa’s vegan school meal policies; and Dr. Hwang Seong-Soo, a South Korean vegan neurosurgeon who has helped patients reverse chronic disease by adopting animal-free diets.

Hwang Seong-Soo, MD – Neurosurgeon, Daegu Medical Center; Vegan (M): Humans must not eat meat, fish, egg, or milk. These shouldn’t just be reduced, they must not be eaten at all.

Kim Jae-Gyun – South Korean National Assembly Member (M): For health and for reducing global warming, it’s very important to have a plant-based diet rather than meat eating.

VOICE: Outside the Chonnam National University venue, college students urged the public to pledge to try veg while offering free tasty veg hamburgers. Our Association members were also invited to cook free hot vegan meals on site.

Citizen tasting (M): It’s really tasty!

Child reading veg pledge card (F): “I will be veg once a week to save the Earth suffering from global warming and to save my health.”

VOICE: Our appreciation honorable South Korean legislators, groups and citizens who are determined to ensure both health and a sustainable future for our children. May all responsible schools and governments adopt the win-win solution of adopting plant-based fare.

Group: Be veg, go green, save the planet!

In a September 2009 videoconference in South Korea, Supreme Master Ching Hai encouraged educators and dignitaries toward the Earth-saving organic vegan diet to save the planet.

Supreme Master Ching Hai : You have taken the first step by declaring to be organic vegan one day a week.

I thank you for that again. And now with this same courageous spirit, please be veg every day of the week, or just another six days.

That is very simple. Because organic vegan is the only way we can save the planet. There’s nothing else, no other green power can protect us in this crucial moment of danger.

Please wake up and wake everybody else up before our house is burned down. Together we will win, together we will save this planet.

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1601&goto_url=veg&page=1#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Global methane from the livestock industry underestimated - 5 Jul 2010

Through recalculations based on a new approach, US researchers from the University of Missouri have concluded that the amounts of methane emitted from the waste on dairy and pig farms could be underestimated by as much as 65%.

US factory farms, which house thousands of animals at a time in one building, are often forced to dispose of the overwhelming quantities of waste in manure “lagoons,” open and untreated cesspits holding up to millions of gallons of liquid waste.

Although these livestock waste lagoons generate toxic methane gas as a byproduct, they are rarely measured due to the technical difficulty and high costs. As a result, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had been estimating the emissions of this potent greenhouse gas based on a certain United Nations formula. However, the scientists found that the lagoons generated methane more rapidly than calculated by the UN formula.

This, combined with other equation updates, suggested the current methane emissions could be up to two-thirds higher than estimated. In addition, the report stated that other farmed animal operations may in fact be producing methane pollution beyond the threshold currently required for reporting to the EPA such as livestock farms with less than 3,200 dairy cows or 34,100 pigs.The harmful effects of livestock manure on environment and health due were further described by US investigative journalist David Kirby in an interview.

David Kirby – Award winning US investigative journalist, author of “Animal Factory” (M): There are all the gases that come up off the lagoons, that come out of the barns themselves, and that come from the spray fields, where when they have to get rid this liquid waste. Of course, if the wind comes, well that’s great for the farmer, because he’s just gotten rid of several hundreds of gallons of liquid that just flew away out in the air.

The lagoons themselves give off gas, and they emit methane, which is very hazardous to human health; hydrogen sulfide, which can cause neurological disorders, depression, anxiety, even suicide, aggression – hydrogen sulfide is a horrible thing to be exposed to; and ammonia.

VOICE: Our appreciation, Mr. Kirby and University of Missouri researchers for your factual observations that help quantify this harmful greenhouse gas. With such serious considerations as these, may governments and individuals make the urgent and necessary shift to low-emission, humane plant-based agriculture to save the planet.

Supreme Master Ching Hai has conveyed on many occasions her concern for the environmental impact of animal farming, as during this September 2009 videoconference in South Korea.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: The animals and their waste also produce very potent greenhouse gases, like methane and nitrous oxide, even other toxic gases. Methane is up to 100 times more potent than carbon dioxide. And nitrous oxide is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Respected scientists recalculated and found that the meat industry is actually producing more than 50% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

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

http://www.physorg.com/news196618186.html
http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1884745/scientists_question_epa_estimates_of_greenhouse_gas_emissions/

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1624&goto_url=veg&page=1#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Harmful pesticides fed to parasite-ridden farmed salmon - 7 Jul 2010

In its show “Risks on a Plate,” featured on the program “Exhibits,” the second largest French public television channel, France 3, recently revealed what it named as the shocking truth behind Norwegian fish farming, where toxic amounts of pesticides are being fed to farmed salmons to prevent sea lice, a practice that poses problems for both marine and human health.

According to France 3, one Norwegian salmon farmer revealed that the amount of pesticides fed to the fish was so high that he would not consume the fish himself. Bruno Le Maire, French Minister of Food, Agriculture and Fishing, said he was revolted to know of this practice and soon after contacted his Norwegian counterpart about the matter. Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs, Lisbeth Berg-Hansen explained that the pesticides are used only as a last resort, and that while they don’t seem to harm the salmon, it is “alarming” that other species in the same environment were affected.

Lice infestations, which have caused the perishing of more and more farmed Norwegian salmon in recent years, have originated primarily from the conditions of extreme crowding in feces-contaminated contained areas off the coasts. In 2009 the Norwegian salmon industry spent €60 million on anti-lice measures, with expectations that they might spend double that in 2010. In addition, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority noted that the lice have been rapidly spreading to wild salmon as well.

We thank France 3 and agencies such as the Norwegian Food Safety Authority for your concerned notification about this hazardous aspect of fish consumption. May humanity find safety in the organic plant-based diet with fish farms becoming history so that all marine friends can roam in freedom and health across the seas.

During a September 2009 videoconference in Peru, Supreme Master Ching Hai commented on still other problems caused by fish production practices, urging for a global solution to save not only human health but also the planet.

Supreme Master Ching Hai : In Chimbote, Peru, heavy pollution from 40 fishmeal manufacturers causes documented human illness and increasing oceanic dead zones, with the ground-up fish being fed to caged salmon, creating yet another environmental imbalance and sickness to humans.

This killing of other beings must be stopped for humanity to evolve as a civilization. The benefits of doing so are manifold. Besides the restoration of health, biodiversity will be allowed to thrive, planet equilibrium restored, along with the easing of our own conscience and our capacity for elevated consciousness. All these are the fruits of a more compassionate diet.

http://theforeigner.no/pages/news/toxic-norwegian-farmed-salmon-poisons-french-food-relations/
http://www.forexyard.com/en/news/Marine-Harvest-down-on-documentary-rival-issue-2010-06-29T131103Z

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/vegetarianism-and-climate-change/?wr_id=1625&goto_url=veg&page=1#v