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