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