International conference with Supreme Master Ching Hai sheds new light on climate change.

For many of the participants, the SOS! International Global Warming Seminar in Seoul, Korea on Thursday, approached the issues in ways unlike any other climate change conference.

Park Soo Taek, Award-winning television journalist, Senior Reporter on Environmental Issues, SBS (Seoul Broadcasting System): There is an expression: “Salvation by going green.” That is, plant trees, grow a garden, and eat foods from plants – vegetarianism.

Roland Jung, Advisor to US Democratic Party on Asia Affairs: I’m so glad for the good message today and for the time we were able to share together with diverse people to talk about global warming.

VOICE: For some, it was the first time they considered the connection between climate change and human consumption of animals as well as their treatment. Attending the seminar were dignitaries from the United Kingdom, Germany, India and Japan, as well as 20 Seoul city, Korea councilors, a national congresswoman and some of Korea’s largest media groups. As the special guest of honor, Supreme Master Ching Hai, who had graciously accepted the invitation to participate in the seminar, answered the earnest questions of all the panelists via videoconference broadcast live on Supreme Master Television.

Acarya Shubhacintaananda Avadhuta, Environmental Society of Anandamarga from India:  Is the climate change going to have an impact on human psychology? Or the human understanding is going to improve and elevate with this change?

Supreme Master Ching Hai: Sir, that’s what I hope. That’s what I hope and after all the great disasters, it depends on what they are deciding right now. Actually, I hope that there is no disaster. I hope that the humans decide right now to just stop all the unnecessary habits that they are living with and change into the better one, the more noble one, a noble lifestyle. Then, we don’t have to worry about the aftermath. The climate will change for the better; we will live on; we will still have the planet, and they’ll become wiser and better, more virtuous and more blessed, and peace will reign on Earth for a long, long time.

VOICE: Many of conference attendees, who knew of Supreme Master Ching Hai as a world-renowned humanitarian, expressed their amazement and heartfelt appreciation after learning of her great concern for saving the Earth and for bringing awareness of the vegetarian, meaning an animal-free diet.

Woo, Young-Bo, Director of Love Life Vegetarian Association: While I was listening to Supreme Master Ching Hai, I thought if Jesus were to come down to the Earth, he would say like her. So I was touched, and thankful to her.

Ngawang Ludup, Tibetan monk:  Everything she said corresponds with Buddhist principles, yes.

Reverend Lee Gwang Woon: I was impressed by the fact that vegetarianism can stop global warming almost 80 percent. I think we Christians should carry out this movement and spread this knowledge to every person we meet so that we can save the Earth. Also I thought I loved animals before, but as I was listening to the lectures and discussions, I was so touched that many efforts are being carried out, and they’re all biblically correct. I’m leaving here determined to put this into practice in my life.

Does that mean you’re going to convert to a vegetarian?

Reverend Lee Gwang Woon: Yes, I’m planning to do so. I’m now determined to be vegetarian.  I suggest that viewers out there go vegetarian. I learned very well that taking meat into the body creates harm. So let us join hands together in order to save the Earth and stop global warming.

VOICE: Many thanks all concerned leaders, media and individuals who attended the seminar. We are also very grateful to Supreme Master Ching Hai for sharing her wisdom and reminding us that love for our co-inhabitants is the most important way to save our precious planet. May we all unite for the survival of our vital Earth and those whose lives she supports.

Carbon emissions are causing increased ocean acidification.

With our oceans absorbing approximately one third of all atmospheric CO2, or 22 million tons daily, US scientists have discovered a hazardous rise in ocean acidification. This is causing the decay of protective shells and exoskeletons of starfish, coral, clams, and many other organisms. The excessive rate of corrosion is also affecting a higher number of organisms than previously understood, so that even if the carbon dioxide production were to halt today, the damage to marine life would continue for another 50 years.

We extend our thanks, US researchers, for this information about the dangerous effects of greenhouse gas emissions on our marine ecosystems, which impacts all life. May governments across the globe act immediately to implement sustainable technologies and practices, to stop climate change and its harmful effects on our planet.

http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSN2251795320080522?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0, http://news.mongabay.com/2008/0522-oceans.html

Andean countries can expect much damage from climate change.

The Peruvian University of the Pacific has conducted a study on behalf of the Andean Community of Nations, comprised of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, to predict the effects of climate change on the region. The study concluded that global warming would cost the member nations’ economies US$30 billion. Climate change-related natural disasters, such as floods and avalanches will bring with them the high costs of resettling affected citizens and of furnishing new homes and infrastructure.

A big thank you, researchers at Peruvian University of the Pacific. We pray that reports such as these motivate the entire world toward immediate action in halting climate change. May we succeed in changing the future of our world for the better.

http://www.scidev.net/en/news/climate-change-will-cost-andes-us-30-billion-.html

Atmospheric rise in methane attributed to warming temperatures.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) stated that global methane levels rose by 0.5% in 2007, with some areas measuring over twice that amount. Based on the observations of teams from Norway, Sweden and Great Britain, the methane’s increase is thought to be due to one of three causes: the melting of arctic wetland permafrost, the warming of arctic ocean waters, or the melting of sea floor methane hydrates. The researchers note that even a very small rise in atmospheric methane has tremendous climatic impact, with a continuous methane release triggering a dangerous cycle of higher temperatures, which in turn would cause the further release of methane.

International scientists, we appreciate your diligent observations and informative study.  We pray that we can act together to quickly halt the escalating effect of global warming and ensure the survival of life in our world.  

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7408808.stm

Australia coastal homes under threat of rising sea level.

The first detailed survey performed by New South Wales state government, evaluating endangered coastline shows that more than 1660 homes near Newcastle and Wyong are at risk from rising sea levels due to climate change.  The report’s first phase aerial mapping shows homes, buildings, 73 kilometers of road and 164 square kilometers of residentially zoned land to be less than 1 meter above current sea level. The report observed that climate change must be factored into future building plans and regional development along the coast.

Our gratitude, New South Wales government, for your research on the effects of climate change on residents. May this new information and awareness generate further action to curb global warming and ensure the safety of our future generations. 

http://www.smh.com.au/news/environment/report-counts-homes-that-will-go-under/2008/05/23/1211183103034.html