Media report: Veganism halts climate change.
Following the “Veganism to Save the Planet” gala hosted by the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association on Thursday, December 1, coinciding with the COP 17 meetings in Durban, South Africa, journalists Jocelyn Newmarch and Sue Blaine authored an article entitled “COP-17: A message from the Master.”

Published in the South Africa-based Business Day on December 2, the article begins, “The truth is out: veganism is not just for animal lovers, but also for anyone who cares about the effects climate change will have on the world.” The article covered the special gala dinner, in which Supreme Master Ching Hai shared an important video message on the devastating effects of climate change, explaining how eliminating meat consumption is a critical part of the solution, as well as the health benefits offered by a vegan diet, which is also key to a peaceful world in which all beings may live in harmony.

The article stated, “...Her message was echoed by other speakers, including Indian parliamentarian Maneka Gandhi, Kenyan scientist Daniel Maingi — also the executive director of Biowatch and the Animal Welfare Network of Africa — and American Stephan McGuire, who produced the climate change documentary
The 11th Hour.”

The authors further commented on other notable highlights of the event, such as the 5-course vegan meal and a presentation from the Honorable Maneka Gandhi, in which she described the benefits of turning away from meat and choosing plant-based alternatives. In speaking of Ms. Gandhi's vision, the article stated that she wished to see a convenience-food restaurant chain based on "mock" meat, while it highlighted the international franchise
of vegan restaurants already supported by Supreme Master Ching Hai, known as Loving Hut.

Meanwhile, Business Day also reported that Christiana Figueres, executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, had announced in a Durban press conference that progress had been made during the first week of COP 17 talks toward options to be presented for global nations' commitment
to a second period of the Kyoto Protocol.

Our appreciation, journalists Jocelyn Newmarch, Sue Blaine, and Business Day, for your efforts to raise awareness on climate change issues and actions for the protection of our planet.
May such informative coverage bring motivation for all to quickly adopt the most sustainable Earth-saving vegan diet.

http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx?id=160300
http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx?id=160299

Extra News
A new satellite technology analysis conducted by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and presented on Nov 30, 2011 revealed that annual global deforestation accelerated significantly between 2000 and 2005 compared to the previous decade, with only 30% of the world’s landmass being currently covered
by forests.  

http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=106036
http://www.france24.com/en/20111130-world-deforestation-rate-accelerating-un

Researchers at Purdue University in Indiana, USA report on November 28, 2011, that walnut trees, which are more sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, may not be able to survive the increasing weather extremes of climate change.

http://esciencenews.com/articles/2011/11/29/walnut.trees.may.not.be.able.withstand.climate.change
http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/research/2011/111128JacobsWalnut.html