'The Face on Your Plate: The Truth About Food,' by Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson
Examining the logic of vegetarianism. In his latest book, “The Face on Your Plate: The Truth About Food,” American author, psychoanalyst and vegan Dr. Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson presents several main factors that explain why vegetarianism should be the diet of choice. Although Dr. Masson’s key theme is awakening people to the fact that meat products were once vital components of breathing, living beings, he logically establishes this through other means, by first outlining how the physical makeup of humans is not suited for flesh eating. Dr. Masson then goes on to discuss the degradation of our planet due to livestock raising, which is generating 75 percent of the nitrous oxide and two-thirds of all methane emissions. Returning to the matter of conscience, he states that it is ultimately unhealthy to contradict our own inner knowledge that mistreating and eating animals is not right.

Our gracious appreciation, Dr. Masson, of your eloquent expression in advocating the animal-free lifestyle. We wish many readers the enjoyable and transformative journey toward this way of health and compassion that is also the assured avenue to saving our precious planet in time.


Wind pattern change may intensify global warming
Shifting wind patterns contribute to global warming. A team of scientists at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in the United States say that changing air currents may be associated with increased CO2 release from the Antarctic pole. The shifting winds, themselves a product of climate change, stir the waters of the Antarctic Ocean at a faster rate, bringing deeper water with its dissolved CO2 into contact with the air. This releases large quantities of the greenhouse gas and intensifies the warming that is already underway. The scientists say that in the last four decades alone, these westerly winds have shifted as far south as they did 17,000 years ago, which coincided then with the warming period at the end of the last ice-age.

Columbia University scientists, we appreciate these further insights into the interconnectedness of events on our Earth. Let us all work together to reverse the unwanted effects and renew the life-giving cycles of the planet.



Wetlands decline along East, Gulf coasts, report shows
US reports decline in wetlands. A report by the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the US Fish and Wildlife Service has shown that the wetlands along the eastern Atlantic Coast and the southern Gulf of Mexico have been declining at a rate of nearly 60,000 acres per year from 1998 to 2004 due to population pressure and development. This raises serious concerns about the loss in habitat for migratory birds, marine life and other species. It also places humans at greater risk, as more than half of all Americans live in coastal counties, and the wetlands serve as a buffer zone from stormy seas.

Our gratitude, scientists at the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the US Fish and Wildlife Service for informing the public of this disturbing trend. Let us hasten our steps toward a more eco-caring lifestyle to preserve our surroundings and Mother Earth.

 Aulac Korea team up in environmental protection
Âu Lạc (Vietnam) collaborates with South Korea to protect the environment. The Aulacese (Vietnamese) city of Hà Nội is teaming up with South Korea’s Environment Management Corporation to focus on such areas as purifying air quality, water resources, as well as developing clean, sustainable energy. They will also work together in raising citizens’ awareness of eco-friendly lifestyles.

We are thankful to hear of your Earth-conscious initiatives, Âu Lạc and South Korea. May your exemplary actions help illuminate the way toward better stewardship of our precious and irreplaceable globe.