Livestock methane emissions higher than earlier estimates
India releases increased methane estimates. The most recently analyzed data has shown that India’s methane emissions from livestock climbed from an estimated 9 metric tons in 1997 to 11.75 metric tons in 2003. The country’s 485 million animals is also the largest population of livestock in the world. Researchers K.R. Manjunath and Abha Chhabra estimate that the main reason for the increase was an influx of dairy cows. According to the United Nations, livestock produces 37 percent of all human-induced methane, a greenhouse gas that traps up to 72 times more heat in the atmosphere than CO2.

Messrs. Manjunath and Chhabra, our gratitude for your work in highlighting the role of animal-based food products in accelerating global climate change. May we all be guided to benefit animals, humans and the environment through our adoption of the low emission plant-based diet.

Supreme Master Ching Hai has also helped us to see the larger picture of the costs related to consuming animal products that go even beyond greenhouse gas emissions. The following is an excerpt from a discussion with dignitaries and media representatives at the SOS! International Seminar on Global Warming held in South Korea on May 22, 2008.

SOS! International Seminar on Global Warming  Live Videoconference with Supreme Master Ching Hai South Korea May 22, 2008

Supreme Master Ching Hai: You see the meat diet not only causes the greatest emission of poisonous gas into the planet atmosphere but many other costs. It’s not only the animal who emits the methane gas because we keep multiplying the animals and they keep multiplying, spraying gas into the air. But that’s not only the damage. It’s not only methane gas from the animals’ waste. There is the transportation energy cost; there’s electricity energy cost; there’s water wasting cost; there’s a land resource occupation cost; there’s a deforestation cost, and there’s a related illness medical cost; and there’s the grievance, sorrow of the people who lost loved ones due to disease related to meat diet cost.

And because we use food to feed livestock for human consumption instead of feeding directly to humans, therefore, there is cost of war and famine due to shortage of food and resources. Add them together, then we will see the real answer.

Maldives plans to become first carbon-neutral nation
Maldives seeking to be first in complete sustainability. The small island country is joining the race to the finish line in what environmentalists have deemed the Carbon World Cup. Five other countries have enlisted in the United Nations program to strive for self sufficiency: Costa Rica, Iceland, Norway, New Zealand, and Monaco. Maldivian Science and Technology Envoy, Mr. Ahmed Shafeeq Ibrahim Moosa said, "We're going to be looking at solar, wind and waves and working out the best system for us. Everyone can do their bit. It will be achievable." The small island nation is already experiencing the immediate effects of climate change, with 80% of the country particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and prolonged drought having left 81 islands with critical water shortages.

We cheer on your motivated efforts to green and preserve the land and her people, Your Excellency and the Maldives! May we all achieve a harmonious balance with our surroundings as we transition to an era of kindness and sustainability.

Germany to assist Vietnam in environmental protection
Germany pledges €2.8 million to Âu Lạc (Vietnam) for environment. During a visit of German Parliamentary State Secretary Astrid Klug to Âu Lạc, she announced that the donated funds would be directed toward a project to safeguard coastal regions. Commending Âu Lạc’s support of land conservation and reform, Secretary Klug noted that Germany’s environmental protection technology could be of further benefit toward this goal.

Secretary Klug and Germany, Heaven bless your generous support of Âu Lạc’s valued ecosphere. Such benevolent and cooperative endeavors as yours are surely helping nurture the return of our pristine planet.

Germany to assist Vietnam in environmental protection
Germany pledges €2.8 million to Âu Lạc (Vietnam) for environment. During a visit of German Parliamentary State Secretary Astrid Klug to Âu Lạc, she announced that the donated funds would be directed toward a project to safeguard coastal regions. Commending Âu Lạc’s support of land conservation and reform, Secretary Klug noted that Germany’s environmental protection technology could be of further benefit toward this goal.

Secretary Klug and Germany, Heaven bless your generous support of Âu Lạc’s valued ecosphere. Such benevolent and cooperative endeavors as yours are surely helping nurture the return of our pristine planet.