Global shift to vegan diet would reduce emissions and mitigate costs 80%.
Governments worldwide are challenged with the task of reducing greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming. The Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency analyzes and makes recommendations for Dutch and international policy for environmental sustainability.

In February, researchers issued a proposal involving a dietary change that would also reduce the cost of mitigating global warming. Department Director Dr. Joop Oude Lohuis said in a phone interview that this study was one of a growing number being conducted in Europe.

Dr. Joop Oude Lohuis – Department Director, Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (M): We are now at the point that science has more and better numbers on the effect of changing our diet and eating less meat. So there is more consensus on that side if you look at the total picture of the chain. It did lead to several heavy discussions in Germany, in the Netherlands, some in Belgium and in the UK.

VOICE: The Netherlands study, entitled “Climate Benefits of Changing Diet,” analyzed the entire chain of animal-raising activities from field to fork. It calculated the monetary cost of halting climate change, which was defined as stabilizing atmospheric CO2 at the level of 450 parts per million.
The report concluded that US$20 trillion, or 50 percent of a total US$40 trillion estimated cost, could be saved from the global shift to a low-meat diet.

What would happen in the case of a vegetarian or vegan diet?

Dr. Joop Oude Lohuis (M): If you would go for a completely meatless diet in the next 10-15 years, then in the year 2050 you would have a 70% reduction of attaining the climate goals That is a substantial cost reduction in getting to the same climate targets.

VOICE: Going even further, the researchers found that a completely vegan diet with no animal products would save an enormous 80% by 2050. What’s more, another benefit was discovered. Because plant-based diets produce much more food for humans than meat and dairy-based diets, some of the land not used to grow livestock could be turned back into carbon-absorbing forests, which are known to help reduce CO2 emissions.

Dr. Joop Oude Lohuis (M): We assumed that the grasslands that were not used by cattle anymore would go back to their natural state. For that reason, several parts of the world will grow forests and retain carbon in terms of more woodland.

VOICE: Dr. Oude Lohuis said the trend toward plant-based alternatives to meat has already gained momentum as consumers learn about meat’s harm to health and the environment.

Dr. Joop Oude Lohuis (M): If you look around in shops, maybe two years ago there were four, five, or six alternatives in terms of soy products or alternatives for a piece of meat. And now it has quadrupled; maybe there are 20 or 25.It’s a very easy way to change your buying behavior and have a fantastic quality of your meal. It saves lives as well.

VOICE: We thank Dr. Joop Oude Lohuis and the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency for demonstrating to us the tremendous power of a plant-based diet in reducing both financial costs and our carbon footprint. May we all quickly make this free and immediately beneficial choice to save lives and our planet.

In July 2008, during a videoconference with our Association members in the United States, Supreme Master Ching Hai once more encouraged the worldwide trend toward vegetarianism.

All those positive changes do indicate the higher level of consciousness as the world population become more aware of the ephemeral nature of life and how fragile the planet can be and realizing their lifestyle habits should be changed. So now they begin to treat the environment with respect.
They begin to have more vegetarian choice. It’s good to see.
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All that change is good. And if we hasten this process, there will be Heaven on Earth. I hope we can make it. Just change to vegetarian diet. How easier can it be!

http://www.biomarkt-karo.de/index.php/cPath/253_116/online-shop/1/bioprodukte/Tofu_Seitan_Lopino.html ,
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16573-lowmeat-diet-could-slash-cost-of-climate-change-action.html  

If organic, rice farming can save P50B a year 
Conserving finances and the environment with organic plant farming. Executive Director of the Philippine Development Assistance Program, Inc., Mr. Jerry Pacturan, recently stated that if the 2.5 million hectares of farmland in the country were tilled with organic methods, a savings of US$1 billion could be generated to invest in projects that would help achieve long-term sustainable food security for the nation. Compared to material costs for conventional rice farming, which are around US$650 per hectare, organic methods require only US$350 per hectare. A program has already been approved by the country’s Department of Agriculture to convert 400,000 hectares of traditional rice lands to organic cultivation, which is expected to yield sufficient amounts to meet growing requests for organic rice, both domestically and internationally.

Executive Director Pacturan and the Philippines, our sincere appreciation for your work to reveal even more reasons to go organic! We wish your program ever-expanding success for the Philippine people and that countries worldwide realize the manifold benefits of wholesome organically grown foods.

Volunteers Help Salamanders Avoid Roadway Massacre
Volunteers help amphibians safely cross the road. In Vermont, USA, about 45 volunteers helped hundreds of salamanders, frogs and newts cross a roadway one night during their annual migration. Vermont is looking to install tunnels under the road to maximize protection for these amphibians and other animals.

Caring citizens of Vermont, our gratitude for your support of these unique beings. Blessed be the salamanders and other native amphibians to continue flourishing in their own natural birthright, coloring our lives with their vibrant beauty.

Malta bans Spring Hunting
Spring avian hunting banned in Malta. Honoring a European Court of Justice case that is currently reviewing the legality of quail and turtle dove hunting in Malta, Maltese Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi announced that spring hunting of the birds this year is forbidden. Welcoming this news, Dr. Clairie Papazoglou, Regional Director of BirdLife International’s European Division said: “We would like to welcome the Maltese Prime Minister’s statement in respect of the EU’s Birds Directive. European Turtle-doves (NFT Streptopelia turtur) and Quails can now safely cross Malta on their way to Europe.”

Our respectful accolades, Prime Minister Gonzi, for your noble leadership to preserve the lives of our precious avian co-inhabitants. Measures such as yours are part of the vital bridge to a world where all beings live in respectful harmony.