As more studies reveal findings of an increase in climate extremes in Mongolia, scientists are particularly concerned about the rapid spread of desertification caused by global warming and land degradation due to overgrazing.

Presidential advisor on environmental policy, Mr. Zorigt. E, spoke recently revealed some of the most recent and alarming data about the impact of climate change across the country.

Zorigt. E – Ecology and environmental policy advisor to the President of Mongolia (M): Twenty percent of all rivers have gone, according to the last count. Many other rivers and lakes are close to disappearing.
Seventy-five percent of all territory has been affected by desertification. The northern part of the desertified area includes the capital city. Such an actual process already has become reality. Now we have to wake up and pay attention to it.

VOICE: In Mongolia, 82% of the total land area is designated as permanent pasture for livestock grazing, which the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has reported is the largest single threat to biodiversity loss in Mongolia and throughout Central Asia.

Mr. Zorigt and other Mongolian experts such as Professor Mijidorj. R, executive director of Mongolia’s Center for Ecology and Sustainable Development, are urging for immediate changes in lifestyle and suggest crop farming as the solution.

Dr. Mijidorj. R – Professor, University of Science and Technology; Executive Director of the Center for Ecology and Sustainable Development (M): We must make changes in our policy for the livestock industry and crop farming. As far as crop farming is concerned, we should start with the nutritious
and meat-replacing crops as much as possible.

Our researchers have documented that this is the main solution and suggest a reduction in meat consumption. Global warming could happen more intensely and quicker than we think,so we don’t have the right to waste time.

VOICE: Our appreciation Professor Mijidorj and Presidential Advisor Mr. Zorigt for your urgent calls for changes to stop desertification and climate change.
With wholehearted agreement, may nations everywhere protect themselves from harmful environmental impacts by switching to organic vegan agriculture and fare.

In January 2009, during a videoconference with dignitaries and the public in Mongolia, Supreme Master Ching Hai expressed her concern once again for humanity as she spoke of the cruelty-free practices that would best halt the adverse effects of global warming.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jHAMNZpU6UTXfenBraBdrD9Q5IfQ
http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/lead/pdf/e-conf_05-06_background.pdf