Just after the conclusion of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in the country's seaside city of Cancún, Mexican journalist Mr. Luis Ballesteros of Quintana Roo state's major newspaper, “El Quintanarroense,” requested an interview with Supreme Master Ching Hai to further discuss climate change.

Supreme Master Ching Hai accepted the invitation, cordially inviting Mr. Ballesteros to a delicious vegan meal.

Interview with Supreme Master Ching HaiBy Journalist Luis Ballesteros Published in El Quintanarroense newspaper (December 12, 2010)

Luis Ballesteros - Journalist, El Quintanarroense newspaper, Mexico (M): Do you believe that global warming is irreversible?

Supreme Master Ching Hai: No, reversible. Can change. We have to reverse our action. Just like if you go south and you want to be in the north, then you just turn the car. U-turn and come north. We warm up the planet, because of many reasons.

Fossil fuel, and animal industry. But then, when we burn fossil fuel, it emits two types of things, carbon dioxide, CO2, and aerosol. Aerosol, more or less cancels the effect of CO2. Aerosol is not too good for our health, but at least it cancels CO2. So the warming effect came from the methane gas, and nitrous oxide. These are poisonous anyway. Not just warming, but poisonous to us. Even if CO2 does warm up the planet, it's only 1% compared to methane, and one 1% of 300% compared to nitrous oxide.

Luis Ballesteros (M): Wow.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: And black carbon is even 4,000-plus more warming than CO2.

Luis Ballesteros (M): Wow!

Supreme Master Ching Hai: Yes, yes but the thing is methane is short, it can dissipate within 10 years, more or less. (NOTE: In addition, black carbon remains in the atmosphere for only days or weeks)

Supreme Master Ching Hai: So if we cut all these -- methane, nitrous oxide -- then we cool the planet within a few years.

VOICE: During the interview, Mr. Ballesteros also announced his personal decision to help the planet by stopping his own intake of meat. The following is an excerpt from the article he wrote, published in the December 12 edition of the daily “El Quintanarroense.”

“[Supreme Master] Ching Hai Speaks About the Climate Benefits of Being Veg.” “After having been invited as a guest to some sessions of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Summit [Supreme Master] Ching Hai spoke about the importance of avoiding the continuation of the global temperature increase. She emphasized that the elimination of the animal industry for human consumption would significantly benefit the environment…

The environmentalist, writer, musician, and spiritual teacher highlighted the consumption of plant-based foods as a way to reverse temperature increase across in the globe. She mentioned that all human beings can be part of the solution, by supporting vegan foods and stopping animal product consumption … In reference to her participation as defender of the planet, she mentioned that she has urged world leaders and governments to participate in animal-free lifestyles… The humanist said that each individual has the elements necessary to revert the alarming situation of the warming that endangers cities and countries with submergence by oceans.”

VOICE: Journalist Mr. Ballesteros wrote a second article, “National and international young advocates raise their voice in favor of plant-based food.” This article was published on December 13 and covered the activities of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association as encouraged by Supreme Master Ching Hai, to support decision makers toward organic vegan policies.

Our appreciation Mr. Ballesteros and “El Quintanarroense,” for your important roles in sharing this urgent and effective message about saving our planet. We also thank Supreme Master Ching Hai for her tireless efforts in working with both the media and governments to awaken humankind to the best remedy to climate change.