-
 News
-
 Dec., 6, 2011
-
【Veganism to Save the Planet】 offers inspiration at COP 17
-
On Thursday, December 1, coinciding with the COP 17 in Durban, South
Africa, the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association hosted
the special gala at the Olive Convention Center.
Grant Nash, vegan radio presenter at 5fm, one of South Africa's largest radio stations, was on location.
Grant Nash, Radio presenter, 5fm, South Africa – Vegan (M):
Hi, I'm Grant Nash, and I am a radio presenter here in South Africa for
a nationwide radio station called 5fm. Welcome to our beautiful
country! You’re in Durban, South Africa at the Olive Convention Centre.
And we are here this evening for the Supreme Master
Ching Hai International Association “Veganism to Save the Planet” gala dinner.
And
we have some incredible guests that are going to join us here this
evening: our very own Director General of Kwa- Zulu Natal, Mr. Ngidi, we
have His Majesty the King Thobejane of Bapedi joining us this evening,
and we have IPCC scientist and vegetarian Dr. Kirk Smith. So the
formalities are about to begin, the speeches, we’ve got some
entertainment, and then a delicious vegan 5-course meal.
VOICE:
With some 400 guests from across the globe attending, distinguished
speakers for this unique event described the link from animal
agriculture to climate change as they highlighted the necessity of
adopting the Earth-saving plant-based diet, including a message from
Supreme Master Ching Hai.
Grant Nash (M):
So we’re ending the formal part of the this evening. And we started off
by hearing from Supreme Master Ching Hai herself today. She spoke about
the urgent crisis that is facing our planet and then the most effective
solution, an organic vegan diet, that me and you can adopt.
Video Message from Supreme Master Ching Hai (Vegan)October 29, 2009
I
can only honor you with the truth when I say that we must become vegan
to save our planet. We cannot wait for the sustainable energy and green
technology to be available and used by everyone.
It would be too
late. I call upon the courage of all counsel present, with the
authority and power vested in you, may you lead your co-citizens toward
the noble, virtuous, life-saving, and planet-sustaining path.
Grant Nash (M):
We also heard from Professor Harold Herman, who is the Secretary
General of the UN Association of South Africa. We heard from the
vegetarian movie producer Stephan McGuire, and then Indian Member of
Parliament Ms. Maneka Gandhi spoke to us as well about the urgency that
me and you face, and her shared vision for the world at this very
critical part.
Maneka Gandhi (F):
The good news is that methane, as the Supreme Master said, is a
relatively short-lived gas. The answer to global warming lies beneath
your nose. You can help reduce both methane and nitrous oxide simply by
choosing from tonight not to eat animals and animal products.
Bando Gaven, Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, North West Province, South Africa (F):
Today it has completely changed my perspective in the effect that you
know you can actually be healthy and live longer without harming the
environment and harming yourself. Be a vegan and heal the world, and
heal yourself.
Grant Nash (M): So,
the audience of course enjoyed vibrant entertainment from Zulu singer
Tu Nokwe, as well as the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir that is coming past me
right now - fantastic evening. And it was also complemented by an
incredible 5-course vegan meal. It was absolutely delicious. It’s a
great, meaningful evening, shedding light on a truly vital solution on
this planet.
Sastri Ramiah, CEO, Olive Convention Center, South Africa (M):
My view is that this has been the most significant event of COP 17. It
is by far the most effective event, and we are so proud to have hosted
it with you. And I was quite amazed just listening to the video, and the
entire atmosphere was so amazing. And I think there were many people
converted tonight, including ourselves. 2012, I wish the World Vegan,
World Peace.
Stephan McGuire, Film producer, “The 11th Hour” – Vegetarian (M):
Well, the experience was multi-layered in the sense that it’s amazing
and beautiful. Look, the energy, the vibration here is really high; they
are singing in the hallways as they’re leaving.
Grant Nash (M):
As COP 17 continues, let us wish that everybody – leaders and
co-citizens – will do their part before it’s too late. This is Grant
Nash, reporting from Durban, South Africa, for Supreme Master
Television.
VOICE: Our appreciation for the insights of Supreme
Master Ching Hai as well as the distinguished speakers, VIP guests, and
all concerned participants of “Veganism to Save the Planet.” May such
vital information and uplifting events motivate all people to quickly
join the vegan circle for the protection of our unique Earth.
http://www.cop17-cmp7durban.com/downloads/events/Veganism-to-Save-the-Planet.pdf
Extra News
On
November 29, 2011, environmental organization World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
stated that drought in Germany and Switzerland has caused levels of the
Danube and Rhine Rivers to reach their lowest in nearly a decade, with
cargo limitations now being imposed that are hindering the shipment of
vital goods such as grain.
http://www.france24.com/en/20111129-warning-danube-drought-shipping-halted
http://www.sofiaecho.com/2011/11/29/1214774_world-wildlife-foundation-warns-of-danube-drought
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/11/16/germany-shipping-rhine-idUKL5E7MG1TP20111116
|  |
|
Download Pdf