To better inform all the world leaders and government bodies about the urgent status of climate change and its link to the livestock industry, thus assisting them in making better decisions that would bring lasting benefits for people and the planet, Supreme Master Ching Hai began a global campaign in September, Golden Year 6 (2009). Along with a letter conveying Her personal plea—addressed to all nations’ presidents, prime ministers, members of parliament, other government representatives and the press—was an information package containing the SOS flyer, “The Harms of Meat/Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco and the Benefits of Giving Them Up,” Vegetarianism in Religion,” and the Supreme Master Ching Hai Press Kit.

Soon after our Association members from around the world sent out Master’s letter and the information package, positive responses began arriving. By the end of September, reply letters had been received from a range of countries, including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Columbia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Formosa, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Malaysia, Malawi, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Puerto Rico, Scotland, South America, Spain, the Netherlands, USA and West Indies. The following are some selected excerpts from that correspondence.

AUSTRALIA

Senator Scott Ludlam from Australia offered his words of encouragement. “I am happy to see that we share the same concerns regarding the environment. Be assured that the Greens are committed to promoting environment-friendly policies as sustainability, which is one of our main pillars. Only sustainable policies will ensure the survival of the planet and offset the ongoing damages that are being done to our habitat. I support real changes in Australian society and I will continue to do so in the future.”

BELGIUM

Mr. George Gilkinet, Député Fédéral ECOLO replied, saying, “The fight against global warming must surely be everyone’s campaign and I thank you for your contribution. Today, it is the only way to leave a habitable Earth to our future generations. For this reason, the lessening of meat consumption is part of the proposals that we support within the confines of where we sit. In the same way, we encourage the development of organic farming whereas it allows the production of quality products in the heart of sustainable farming. These are two steps among others for promoting more sustainable lifestyles and eating habits.”

CANADA

Mr. Douglas G. Martin, Mayor of Fort Erie, Canada, detailed the city’s efforts to promote and encourage environmentally friendly and responsible lifestyles to its employees, families, and residents, such as the elimination of plastic water bottles, recycling programs, plus promoting energy and water conservation. He also commended Master for Her humanitarian work and relief efforts around the world, saying, “I wish you and your organization continued success.”

COSTA RICA

Costa Rican Governor and Minister of Finance, Ms. Jenny Phillips Aguilar, said, “I write to you with deep gratitude for your interest in improving the world we live in for the sake of every living being, and for honoring me with your kind note dated September 7, 2009. At the same time, I thank you reciprocally for your blessings.”

CYPRUS

The president of Cyprus, Mr. Dimitris Christofias, expressed his sincere appreciation for the interesting information from Master. He conveyed his wishes for Master’s every endeavor.

FORMOSA (R.O.C.)

The Department of Public Affairs replied on behalf of the Presidential Office of the Republic of China, (R.O.C.) saying, “Mr. President sincerely admires your precious opinions regarding your concern about global warming and the natural, ecological lifestyle that protects the environment. Mr. President especially asked us to send his regards. Your great suggestions will be kept for our future reference.”

Executive Yuan of the ROC’s Environmental Protection Administration, showed enthusiastic support, saying, “In order to awaken the citizens to join the task of reducing carbon emissions, and to have this task incorporated in their daily lives, this administration began promoting the “Campaign of Reducing Carbon Emissions for All Citizens” on June 5th, 2008, and offered 10 ways of reaching the goal, which includes “More vegetables, less meat”—using more local foods and materials; one day a week or one meal a day should be vegetarian.”

NEW ZEALAND

The current New Zealand Member of Parliament representing the Green Party and Spokesperson for Health, Mr. Kevin Hague, thanked Master for Her letter “regarding vegetarianism and its undeniable relationship with the environment and climate change.” He informed Master that he is a vegetarian himself and shared the Party's Drug and Alcohol policy.

NORWAY

Minister of the Royal Ministry of the Environment of Norway Mr. Erik Solheim responded sincerely, “Thank you for your letter in support of our common efforts towards a more sustainable future. Global warming poses great challenges for all people. I share your concerns for the towering consequences of climate change. Every effort therefore should be made to cut global greenhouse gas emissions, and support increased resilience in vulnerable societies and ecosystems. I find strength and inspiration in your support, and wish you the best of luck in your own effort towards a better world.”

POLAND

The Director and the Deputy Director of the Department of European Union and International Cooperation, Mr. Julian T. Krzyzanowski and Ms. Monika Tyska Solek, wrote in their reply letter, “We wish to assure you that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Republic of Poland is making an effort in promoting organic food consumption and a healthy lifestyle through educational programs, which are also directed to enrich the younger generation. For the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Republic of Poland, the issue of the climate change and its impact on agriculture or global hunger is a matter of great importance, and activities in these areas are undertaken in the framework of international organizations.”

PUERTO RICO

Mr. Jose Luis Dalmau Santiago, Speaker of the Partido Popular Democratico, replied, “The information shared by The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association is truly interesting. I will consider these concepts in my personal life and I will promote them among other people, as much as possible. I encourage you to enthusiastically continue your noble work of trying to make our people aware of the importance of a healthy diet in the development of our health.”

SOUTH AFRICA

Ms. Tilly Gasela, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Human Settlements, acknowledged the receipt of Master’s letter and said Her proposal makes very interesting input and shows that a lot of thought and research has been conducted on these subjects. She thanks Master for Her interest in improving people’s lives and agreed, “Indeed together we can do more!”

THE NETHERLANDS

Mr. J.P.H. Donner, Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment in the Netherlands, thanked Master for Her suggestions and Her commitment to change the world. He said, “Although the matter concerned has the attention of the government, cognizance of your suggestions may be of importance to the development of our policy.”

Mw. Drs. A.A.M. Roholl, Head of the Climate and Energy Department in the Netherlands stated, “Sustainable development is a priority in the Netherlands’ national and international policies.”

USA

The President of the United States, Mr. Barack Obama graciously thanked Master for sharing Her thoughts. He wrote, “Healthy living is an integral part of improving the quality of life for all Americans. My Administration has already coordinated forums around the country to discuss best practices for health reform, including healthy living….At the White House, Michelle is raising awareness about healthy living by planting a vegetable garden and contributing produce to homeless shelters….As I work with Congress to reform our health insurance system, every American understands that healthy habits in our own lives contribute to a healthier nation. With exercise and a balanced diet of nutritious foods, we can curb the effects and decrease the prevalence of childhood obesity, diabetes, heart problems and other chronic conditions that afflict many Americans.”

Mr. Adrian M. Fenty, Mayor of Washington DC, USA, also expressed his thanks to Master for sharing Her thoughts about climate change and abolishing meat. “My administration,” he affirmed, “is fully dedicated to protecting the environment and I always welcome input from the community regarding such important topics.”

In his letter, Mr. Roger Manno, Maryland State Delegate, mentioned his own interest in organic farming and was pleased to inform Master that he has passed into law the “Maryland Organic Transition Incentive Pilot Program,” to assist in the change to more organic agricultural in Maryland, where “a $100 per acre subsidy would run for up to 3 years.” He added, “Rest assured that I will strongly consider your comments and thoughts on other legislation in this area.”

WEST INDIES

Senator the Honourable Martin Joseph, Minister of National Security, Trinidad and Tobago, appreciated the information on the benefit of abolishing meat, alcohol, illegal drugs, and tobacco. He has also taken the opportunity to share same with the various Heads of Departments. “We thank you kindly and may God continue to bless you.” He wrote.

The following is Master’s letter to all leaders:

List of Responses to Master’s Letter from Government Leaders Around the World

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