Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy

Dr. Hong Tao-Tze: All Solutions Are Rooted in Conscience and Justice

An evening panel discussion sponsored by The Light Millennium, co-sponsored by the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL), Advancing Eco Agriculture and Stirring the Pot Productions, occurred on the second day of the 65th Annual UN-DPI/NGO Conference. The discussion explored the dangers of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and their damage to biodiversity and sustainable development, in hope to raise public awareness of the impact of GMO crops on the health of both humans and the environment.

One of the main speakers of this panel is Michael Hansen, a Ph.D. senior scientist. He points out a study, carried out by Environmental Science Europe, an international journal, on the impacts of genetically engineered crops in pesticide use in the U.S. from 1996 to 2012, and found that there is an overall of 404 million pounds increase in pesticide use on genetically engineered crops. Such tremendous increase is one of the reasons why Hansen opposes the use of GMOs. He further points out the lack of understanding of the long term impacts of GMOs on humans, animals, and environment, citing that most studies done on GMOs' benefits are performed by scientists and researchers working for major GMO and Biotech companies that place profits before the health of the consumers.

The unknown, and potentially dangerous impacts of GMOS can be a nightmare, as everyone depends on food on a daily basis in order to survive. In response to the topics, the initiator of "An Era of Conscience Movement" and the president of the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL), Dr. Hong Tao-Tze, delivered his speech during the panel discussion. "Climate change and unsustainable farming practices have degraded the ecological system, resulting in poor food quality and food supply shortages. Food insecurity threatens mankind's survival. Post 2015 agendas should be based upon human-centered principles rooted in conscience and justice." said Dr. Hong.

"Orderliness is the foundation of all things. In order to break the cycle of recurring problems, we must make changes to the foundation; that is the heart of people. Global leaders have to understand the hearts of the people and lead world citizens to fight for the survival of humanity, not with weapons, but with wisdom and conscience.In this chaotic time, conscience is especially of great importance. It is a wake-up call from within. Justice and courage are in everyone's heart, guiding our actions," continued Dr. Hong.

Several listeners voiced their accord with Dr. Hong's speech, saying that conscience is necessary for the sustainable development of the world, as it allows people to discover the depth of degradation of the ecological system.

Topics discussed at the panel ranging from GMOs' impact on human body to the loss of biodiversity due to genetic engineering technology, can all be traced back to the basic foundation of these problems— the heart. Food produced with GMOs is potentially responsible for the rise in allergies and illnesses in new-born children. The decrease in biodiversity can seriously threaten the balance of ecosystem, which can also greatly affect mankind's survival. In response to all the looming crises ahead of humanity, An Era of Conscience movement, initiated early this year, hopes to address the root of all these problems in order to maintain a sustainable development in all aspects of life.

Until now the movement has received supports from people from 184 nations, and co-promoting from more than 1,800 organizations. We invite you to join us in promoting an Era of Conscience by going online and reading about our work at www.aneoc.org and signing the declaration of an Era of Conscience, or you can join our organization and become a member of this movement. With your support and participation, we can contribute to the lasting welfare of mankind and maintain a healthy ecosystem for future generations.