This Site is All about Promoting Health. For Ourselves. For our Planet. For our Future.
Coming to Grips with Humanity’s Predicament (Overshoot)
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- Email: jmorrishicks@me.com
- Appendix: FREE books, videos…
- Walkin’ the Talk to Sustainable Living
- “Managing” the Future of Humanity by Dr. Sailesh Rao (September 2023)
- J. Morris Hicks explains the optimal diet in 5-min. video: 4Leaf Solution (2013)
- Presentation Slides Jolted Into Climate Action — Honolulu, October 2023
- Game Plan 2024 for Reversing Climate Change. — A matter of Individual Choice
Two Free Books for the International Public
- Our 2020 book, OUTCRY, published on the fiftieth anniversary of Earth Day on 4-22-20, provides a “big picture” understanding of our situation and what we must do to maximize our chances for long-term survival as a species. I am now calling it a User’s Guide for Planet Earth. Authors: J. Morris Hicks & Stuart Scott.
- 4Leaf Guide to Vibrant Health (concise 2015 book). Want to get healthy, save money, lose weight AND help preserve the ecosystem that keeps us alive? You’ll find the 37 two-minute chapters helpful. Authors: Kerry Graff, MD & J. Morris Hicks
For the story on the license plate pictured here, take a look at SOS Memo #220 where the United Saving Civilization Group for Mother Earth is explained. Of course, as a Coast Guard veteran, it also means USCG for Me.
This Home Page features concise, “big picture” information about the way we humans are living on planet Earth — and outlines what we must do in order to maximize our chances to survive as a species.
All eight billion of us are passengers on Spaceship Earth which is rocketing around the sun once a year at a steady speed of 67,000 miles per hour. For “Big Picture” information re keeping our spaceship safe for humans, continue reading this home page that begins with the origin of our home planet.
Let’s start from the beginning. Mother Earth has been making a yearly journey around the sun for over four billion years — whereas we humans have only been onboard for about 300,000 years — a mere blink of the eye in cosmic time.
As with all of the other billions of species that have lived on this planet, we humans lived in harmony with nature for over 99% of our time here. But, in just the last 200 years, we have lost our way and are no longer living according to Mother Nature’s rules.
So what must we do to get back in her good graces? Read what she had to say about that topic in the Foreword to OUTCRY. In addition to reading that 2020 book, please take a thoughtful look at the “big picture” background information below.
It all starts with the question on this image that appears twice in OUTCRY, where we strive to answer that question. Click here to access the complete book for FREE.
As we strive to answer the above question, let’s assess how “greenly” we are living now. I encourage you to invest about two hours and watch the three videos below. The first one is the newest (2021) and is only two minutes. I refer to it as a “big picture rant” from an enlightened, passionate scientist in Australia.
- “Big Picture” rant (two minutes) from an enlightened professor of ecology at Flinders University in Australia. Dr. Corey Bradshaw talks about his January 2021 paper entitled: “Underestimating the challenges of avoiding a ghastly future.” He tells it like it is in this two-minute video.
- Michael Dowd 2021 Understanding our Predicament (33 min) This one (also from 2021) provides a baseline understanding of our current predicament on Planet Earth.
- Stephen Emmott’s 2013 Ten Billion (84 minute video). The last video is an 84-minute work of art. It was filmed by Dr. Stephen Emmott and is what I refer to as a video version of his 2013 book, TEN BILLION — a magnificent one-hour read that changed my life: Since reading this book, I made the promotion of sustainable living on this planet my major definite purpose in life. Here’s a link to my own story of enlightenment.
Scroll down for more re the process of learning to live sustainably on the only planet in the universe capable of keeping us alive.
S.O.S. Memos (Saving Our Species). Leveraging the most famous distress signal in the world, I have been publishing these highly-focused memos at the rate of more than one per week since April of 2019. They are aimed at promoting the need to totally reinvent the way we live on this planet. You can access all previous memos and join our mailing list at this link: S.O.S. Memos
The “Protein Myth” is a big part of our problem. My definition of that myth appears below. This unfortunate myth is an enormous, yet easily-removable barrier to sustainable living—resulting in what I have dubbed Locked Brain Syndrome or LBS:
Because of the mistaken, yet ubiquitous, belief that humans actually need to eat animal protein to be healthy—a host of incredibly powerful, plant-based solutions to the world’s most serious health, hunger and sustainability crises never even make it to the table for consideration.
For this reason, I consider this “protein myth” to be the single most serious obstacle to our long-term survival as a species. For if we can’t take the “animal out of the equation” — as it relates to feeding ourselves, we will never learn to live in harmony with nature, thereby placing the future of our civilization (and species) in serious jeopardy.
World Bank researchers, Robert Goodland and Jeff Anhang made that fact abundantly clear in their 2009 paper, Livestock and Climate Change, in which they concluded that our consumption of animal-based foods is responsible for “at least 51%” of all human-induced greenhouse gases. That’s more than the total of ALL OTHER sources of those deadly gases—combined.
It gets worse, in May of 2020, Dr. Sailesh Rao’s new peer-reviewed position paper concludes that animal agriculture accounts for a whopping 87% of all greenhouse gas emissions: Animal Agriculture is the Leading Cause of Climate Change (The difference between these two excellent papers hinges on how deforestation associated with growing farm animals was treated.)
Here’s the good news. Not only does animal agriculture account for more global warming than all other drivers combined, it is the ONLY driver that theoretically could be eliminated worldwide in just a few years — simply be ending our practice of eating animal-based foods — at zero cost. Sadly, our so-called world climate leaders, because of economic and political pressure, are not bringing that crucial information to the attention of the international public.
Overpopulation continues to be one of our most challenging issues. The most disturbing part about our dilemma is that many of the world’s religions and governments consider it immoral for a woman to practice birth control. Want to see a dramatic illustration of our population growth for the past two thousand years? The 5-minute video below is one of the best I have ever seen.
Each bright yellow dot on the world map below represents the addition of one million humans, and by the year 2000, it looks like the entire world is “on fire” as we add almost three billion people during the final seconds (from the year 2000 to 2050).
Global Population Update. Having almost quadrupled during my lifetime of 78 years, it stands at 8.1 billion, as of March, 2024 — and we’re still adding over six million every month (births minus deaths). Check out the latest World Population. The U.N. projects that we will reach ten billion by 2056. But, I’m near certain that Mother Nature will intervene before then.
By beginning to totally dismantle the entire, disgusting, animal agriculture industry — along with all of its horrors — we humans may be able to buy ourselves enough time to work on that entire list of things that Jacobson says “ain’t gonna happen.”
The beauty of the above solution to climate change is that it can all be launched, driven and controlled by the dietary choices of individual citizens all over the world.
When we, the people, start demanding whole, plant-based foods at the supermarket and in restaurants around the world, we won’t need to convince anyone in authority ANYWHERE — to do anything. A rapid first major step toward a sustainable world for humans — can all be driven by individual choice!
We just need to make the dietary shift ourselves and then let the results start driving a global conversation about saving money, losing weight, getting healthy — while effortlessly addressing the leading driver of climate change with our knives, forks and spoons.
Clarification. For political and economic reasons, we never hear that animal agriculture is the leading driver of climate from any of the authorities. They all know that it is a major driver, but they also know it would not be good for business if we suggested that people everywhere stop eating meat, dairy, eggs and fish.
My point is this. Even if our food choices were NOT the leading driver of climate change, they do represent the ONLY primary driver that can be completely eliminated quickly — at zero cost, simply by billions of people around the globe choosing to adopt a health-promoting, money-saving diet.
The good news about the solution to this crucial problem is that it all boils down to individual choices by all humans — regarding what they put on their forks and spoons. Don’t you just love complex problems with simple solutions? It is possible to solve this problem quickly, by billions of individuals all over the world simply choosing to eat plants!
And that is the kind of message that an informed group of respected journalists can take directly to the world’s citizens quickly, simply and continuously. They don’t have to convince any governments, bureaucracies, industries or stubborn world leaders with big egos. They just need to take this never-ending, world-saving message directly to the people.Read all about our simple game plan for making that happen in this recent SOS Memo:
SOS #245 (11-28-23) Game Plan for Reversing Climate Change.
The opening question in SOS Memo #245 above is this: “What would happen if the global media were to become aware of the simple fact that animal agriculture is, by far, the leading driver of climate change and the ONLY driver that is theoretically possible to completely eliminate by 2030?”
At zero cost! How’s that for a benefit? As people begin consuming mostly whole, plant-based foods, most chronic diseases will be reversed — and the world’s cost of healthcare could be slashed by over 50%.
Most Importantly. The beauty of this approach is that we don’t have to deal with the world’s food growers and manufacturers, the world’s self-serving healthcare Industry, the many rogue governments and international alliances (UN, UNFAO) or all of the academic entities who are supported financially by the animal food producers and drug marketers.
- We don’t need ANY of their support to get this done!
- We simply take this life-saving message — directly to the people.
The Bottom Line. Individual food choices alone — all over the world — can make this happen. Then, when enough people shift to plant-based eating, the food producers, for financial reasons, will respond quickly — and start producing what the consumers choose to eat.
At that time, we will have triggered a rapid dismantling of what is BY FAR — the single largest driver of climate change: animal agriculture all over the world.
The stakes of this game are just too daunting to ignore. And we only have a few more years to get this right! The climate change solution is simple! Getting billions of people to quickly join in that solution is a very difficult task!
How can you help? Read OUTCRY for FREE and encourage others to do the same. You can also host book parties to discuss with family, friends and co-workers. Ask me to join your discussions via Zoom. Also, send everyone you know to hpjmh.com. Our current situation is dire. This is not a drill.
We are in trouble and we’re all in this together. Let’s exhaust all possibilities for finding a solution to the ever-worsening dilemma in which we all find ourselves.
Want to discuss any of the above? If you have questions or want to arrange for a ZOOM presentation, send me a message at jmorrishicks@me.com
Notice the 4Leaf on my New York license plate below. It is a constant reminder to everyone that if we eat in the manner that is best for ourselves, it is also best for the health of our planet. Click here to access the complete 4Leaf Guide FREE of charge.
J. Morris Hicks, engineer. writer. big picture guy. 
Just to many humans and adding one billion every 12 years. IT is not sustainable and nature has to cleanse.
Hi Jim,
https://www.thriveon.com/ new thrive 2 movie just came out with a hub that might be a great place to get interest in the corridor project and other sustainable ideas.
Hi Jim,
I have been thinking about your Billionaire Dream Team and the Gratola Corridor Project for human habitat. This is a project that is feasible.
wondering about the new thrive movie. It would be great if you were interviewed for it.http://www.thrivemovement.com/announcing-thrive-ii-this-is-what-it-takes.blog
Hello Jim,
Thank you for the excellent resources you provide in this website and your book. I discovered today that one of urls for a dos in your MD Help list of “plant-savvy physicians” is wrong. Dr. Mona Sigal’s website url should be: http://nourishhealthforlife dot com
I hope to see more physicians in this list. After careful study of Dr. Greger’s NutritionFacts dot org website I switched to totally wfpb diet 2 years ago. I am looking for a primary care that is at least as knowledgeable as I am now about the role of diet in health. Please keep up the good work. Your writing is another important source of information and inspiration for me.
Jim,
I just saw the Seattle premier of the new environmental movie “Cowspiracy”. It was done very well. I think you need to see it as soon as you can. It did an amazing job of showing how consumption of animal products is the leading cause of climate change. After seeing it you may want to consider putting it on your list of recommendations.
Thanks for all the wonderful work you are doing. I have given many copies of your book to my friends and relatives. I always look forward to reading your next blog. Keep up the good work.
Jim Burke
Hi, Jim,
It is so wonderful to read the many comments on this blog. Folks are waking up and taking charge of their health. The myths we’ve been fed for the past decades are being dispelled, and it’s folks like you, and all of us in the whole foods, plant based family (WFPB), who are sounding the clarion call.
Just this morning on NPR discussion involved declined in beef consumption due to higher beef prices as a result of the drought. Wonderful!
Did you see Cameron’s documentary, “Years of Living Dangerously”? I’m hoping it moves to Netflix at some point. We don’t get Showtime. The documentary looks astounding, well researched!
Once again, you continue to make a difference. All the best!!
I had to laugh when you said in your talk that if President Clinton had come out as vegan while he was president he would have been impeached. The reason for my mirth was based on my own experience this August when I said to my high school biology classes that they shouldn’t drink milk. Holy cow! I can talk about evolution and global climate change and not get the same response that I got from that comment. I have had more parent complaints this year than in the previous 15 years of my teaching. I have finally found a way to engage my students (9th graders) in meaningful conversation about the age old question “When an I ever going to use this after I graduate?” While the complaints continue, many more students are starting to wonder aloud why our culture continues to promote things when they seem to be unhealthy. I believe that this is the first step toward meaningful change. Thanks for providing the facts and resources to back up the claims of the benefits of a whole foods, plant based diet.
“Cows’ milk” is probably what should not be consumed by humans. Human milk from a healthy mother during their infancy would be best for them. Watch “Udderly Amazing” from the following link (5 videos) to get a better idea about dairy products and disease. Also watch “Sitting on Time Bomb” to get ideas about what might be considered safe foods to consume after infancy. Many individuals have their tonsils, adenoids, uvula and other tissues removed and/or altered from their mouths because of the swelling caused by tonsils due to consumption of dairy products. Stop consuming those products and the swelling of the lymph glands and surrounding tissues will most likely go back to normal. Removing tonsils will not solve the problem but will cause other lymph glands to have to do the work and pain and swelling in other parts of the body may be experienced.
http://amazingdiscoveries.tv/c/7/Life_at_its_Best_-_English/
What difference does it make if one uses an internal combustion engine-powered car, a hybrid or an electric vehicle (EV) to go to the grocery, restaurant, or fast food establishment if the fuel they buy for their primary conveyance, their body, is not the best fuel to provide energy for the cells which make up the body and allow it to function at its best.
Your website, articles and life story are great and should be seen by all. The following link is from your website. Musk, like you, can make a change for the future, if only people knew you both existed.
Musk and all his employees might benefit from your life. But as his employee states “his time is taken on many projects and can’t get into anything new, no matter how important it is,” or words similar to that effect. There is really nothing more important than life, because without it, all else is irrelevant. It is hoped others can enjoy the story of Musk and his endeavors and accomplishments. He may yet have a profound effect on climate warming and the use of fossil fuels and pollution. Enjoy.
Wishing you and all you touch the very best in health and happiness.
Hi Jim, A few years back I read Michael Pollan’s books but things really didn’t hit home for me until I read the China Study. That was a year ago and my life has forever changed. I believe education is the key and was excited to find your audiobook at Audible.com. I have read every book on nutrition I can get my hands on this past year and have read all the authors you mention in your book but what you brought to the table that others didn’t is the environmental impact of an animal based diet vs a plant strong diet. The numbers you present are most startling. Thank you for being a part of my new healthy, humane, environmentally friendly life style. God bless you too.
I agree with the emphasis on environmental impact from the wfpb lifestyle. This connections sustains my commitment to continue to eat properly and to talk courageously about my eating regimen with just about anyone who will stand still long enough.
Thank you for writing your book! I was only halfway through the book when I decided that my family’s (two little boys and an amazing husband) diet was going to drastically change. And it did, literally overnight! One day we were eating a mostly vegetarian diet that included ALOT of eggs and dairy, and the next day we were ‘vegan’, eating ALOT of raw fruits and vegetables! My boys have been troopers! It was very trying at first, I had no idea how to plan meals, but we have adapted well. It has been over a year now and we are committed to eating as healthy as possible. I have now gone back to school for nutritional science and feel great! Your book was an inspiration, thank you again!
Hi Jim,
It was a pleasure meeting you at the nyc vegetarian food festival. You had a standing room only event so I’d say it was well received. Sorry about your friends not getting in. My advice would be to purchase a VIP ticket and eliminate the wait next year but who knows how they’ll set it up.
I’ve started reading your book. I have a question, not that a billion here or a billion there really matters but I’ve heard estimates of the number of animals raised/and or caught for food was 3 billion, 9 billion, 30 billion and now you mention a new high of 60 billion. How do we come up with these stats?
Marty
Marty,
Thanks for your comment, it was nice meeting you as well.
I got a lot of my numbers about animals from Jonathan Foer’s very well-researched book, Eating Animals. As for the number in the USA, it’s pretty widely known to be around ten billion, with over 9 billion being chickens. The global number is in the neighborhood of 60 billion.
If you add in seafood on a global basis, the number is closer to 100 billion, hence the 2 billion per week number that was quoted by Philip Wollen in his famous ten-minute speech from down under. In case you haven’t seen it; I have had a link on the home page of my website since early 2012.
Whatever the exact numbers are; they are way too high, they’re destroying our eco-system and they’re grossly unsustainable. Here is a direct link to that Philip Wollen speech. https://hpjmh.com/2012/06/29/a-helluva-rant-for-plant-based-eating-from-australia/
Be well, Jim
Hi Jim, we’re hosting some retreats this summer, stop by, take a break and relax, my compliments…
Warm regards, Michael
It was my sincere pleasure to meet you today at CT Veg Fest. I cannot put your book down! Thank you for sharing your wisdom. Blessings to you!
Evening Jim,
I just found your blog and look forward to exploring it. Coincidentally my wife is staring Colin Campbell’s Plant Based Nutrition course on the 28th.
I am a survivor and finding my voice now, I feel it my time to share my experiences.
Again thank you for our site and creating a community for all of us.
Ian Welch
http://www.wholefed.wordpress.com
What a great resource!!! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@Ann: I highly recommend juicing Moringa leaves. As far as my research is concern, you can get 7 times the vitamin C in oranges + 4 times the calcium in milk + 2 times the protein in milk + 3 times the potassium in bananas in consuming Moringa leaves.
I recommend you to process it using a juicer or blender. Just be careful of the leaves flying away. 🙂
Until the subsidies given to meat manufacturers end or are greatly reduced, getting more people to eat whole food plant foods is going to be very difficult indeed. Most people aren’t interested in changing the way they eat because they can’t imagine not having cooked flesh every day, and the cost of eating nothing but whole plant foods gives them another excuse. Because of subsidies, beef sells for an average of around $4.00 per pound and turkey this year averaged 45 CENTS per pound! Meanwhile, I’m paying $4.99 per pound for mushrooms, $5.99 per pound for red peppers and $7.00 a pound for kale and collard greens.
Amen Linda,
I’ve been a Rawfoodist for the past three years and although I’m thrilled for the money I’ve saved over those years by not buying meat, dairy and all the other crap I used to buy. But 5.99 for a tub of spinach is ridiculous. I feel so vibrant and have no more pain, I will NEVER go back to eating flesh meat again.
Jim,
I’ve been eating Raw for three years now. I believe it’s close to your 4 Leaf Program. I’ve adapted this way of eathing because of pain and depression I was dealing with. I’m now pain free! I no longer deal with depression as I knew it! I love your blog and enjoy reading it. I too have an incredible passion to share this information with others. Thank you for your information and an opportunity to share.
Jim – My “Ideas” to Clinton – per your pointing us there. I gave $20.
<<
Make this your #1 priority: Focus even more on promoting the plant-strong nutrition that you have implemented.
I agree with J. Morris Hicks on dispelling the protein myth – change our nutrition to a plant-strong diet, minimize/eliminate all animal foods! He gave you the many reasons in his letter yesterday.
This is not new. "The Diet for All Reasons" (Vegan) was presented by Dr. Michael Klaper in a booklet and a video in '87 – '92. Dr. Klaper is at "True North" clinic in Santa Rosa now, and had conducted research for years on the benefits and cautions regarding plant-based nutrition. Add him to your support team. Of course, John Robbins "Diet for a New America" book and video identified all the problems and all the solutions back then, too. He is still around and can help you.
Add Dr. John McDougall to the big support effort in teaching "Total Health Solution." He and his nurse wife Mary have ~ 35 years of teaching healthy lifestyle medicine. This is about much more than food! His website drmcdougall.com provides free health education. Have Dr. McDougall update his 2001 pamphlet "Transform Your Health in 12 Days" and get that available to the public. In ten pages he provides the education and implementation material. In the last 10 pages he covers many of the chronic diseases that are treated – without medical treatments! (My family of four participated in his clinic 9 years ago and have been very healthy on a vegan diet. I conduct free "Healthy Lifestyle Education, Application and Support" meetings to help others learn in my area — such education is not offered by the "Sickness" industries!)
Get Dr. Esselstyn's new DVD on "Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease"! to go viral on the Internet!!! He has over 25 years of success in helping seriously ill heart patients survive and thrive on a strict plant-based diet, emphasizing consuming much more of the leafy greens to heal the blood circulation system.
In summary, take actions to teach Healthy Lifestyle to the world – especially our sickly citizens! Sincerely, Bill Kleinbauer
(http://web.me.com/maule5662h/Bill_Kleinbauer
J. Morris,
I like your website. You have a lot of great info and news. Keep up the good work.
Bill K.
Low Fat Raw Vegan -7 years
Rawfoodist for 3.2 years! 44 years old, pain free, feel like a 20 year old. Praise God and thank you for your enthusiasum in sharing and using your resources and name to spread the most important word out there, besides the word of salvation. I see your business as top priority to this nation’s health and well being. I became a certified health coach last year and the more people I talk too, they are sick and tired of being sick and tired. We have our work cut out for us. Thank you for being a catulist for this movement. I will spend the rest of my life sharing, caring and spreading the word to help people understand the importance of you are what you eat!.
Jim,
Vegsource.com brought me to yr site…impressed by your passion and informative blog…just switched
to a whole plant diet after being inspired by “Eat to Live” n following up with the “China Study” etc
A neighbor just north of u in Pawtucket RI..love Stonington had family there..We”re in this fight together!!!
Thanks, Vic
J Morris Hicks,
As you know, I attended the 10 day McDougall Health Spa in Santa Rosa, California.
Dr McDougall is an inspirational teacher. He truly believes his message.
Jeffery Novick and Doug Lisle are wonderful speakers and Jeffery in particular had a powerful impact on the audience because his message was delivered in a fun style.
I did not like the food because it had a strong Mexican flavor. The Flamingo hotel was attractive and efficient. The weather was marginal with plenty of rain.
I mentioned you to Dr McDougall and he remembers you. I spoke to every guest about you and the book so your name should be more recognizable.
Salvatore Liggieri
I have always been a big fan of Dr. T. Colin Campbell, and now there is someone who is promoting his principles of sound whole plant nutrition and prosperous living. We need to get the word out to all of the healthcare professionals who will listen and apply this data into their practice and in the lives of their patients. This will be true healthcare reform.
When I signed up for your blog you asked me to let you know how I found out about it. It was through my VegSource newsletter. I am constantly reading about healthy eating so I thought this would add to my knowledge.
Thank you
Hi JM,
It’s great to have another strong proponent of plant based diets and your posts on vegsource.
David Melina
Registered Dental Hygienist, Humanist/Atheist fan of Charles Darwin and vegan since 1980.
Jim, Congrats on your new program. Your pic shows you have all your hair and it’s not grey. THAT’S what I want to know about although it may be to late for me. Best!!! dc
JIM!!!
Extraordinary, exciting and – very compelling. Thank you for sharing your blog, thinking, recipes and knowledge. Wow. Erica
Thanks Erica,
You will ALWAYS have the honor of being the very first person to post a comment on my brand new blog at hpjmh.com. God bless you. I look forward to working with you and Thomas in the years ahead. Best, Jim