Update on our SOS Global Initiative — a massive awareness campaign aimed at preserving our planet’s ability to sustain our species indefinitely.
With the deadly combination of overpopulation, over-consumption and limited resources.
My last blogpost was over a month ago—39 days to be exact. Some of my readers have reached out to find out why I had suddenly gone silent; so now I will share that information with everyone.
First, let me say that I have never felt better about my role on this planet and am looking forward to a highly productive and gratifying future.
A little background. Over the past few years, I have shifted away from talking about “saving the planet,” having concluded that the planet is going to be just fine. She’s been supporting life for billions of years and has seen millions of species come and go. And no matter how much damage our species inflicts on her—she will survive. It’s our future as a species that’s in jeopardy.
Once a lush tropical island with a thriving population of 15,000, they consumed their finite resources and their civilization collapsed.
Hopefully, we won’t go the way of the Rapa Nui on Easter Island (link contains video), who wastefully depleted their finite resources until their civilization collapsed. Although we humans have inflicted more damage on the fragile harmony of nature in just the last fifty years than all generations of humans before us (combined)—we still have time to reverse that deadly trend. But we URGENTLY need to get started in a big way.
So for the past two months, I have been positioning myself to do all that I can to help facilitate the urgent lifestyle changes necessary to reverse the deadly trends. As I always say, any worthwhile project begins with vision and leadership. So, in chronological order, here is what has transpired:
James and Suzy Cameron at the London opening of 3D Titanic in 2012
9-5 My first letter to James Cameron. (via email to his assistant). Having concluded that he was the most influential person in the world who truly “gets it” about the world-changing consequences of our food choices, I decided to reach out to him.
9-5 Ten hours later, we (Colin and I) were invited to dinner in Malibu. Knowing that Forks Over Knives had greatly influenced the Cameron family, I had requested that Mr. Cameron agree to a two-hour meeting with me and Dr. T. Colin Campbell.
9-14 Dinner at the Cameron’s Malibu home. The two-hour meeting request resulted in a full six hours at the Cameron residence; four hours of meeting and two hours of dining. It was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life.
The highway billboard promoting my 9-21-13 speech in Tucson, AZ
9-21 Speaking to 500+ in Tucson at the Healthy You Network conference. This event had been booked for months but I didn’t finalize my presentation until after the Cameron event in California. The mostly vegan crowd absolutely LOVED hearing that prominent people like Jim and Suzy Cameron were getting serious about the species-saving mission of promoting plant-based eating around the world.
9-29 Signed speaker contract with ExploreGreen.com My friend Susan Benigas introduced me to the founder (Paul Zemitzsch) of Explore Green, a speakers agency that focuses primarily on environmental and sustainability topics. And since public speaking is my primary means of earning a living these days, I have packaged myself as a sustainability specialist—with a heavy emphasis on the crucial importance of our food choices.
Large crowd of high school students on first day
10-4 and 5. My first international speaking engagement in Italy. I flew into Rome on October 3 and was met by my client, who drove me across the mountains to San Benedetto del Tronto on the Adriatic Sea. I was privileged to speak through an interpreter to a highly enthusiastic group at the inaugural conference of La vita e bella, founded by Susanna Piccioni earlier this year.
10-6. Was driven to Rome by the Managing Director of the Raphael Hotel there. Roberto Vannoni had attended one of my lectures and was most interested in the species sustainability issues that I presented. During our three-hour trip, we discussed the possibility of his reaching out to Pope Francis with our world-changing, species saving message. There are 1.2 billion Catholics in this world who might like to learn how to promote their own health while preserving the planet’s ability to sustain our species.
10-9 Meeting with Dr. Stephen Emmott in London. After four days in Italy, I flew to London for a short vacation. But I gladly took the time to visit with the top Microsoft scientist who had published his book TEN BILLION the month before. I had asked for 30 minutes, he gave me 75 and we had a great discussion about how we could launch an “asteroid” type project to greatly curb global depletion by influencing the top two billion people in the world to shift aggressively in the direction of plant-based eating.
10-11 James Cameron calls a meeting. As I was de-planing in Newark, NJ, after my flight from Heathrow—and less than one month after our Malibu meeting, I received word that Mr. Cameron had scheduled a plant-based summit for November 24 at the Cameron’s Santa Barbara ranch. Stay tuned for more news on this all-important process.
My new Harbor Point neighborhood in Stamford, CT. You can see I-95 and the trains from my office.
10-12 through 10-31. Moving from Stonington to Stamford. In order to better position myself for an extensive schedule of speaking and consulting, I had made the decision in August to move closer to New York.
I am now a just six minute walk from the Stamford train station and I-95, both of which I can see from my desk at my new home. Although moving is never any fun, this time I was able to greatly simplify my life, unload a ton of STUFF and position myself for focusing my mind on what’s most important. And what could be more important than the longterm sustainability of humankind?
10-24 Appeared on the Dr. Don Wagner Show in Arizona. This is about the fifth time that I have appeared on his show since my book came out two years ago. This one took place amid a sea of moving cartons on my last night in my Stonington home.
10-27 Conducted a PowerPoint Presentation via Skype with a vegan group in Canada.
In summary, it’s been a great two months: getting to know Jim and Suzy Cameron, speaking to over 500 people for the first time, my first international speaking engagement (with translator), spending time with Dr. Stephen Emmott, and conducting my first ever Skype presentation to a live audience.
Now, with my move behind me and my head cleared, I am all set to devote my full attention to doing all that I can to make our S.O.S. Global Initiative successful. One of the highlights of my trip was meeting these two wonderful people shown here. Peggy Straus on the left is the granddaughter of the great Max Gerson. On the right is Susanna Piccioni, the founder of the conference where Peggy and I both conducted lectures.
Peggy Straus, granddaughter of Dr. Max Gerson on the left and Susanna Piccioni on the right.
One more thing. When you’re traveling between NYC and Boston by rail or driving on I-95, give me a call and stop by for a visit. 917-399-9700. You can find me at 121 Towne Street, Suite 504, Stamford, CT 06902. jmorrishicks@me.com
For your convenience, I have posted below some of the blogs that were mentioned above.
- My 7-14-13 blog featuring a great (yet scary) cartoon on the Jimmy Kimmel Show “You’re Screwed” or “We’re F_ _ _ _ D?” Take your pick.
- My special 7-24-13 blog about James Cameron—on “Walking the Walk” (several videos)
- My 8-22-13 blog. S.O.S. (Saving Our Species) — An urgently needed PLAN
- My 9-10-13 blog, posted just before our meeting in Malibu with the Camerons. Finally, some CLARITY! But no plausible solution
- My 9-23-13 Sustainability. A No-Nonsense Executive’s Perspective. This is my “go-to” speech for almost any group these days
The following five books and one DVD can be purchased on Amazon for a grand total of less than $60—and will enable you to understand the overwhelming challenges we face—along with the single most-powerful solution of all.
Six-Pack from Hicks—for health, hope & harmony on planet Earth
- Healthy Eating, Healthy World, The “big picture” about food (our book)
- A life changer for millions, including James Cameron. Forks Over Knives DVD
- An essential scientific resource: The China Study by Dr. T. Colin Campbell; the primary book that influenced Bill Clinton to adopt a whole food, plant-based diet.
- What have we done to our planet? Full Planet, Empty Plates by Lester Brown
- A horrifying wake-up call for leaders. TEN BILLION by Dr. Stephen Emmott
- Food choices are the primary cause of our environmental problems, yet our world leaders, scientists & experts are Comfortably Unaware, by Richard Oppenlander.
Why should we be eating mostly plants? The “big picture” in 4 minutes.
Want to find out how healthy your family is eating? Take our free 4Leaf Survey. It takes 2 or 3 minutes and you can score it yourself. After taking the survey, please give me your feedback as it will be helpful in the development of our future 4Leaf app for smartphones. Send feedback to jmorrishicks@me.com
International. We’re now reaching people in over 100 countries. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter or get daily blog notices by “following” us in the top of the right-hand column. For occasional updates, join our periodic mailing list.
J. Morris Hicks, working daily to promote health, hope and harmony on planet Earth.
To order more of my favorite books—visit our online BookStore now
For help in your own quest to take charge of your health, visit our 4Leaf page and also enjoy some great recipes from Lisa’s 4Leaf Kitchen.
Got a question? Let me hear from you at jmorrishicks@me.com. Or give me a call on my cell at 917-399-9700.
SHARE and rate this post below.
—J. Morris Hicks, board member since 2012; click banner for more info:
J. Morris Hicks, engineer. writer. big picture guy. 
Jim,
So fun to read @ all your exciting activities! I’m thrilled you’re on the bandwagon to save our planet. Not a better way to spend your time…
Wondered if you’ve read No Impact Man by Colin Beavan. My students are reading it now and it’s awesome.
He lives in NYC, so you should check it out!
Happy Fall!
Linda
Bravo, Jim! Thank you, thank you for sharing such wonderful progress and encouraging news. If this is what comes of silence from you, let there be more and let it be golden! I continue to follow you from afar and appreciate so much your unflinching commitment to using your skills to make such a difference in the world. All the best to you as you move onward and upward!!
I’m very excited about your recent successes! I myself am trying to spread the benefits of whole foods plant based eating to family and friends. I have been trying to figure a way to empower my fellow Teamsters with this info as well. I recently emailed some of the plant based experts and asked for any help they could offer. I was thrilled when Dr. John McDougall responded the very next day! Not only was I thrilled that he even read my email, but he wrote that he is willing to help. Wow, talk about a gift! I just need to convince the members of my local’s executive board to take this on. I hope they listen. My question to you is the same. Can you offer any advice how I could persuade my leaders to take Dr. McDougall’s offer, and start saving lives and money?
Thank you,
Kevin McDermott
Reply to Kevin McDermott — To assist you in more quickly encouraging and educating others on the huge world benefits of a plant-strong diet, you could make good use of the healthy lifestyle materials that I have gathered over the last 12 years! Links to items are provided below.
Briefly, my family – a wife, two daughters and me – has been on Whole Foods, Plant Based Nutrition after participating in Dr. John McDougall’s TOTAL HEALTH SOLUTION TEN-DAY CLINIC eleven years ago, come January 2014. A local retired family physician and I have conducted six “grassroots” “Healthy Lifestyle Education & Support” 10-sessions programs for over the last seven years with great health improvement results for participants.
My recent summary health education materials are in this folder:
HealthLifeExpo’13&K’sBonuses849mb – Dropbox =
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/xvq461njbr2k1gu/ugVQw3FALL
The folder can be downloaded in about five minutes, if on high-speed cable internet connection.
.
Within that folder is this folder of bonus materials that were given to participants at the Oct. 2013 annual Healthy Lifestyle Expo 2013 conducted by VegSource:
HealthLifeExpo’13BONUS – Dropbox =
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/s1v7pnyu7a175gp/J9mwOt00Aq
.
This is what I wanted to lead you to — Within that folder is this pamphlet covering a very successful 30-day “Meals for Health” Program conducted in April 2013! Dr. McDougall’s lifestyle medicine teachings were the focus of the event.
8MealsForHealthProgram.pdf – Dropbox =
Click to access 8MealsForHealthProgram.pdf
So that you can hear about the great results reported in June 2013, go to this EarthSave link:
EarthSave – Food intervention programs to achieve health independence =
http://www.earthsave.org
Listen to the John Robbins video there, testimonials from participants, and the right-side “Video: Meals for Health Program”!
This program could be the focus of what you present to your Teamsters organization. Wishing you excellent progress with anyone that you support!
Oh – Also have contacts go to http://drmcdougall.com and get the extensive free education on their own. Many free videos are there.
William Kleinbauer on Vimeo =
http://vimeo.com/user1077474
This video about McDougall’s Immersion Program reducing Blue Cross-Blue Shield insurance costs by 44% might interest your group and many other companies who are trying to reduce costs. Sometimes people even reverse their diseasse so they no longer need medication. Isn’t that something to strive for?
http://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2012nl/mar/immersion.htm
schwaigerl — Thanks for your email to me today, providing an excellent list of links to health ed videos and articles. I’ll add you to my health ed group list for periodic emails that I send.
Bill Kleinbauer
I re-posted your mail to here:
So great to hear this update. Really enjoy your blog! It is so amazing that this way of eating solves both the health (and thereby health care) and environmental crises. Thanks for all that you do.
Great job Mr Hicks! Its been months since we’ve spoken, so good to hear all that you’re doing! Thank you!
Jim,
Thanks again for your continuing efforts. The seeds you have planted are beginning to bear fruit, with the help of The Internet, computers and their ability to store and forward worthwhile information, the message will continue to reach more people as time goes by. Years ago people spoke of the coming “information explosion” and it appears it has come to pass. Wishing you and all you touch the very best in health and happiness.
Jim, so very, very glad to hear that you are well (was getting concerned like everyone else!), and not just that but operating at a whole new level! Congratulations on all your exciting talks and meetings!
Just one question, will there be a future post on what the conversations included at JC’s house? —
“9-14 Dinner at the Cameron’s Malibu home. The two-hour meeting request resulted in a full six hours at the Cameron residence; four hours of meeting and two hours of dining. It was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life.”
I think we’d all really like to hear the great ideas arising from that four hour meeting — JMH, TCC, and JC, wow! Best wishes, Jim! Go SOS Global Initiative!
Thanks for your comment. As for specific conversations at the Cameron residence, out of respect for their privacy, I have chosen to not put too many details online for everyone to see. But let me just say that we enjoyed six consecutive hours of warm interaction about the FOOD–HEALTH–SUSTAINABILITY topic about which we’re all so passionate. And we’re feeling the URGENCY more every day to “actually DO something,” as Emmott says, to avert the collapse of our civilization that he so chillingly predicts. To be sure, after plans come together behind the scenes, indeed we’ll want the whole world to hear about them. Best, Jim
Jim Hicks: I posted your today’s Blog and Dr. McDougall’s today’s Oct. 2013 eNewsletter here:
UPDATE HERE, DUE TO ADDING MORE ITEMS :
(PREVIOUS LINK, EARLIER TODAY, DOES NOT NOW WORK)
Use —
HealthLifeExpo’13&K’sBonuses-849mb – Dropbox =
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/xvq461njbr2k1gu/ugVQw3FALL
JIM,I’ll call you this weekend. You have been one busy guy. If you want to talk with Francis about population control, you may want to save your breath, though he could be persuaded on matters of frugality and economy. Nigel
Just finished your wonderful book. A vitally important document and inspiration to action for all of us! My grandfather’s ideas have been proven and his call of 80 years ago is now being heard by millions thanks to books and research by Dr. Campbell and so many others, and by humanitarian activists like you. It was a pleasure to meet you in Italy and I will continue to follow and promote your great project.
Hello Mr. Hicks, We were drawn to read this post by the teasing line “… massive awareness campaign aimed at preserving our planet’s ability to sustain our species indefinitely” and were massively disappointed. With due respect, we don’t understand how anyone can pretend to address sustainability issues and not even mention that with 7 billion people on this planet and more arriving every second, the human species is grossly overpopulated. Against this growing population, it is our observation that there is no “magic” in the form of a change in diet, lifestyle or technological advancement that will delay – let alone halt – the environmental destruction we’re witnessing. Henry Thoreau observed that most people hack at the leaves and branches rather than at the root of the most pressing issues. True 160 years ago; true today.
Thank you for your comment. First of all, I totally agree with you about population control. We’re probably already well past the carrying capacity of our planet in terms of the number of humans—and it continues to worsen at the rate of about 200,000 people a day. If you read more of my over 800 blogs, you will learn that I frequently speak about the fact the we humans have three major problems when it comes to sustainability: 1. Population, 2. The way we live, and 3. The way we eat. I figure that the first two will take decades, if not centuries, to bring into harmony with nature. But any single person can change what they eat overnight—the way Jim and Suzy Cameron did 18 months ago.
Since the way we eat determines how the world is used, eating a plant-based diet (on a per calorie basis) will require 90% less land, water and energy than eating a meat & dairy based diet. Our SOS mission is to get that message to the top two billion people in the world. The others will follow. We simply don’t have the time or resources to do everything we need to do. So for me, trained as an industrial engineer, I am focusing on the action that will provide the “biggest bang for the buck” in the shortest amount of time. We’re approaching a number of tipping points in the next ten years and we simply must figure out a way to make some big changes quickly.
After studying this topic for over ten years, I finally reached this conclusion in just the past year:
“Shifting to a whole food, plant-based diet will do more to ensure the long-term survival of our species than ALL other possible initiatives combined.” And there has never been a bigger win-win-win scenario in the history of humankind…
While annihilating heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, eliminating most cancer and slashing the cost of healthcare—we also curb global warming, ease the water crisis, end world hunger, conserve fossil fuels, save the oceans, rivers, aquifers & rain forests, and end the needless suffering of billions of animals.
Thanks again for your provocative comment. It helps everyone better understand exactly what I am trying to say. Be well, J. Morris Hicks.
Congrats ! Grateful for all you do.
Thank you, Judy
I’m glad you never gave up hope on your vision. This is great news and you are to be congratulated for making it happen.
Dear Jim,
It was wonderful news to read today of all that you have done in the last 39 days. I really missed your emails and even checked about a week ago to ensure that my name did not get removed from your large distribution list! Keep up your work because you really are making a difference for all of us.
I knew a year ago, after meeting you and reading your marvelous book, that you would one day stand where you are at this moment in time. What a gift to use your talents and skills to be a true co-creator and lead the way on behalf of our species’ sustainability. James and Susie Cameron have the recognition and funds to spearhead the SOS Global Initiative, but you, my friend, have been the tenacious, driving force…….. knocking on doors, sending letters, and believing and trusting in what you visualized. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again and again, “Bravo, Jim.” Enjoy your new home, location, and the myriad of opportunities that await you!!!! We are all blessed by your presence and gifts!
Wow Wow Wow! I’m so excited for you! This is great news. Doesn’t it feel wonderful to be so clear in your role on this earth. Thank you for your vision and leadership!
Traction! Good news to hear and spread – Thanks Jim!!
Jim — I posted your today’s great blog here:
I encourage others to vote “Yes — Useful” there! Thanks. Bill Kleinbauer
– – – – – –
Oh – I have good items for the Oct. 2013 VegSource Annual Healthy Lifestyle Expo. posted here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/40gqom7wmfs4ofp/fVq8qLFxZn
I also just added your today’s Blog and Dr. McDougall’s today’s October Newsletter — it is a winner post , too!
That is great news! I am happy you gave us an update. I always enjoy reading about the difference you are making.
Wow, Jim! Congrats on your 39 days of OVER-ACHIEVEMENTS! I’ll post your recent spectacular progress at a few websites. Get your materials and videos on-line
http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/
http://www.ted.com/talks
https://vimeo.com/
http://www.youtube.com/
WOW, Jim, you did it……you have done it…..hugely….thank The Lord…..I have kind of lost hope for our species…..I know you will do great with these opportunities. John Prather
Sent from my iPad
>
Jim,
I really appreciate the work you are doing and hope that you will be successful. Future generations depend on it. If I am ever in your area I will make sure to look you up.
Bill