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Starting on Monday, July 14th, the event featured a week-long “Blue America” event, featuring the screening of the video “Waves of Change Quiz Loop” by the US-based Blue Harmony Foundation. On Wednesday, July 16th, experts from around the world delivered lectures and talk sessions on a variety of topics, including ocean conservation, climate change response measures, and examples of Japan-US collaboration.
“Oceans: New Challenges Supporting the Global Blue Economy” / “Protecting Our Blue Planet: Digital Twins and AI Transform Ocean and Climate Initiatives”
In a talk held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, July 16th, Sidney Thurston, Global Science and Technology Director at EarthX, advocated for the compatibility of sustainability and economic opportunity. He emphasized that ocean conservation “starts with loving the ocean” and discussed the impact of climate change on our planet and how science can provide solutions.
Next, Swadhin Behera, a leading expert in ocean and climate research, spoke about the increasing intensity of extreme weather events around the world. Behera explained the cutting-edge of ocean and climate action, leveraging cutting-edge technologies like digital twins and AI.
In an Oceanside Discussion, Thurston and Behera discussed specific initiatives in the United States and Japan to adapt to the impacts of climate change on the ocean, including sea level rise, ocean acidification, coral reef bleaching, and fish migration. During the talk session, they also presented data demonstrating how essential the ocean is to our lives: it provides food, 50-80% of our oxygen, and rainfall supports agriculture.
You Have the Power to Protect the Ocean: Individual Change
Next, Peter Ginosso, co-founder of the Blue Harmony Foundation, presented concrete examples of actions individuals can take, such as reducing plastic use, engaging in sustainable consumption practices, and making better energy choices in their daily lives. He emphasized the potential for these actions to catalyze societal change. The lecture focused on the significance and impact of individual actions, not just national and corporate policies, on the enormous challenge of marine conservation.
Restoring the Earth’s Oceans through Plastic Collection: OVI’s Challenge / Discussing Japan-US Plastic Waste Countermeasures Mary Crowley x Yusuke Saraya
The lecture, starting at 2 p.m., featured Mary Crowley, founder and president of Ocean Voyages Inc., who spoke about the issue of marine plastic pollution. Crowley shared her own experiences, having developed a deep love for the ocean through sailing since childhood, and emphasized the seriousness of the marine plastic problem. During her lecture, she introduced a UN prediction that “if things continue as they are, the weight of plastic in the ocean will exceed the weight of fish by 2050,” and emphasized the need for immediate action.
The second half of the event featured a talk session between Crowley and ZERI JAPAN Chairman Yusuke Saraya. Saraya touched on the massive amount of plastic waste flowing into the ocean and the current situation in which a wealthy group profits from resources while showing no concern for pollution, and called for the need for solutions.
Crowley responded by saying that as people begin to believe in the problem and the solutions through education, funds will be raised and action will spread. She shared examples of wealthy donors and their friends who have become interested in the work, and stressed the importance of spreading awareness that ocean restoration is possible.
At the end of the event, Ginosso presented Crowley with the Blue Harmony Foundation’s “Waves of Change Lifetime Achievement Award” in recognition of her significant achievements, including her dedication to combating marine pollution, her development of innovative technology to track ghost nets, and her advocacy for sustainable policies. Crowley expressed surprise and delight at the surprise award, and reiterated the importance of continuing to work to protect the future of the oceans, expressing her gratitude.
▼The event is available to watch on the official BLUE OCEAN DOME YouTube channel. Please take a look.
【#072】Blue America（Blue Harmony Foundation）
【#073】Blue America（Blue Harmony Foundation）