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On Saturday, August 16, a talk event was held featuring Kenya Hara, Executive Producer of BLUE OCEAN DOME; Takeshi Naganuma, Professor and Dean of the Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Yasuda Women’s University, and Frontier Biologist; and Mana Saza, Representative Director and Sustainability Advisor of SWiTCH. From the perspectives of different generations and disciplines, participants discussed the current state and future of the ocean, as well as the role each individual should play.
At the beginning of the event, Naganuma introduced the work of the late Shigeatsu Hatakeyama, who founded the “Forests are Lovers of the Sea” movement, which encourages oyster farmers to plant trees in the mountains, and stressed the importance of the cycle between mountains and the ocean. Naganuma also addressed the issue of deep-sea debris, emphasizing, “We should not forcefully collect debris that has already become part of the ecosystem. Rather, it is important to prevent further disposal.” Drawing on his experiences observing the deep sea, he pointed out both nature’s adaptability and humanity’s responsibility, saying, “Plastisphere is creating a new ecosystem.”
At the same time, drawing on his experiences in the Galapagos Islands, he said, “Human ethics have made great strides in the past 200 years. Attitudes toward protecting living things have certainly changed,” offering hope for the future that “humankind can become a better species.”
Speaking as a representative of the next generation, Saza introduced the efforts of the younger generation to address the issue of climate change. He reported that through a “Mock COP,” young people from around the world have led efforts to incorporate climate change education into policy, citing this as an opportunity for UNESCO to promote greening of school curricula. Furthermore, he cited specific examples of the effects of global warming, such as the submersion of island nations and extreme weather in Japan, emphasizing that “our everyday normality is under threat,” and stressed that each individual’s sustainable actions have the power to change the world.
The second half of the crosstalk covered a wide range of topics, including the social changes brought about by the development of AI and the difficulties of environmental policy in a democratic society. Ultimately, the speakers emphasized the importance of shifting from an “I” perspective to a “We” perspective, and of considering the “well-being of the Earth” as a whole, encompassing not only human life but all life on Earth.
Naganuma’s scientific insight, that “humanity is progressing in the long term,” was contrasted with Saza’s practical advice, that “action is needed now.” At the end of the crosstalk, Hara concluded that both perspectives are essential when considering the future of the ocean and humanity.
▼The event is available to watch on the official BLUE OCEAN DOME YouTube channel. Please take a look.
【#096】Documentary Crosstalk (ZERI JAPAN)