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Special Report |
LAST UPDATE April 9, 2008
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| March 22, 2008 |
Global University Unit II – A Convenient Truth about the Current Situation and Future Prospects of Planet Earth |
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Though moved by the privilege to see Antarctica firsthand, participants questioned the bare patches of dirt in the white landscape, wondering if they were witnessing the effects of global warming |
While sailing along the Antarctic Peninsula, 60th voyage participants were blessed with a day of blue skies and calm seas to view the breathtaking scenery of Paradise Bay and the Gerlache Strait. But some participants wondered, “What does this beautiful weather mean for the penguins and seals that call this icy climate home, or the slumbering ice mountains keeping our global climate in balance? Is this global warming, or just an anomalous day of bluebird weather?” On the 60th voyage, Global University (GU) Unit II students studied climate change and countermeasures we can take to prevent its progression. Guest Educator Yu Tanaka, an environmental and anti-nuclear activist who promotes self-sufficient, community-oriented lifestyles, acted as navigator for the GU Unit II. Through lectures and workshops, Mr Tanaka made clear the urgency of our environmental crisis, as well as the ease with which we can make immediate changes that make a difference. |
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As navigator for the Global University, Mr Tanaka conducted daily lecture and discussion classes onboard for the 35 Unit II students |
Mr Tanaka explained that replacing a conventional refrigerator with a new, energy-saving one is a smart decision both ecologically and economically. Disposing of an old refrigerator creates waste, but an energy-saving refrigerator makes up for it in just 16 months. Meanwhile, the cost of buying a new refrigerator is paid back in energy saved within five years. By simply changing light bulb types, using energy efficient appliances and power strip outlet adaptors, and managing heating and air conditioning intelligently, people can reduce their energy consumption by approximately half. In addition to the need to conserve energy and reduce harmful carbon dioxide emissions as individuals, Mr Tanaka stressed the need for a systematic change in the industrial sector, which produces over two-thirds of carbon dioxide emissions in Japan. |
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Mr Tanaka held ship-wide lectures on topics such as energy conservation, sustainable lifestyles, nuclear waste problems, and the relationship between war and climate change |
In modern society, buying in bulk means saving money. In Japan, electrical companies also give reduced rates to heavy consumers, but Mr Tanaka asserted the need to change this system to one that charges more per unit as energy consumption increases, thereby making energy conservation economically beneficial. Electric companies are unlikely to change their current policies to lose profit, but the solution, says Mr Tanaka, is energy independence. Households can meet all of their energy needs by employing energy conservation techniques and using natural energy sources like solar power panels, eliminating the need for an external electricity supply in people’s homes. Mr Tanaka introduced the concept of the “eco-house,” an entirely self-sufficient, energy producing home, complete with compost, rainwater collection and wastewater filtering units. Mr Tanaka envisions self-sufficient “eco-villages,” communities of interdependent eco-houses, springing up like a smattering of green dots on a map. As these green oases continue to grow and connect with one another, Mr Tanaka hopes to see self-sufficient eco-villages create a global energy revolution from the ground up. |
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Mr Tanaka introduced the Artist Power Bank, a non-profit bank in Japan that uses invested money to finance environmentally conscious loan proposals |
GU Unit II students discussed these concepts with Mr Tanaka, and learned through simulation activities like a bank loan proposal to finance a “green” development project that would yield a profit and pay back the loan. Students enjoyed brainstorming different ideas, which included creative proposals for an eco sports gym, eco amusement park, more energy efficient Peace Boat, eco village, and self-sufficient agriculture projects. Through this combination of lectures, discussion classes and more light-hearted lessons, students were able to see how a switch to environmentally friendly lifestyles and development on a larger scale is both practical and economical. |
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GU students invited people to join them in trying to build a future in which our children and grandchildren can enjoy scenery like this Antarctic landscape |
In their onboard presentation, GU students first explained the process of global warming, the harmful effects of mass production and mass consumption, military spending and war on the environment, and the waste of resources generated by import-export economies. Next, students challenged the audience to imagine what our future will look like if we continue on our present course of production, consumption and exploitative development. “Without any changes, there will be no bright future waiting for us,” warned GU students. They then encouraged the audience to imagine a world in which their children and grandchildren can enjoy living responsible lifestyles in harmony with our precious earth. In closing, GU students invited the audience to reconsider their lifestyles, and make a step forward together toward creating a brighter future for the generations that follow us; to live such that we don’t regret our actions of 2008. |
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