The 15th Open Lecture Session (NHK University Seminar) opens
On Monday, June 24, 2024, the Liberal Arts Education Center of the Organization for Promotion of Higher Education and Student Support at Gifu University co-hosted the 15th Open Lecture with NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) Gifu. This lecture was part of the 'NHK University Seminar,' where dispatched program producers or TV personalities deliver speeches at universities as invited special guests. NHK has been conducting this seminar since 2003.
The 15th Open Lecture took place both in person and online, with 167 attendees, including university students and staff."
With full support from NHK Gifu, Ms. GENDATSU Kyoko, Executive Producer at NHK Enterprise, delivered a speech titled "Towards a Sustainable Society: Visions for Future Energy Demand and Supply, Global Environment, and Climate Changes."
Ms. Gendatsu has been dedicated to environmental issues since joining NHK. She has produced numerous programs related to climate change. During her speech, she discussed her two latest TV programs: 'NHK Special - 2030: Crossroads for the Future' and the collaborative special environment program 'Promise of 1.5℃: Time to Stop Temperature Rise.' She elaborated on the ongoing global warming phenomenon occurring worldwide and the crises induced by climate change.
Due to the increase in global average temperatures, sea levels are rising, and floods often occur by heavy rains. Conversely, droughts are causing significant damage in many parts of the world. If global temperatures rise more than 2℃ from the current level, additional climate abnormalities are likely to occur on a global scale. However, it is possible to minimize the impact of global warming if we can limit the rise to 1.5℃. In the context of climate change, there exists a 'Tipping Point - a point of no return. Once we pass this point, Earth's recovery become impossible. Today, the world is approaching this critical juncture. Ms. Gendatsu emphasized that the choices and actions we take over the next decade will profoundly affect the global environment and potentially jeopardize the well-being of humanity for thousands of years. She urged us to seriously consider our individual contributions, take necessary steps to combat climate change, and encourage others to do the same in order to protect our planet's environment.
Furthermore, Ms. Gendatsu explained that global warming is advancing at an astonishing pace, using relevant images and charts to illustrate her point. Her message resonated powerfully, inspiring not only university students but also the broader audience and university staff to reflect on their actions and entrust the next generation with continuing our commitments.
After the lecture, participants shared the following messages: 'I had some knowledge of environmental problems, but I didn't realize that our Earth is in crisis. Ms. Gendatsu's message helped me understand the importance of our individual actions.' 'While industrialized nations have benefited from fossil fuels for growth, developing countries remain impoverished with fewer benefits from fossil fuels. However, it's these developing countries that suffer the most from rising sea levels and devastating floods, resulting in numerous deaths. Japan, as a wealthy, industrialized nation, must take a leading role in addressing the vast inequality between rich and poor countries,' and 'Young generations like us must continue to advocate for global action, and each of us should act responsibly to protect our environment.' These comments reflect that Ms. Gendatsu's message resonated well with the students.
Attendees had a remarkable opportunity to listen to Ms. Gendatsu's speech, as she possesses profound and extensive knowledge of the environment. The 15th Open Lecture Session provided students with an invaluable opportunity to recognize the significance of the global environment.
Gifu University remains committed to creating a sustainable society by collaborating with students and local residents to protect the environment. We sincerely hope that our open lecture sessions will continue to inspire informed decisions in preserving our beautiful planet.
