The Future of Earth and Biodiversity Week
"Dialogue between science, technology and diverse cultures"
Subtitle: "The path of empathy towards a sustainable future"
Faraday Seminar Organizing Committee
The Earth's rich ecosystem is supported by a diversity of living organisms, but currently, environmental destruction and climate change caused by human activities have become serious problems. Therefore, the concepts of biodiversity and circular economy are considered important from the perspective of efficient resource use and reducing environmental impact.
Considering this situation, this program will hold discussions on how humanity can bring together the wisdom of science, technology, and culture to carve out a sustainable future.
Discussion
- Climate change
- Biodiversity
- Circular economy
| Transmission of simultaneous interpretation | Not provided |
|---|---|
| Language of interpretation | English |
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Track Programme
- Time and
Date of
the event -
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2025.09.17[Wed]
15:15 ～ 16:30
(Venue Open 15:00)
-
- Venue
- Others (Inside Venue)
- "TEAM EXPO Pavilion"
Programme details
Our Earth is supported by a rich ecosystem where diverse organisms coexist. However, unregulated human activities are causing serious environmental destruction and climate change. In order to address this situation, the concepts of biodiversity and circular economy have been attracting attention in recent years. Biodiversity provides us with resources such as food and water that are essential to our lives. On the other hand, the circular economy reduces the environmental burden and contributes to the protection of biodiversity by efficiently using resources and minimizing waste. We humans need to combine scientific and technological progress with cultural diversity to create new solutions and pave the way for a sustainable future.
This program aims to bring together diverse cultural and scientific wisdom from around the world and integrate the technology to utilize them to clarify the core of current global problems. For all humanity to empathize with each other and come to a consensus to solve problems, we will also use environmental music to hold discussions.
Reports
【Reflection】
This event, held at the Osaka-Kansai Expo as part of the ""Life Conference"" project, provided a valuable opportunity to consider a sustainable future from various perspectives.
Takuo Doume, Executive Committee Chairman of the ""Life Conference"" project, opened the event with a speech explaining the purpose and significance of the event.
Next, Graham Budd, Director of the Faraday Institution in Cambridge, UK, and Carla Pallett, Researcher, delivered lectures.
Budd's lecture, titled ""The Faraday Institution: A Comprehensive Approach to Societal Challenges,"" and Pallett's, titled ""Sustainability and Conservation: Science and Dialogue,"" introduced the institute's research and educational initiatives.
Both lectures shared the latest insights into efficient resource use and reducing environmental impacts, emphasizing that biodiversity and the circular economy, in particular, hold key roles in building a sustainable society.
Specific examples were presented of AI-driven approaches to tackling challenging challenges through a fusion of science and technology, as well as natural science, social science, and humanities.
Furthermore, the presentation pointed out that ethical considerations and a perspective of social justice are essential when pursuing such initiatives, providing profound insights for participants.
To conclude the program, Koichi Hosoi, chair of the Faraday Seminar Executive Committee, performed his original song, ""Hello—Living for Life."" This song was created with a message of hope for beautiful seasons and a sustainable Earth and universe.
Its purpose is for the speaker and participants to encourage each other and work together to solve problems.
All participants joined in the chorus, creating a moving moment symbolizing the empathy and solidarity of all humanity.
【Post EXPO Initiatives】
This event, held at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, provided a valuable opportunity to consider a sustainable future from diverse perspectives. Now that the expo has concluded, we are taking concrete steps to ensure this experience is not merely a passing memory, but is instead building on it for future practical application.
First, based on the perspective presented in the lecture—namely, the wisdom of integrating the three sciences of natural science, social science, and humanities—we are considering introducing interactive programs on sustainability into educational settings and community activities.
In particular, we are currently developing educational materials that delve deeper into topics such as AI, the circular economy, and biodiversity from ethical and social perspectives.
We have also continued our collaboration with the Faraday Institute and begun discussions on the possibility of online seminars and joint research to share international knowledge.
This will create a forum for researchers, educators, and citizens from Japan and abroad to learn from each other and strengthen local responses to global challenges.
Furthermore, we have begun activities to expand the circle of empathy and solidarity through music, utilizing the song ""Hello—Living for Life,"" which was performed at the event. Through choral events at schools and local assemblies, we aim to foster connections that transcend generations and positions.
This program collaborated with seminars in Osaka, Yokohama, and Tokyo: the Osaka University think tank “Social Solutions Initiative (SSI)” Salon on September 18, the Yokohama Shiji Church of the United Church of Christ in Japan on September 20, and the Aoyama Gakuin University McRae Memorial Hall on September 22.
At the Osaka University SSI Salon, diverse discussions unfolded, including the relationship between science and religion. Key themes centered on: “Is acquiring scientific knowledge to solve social issues and the motivation to do good realized through interactions with life at the frontlines of problem-solving?” and “How are the pursuit of truth and actions for good related?”
At Yokohama Shiro Church, whose hall is designated a Yokohama City Historic Building, lectures centered on “The Relationship Between Science and Religion” were delivered from the perspectives of modern science and Christian faith by speakers including the Director of the Faraday Institute affiliated with St. Edmund's College, University of Cambridge, UK.
At Aoyama Gakuin University's McLeay Memorial Hall, the university's Internationalization Promotion Organization co-hosted a seminar with Osaka University's Social Solutions Initiative (SSI) and the Aoyama Gakuin Religious Center. Lectures covered: “Understanding AI and Its Impact on Society from a Faith Perspective,” exploring the intersection of technological innovation and ethics; “Environmental Protection and Christian Hope,” examining the relationship between environmental crisis, faith, and Christianity; “Toward a Mutual Aid Society: The Philosophy and Practice of the Life Forum,” discussing new challenges for realizing a mutual aid society; and “Creating a Circular Economy,” focusing on the integration of science, technology, and ethics: Toward Realizing Society 5.0,“ and the potential of integration technology for ”connection and separation."
These initiatives are not simply an extension of our past efforts; they are the first step toward ensuring that the insights and inspiration gained from these events take root in society.
We will continue to stand at the crossroads of science, culture, and ethics, and walk together on the path to a sustainable future.
Cast
Speakers
Dome Takuo
Osaka University ,Social Solution Initiative (SSI)
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Graham Budd
The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion
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Cara Parrett
The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion
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Koichi Hosoi
"Faraday Seminar Organizing Committee (Japan) Osaka University ,Social Solution Initiative (SSI)"
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Co-organiser
Osaka University ,Social Solution Initiative (SSI)
Sanpo Publications, Inc
The Future of Earth and Biodiversity Week
"Dialogue between science, technology and diverse cultures"
Subtitle: "The path of empathy towards a sustainable future"
The Earth's rich ecosystem is supported by a diversity of living organisms, but currently, environmental destruction and climate change caused by human activities have become serious problems. Therefore, the concepts of biodiversity and circular economy are considered important from the perspective of efficient resource use and reducing environmental impact.
Considering this situation, this program will hold discussions on how humanity can bring together the wisdom of science, technology, and culture to carve out a sustainable future.
-
2025.09.17[Wed]
15:15～16:30
(Venue Open 15:00)
- Others (Inside Venue)
- * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
- * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.
OTHER PROGRAM
The Future of Earth and Biodiversity Week
