Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 1.1
Public opinion on the seriousness of global issues. (From Fig. 3.1 of Sustainability, Glob-
escan
2013
)
and technological. Japan assumed a leading role in international actions on Educa-
tion for Sustainable Development (ESD) through its proposal for the UN Decade
of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014)
1
. It is thus no surprise that
Japan should also seek to make a contribution to the environmental leadership gap
we have just described.
1.2
Japanese Initiatives in Environmental Leadership:
The Background to the Tohoku University Project
Japanese support of environmental leader initiatives emerged from Innovation 25
(Cabinet Office
2007
) which looked at Japan's needs to be competitive in the twen-
ty-first century, and how to stimulate innovation towards a sustainable development
path. I25 noted that without controlling global warming and over-use of natural
1
DESD had five objectives 1. Give an enhanced profile to the central role of education and learn-
ing in the common pursuit of sustainable development. 2. Facilitate links and networking, ex-
change and interaction among stakeholders in ESD. 3. Provide a space and opportunity for refining
and promoting the vision of, and transition to sustainable development—through all forms of
learning and public awareness. 4. Foster increased quality of teaching and learning in education
for sustainable development. 5. Develop strategies at every level to strengthen capacity in ESD.
