Interview

by Taka

I was recently interviewed by a Thai environmental organization dedicated to empowering the local community for a sustainable future. When they informed me that the interviewer was an intern, I expected a typical university student studying environmental science, asking the usual questions like, "What are your thoughts on climate change?" or "Should we stop eating meat?" However, her questions were far more sophisticated, prompting me to think deeply and carefully.

Here are some of them that I'd like to share with you.

• How seriously do Japanese people take environmental awareness? Do they experience eco-anxiety?

• What inherent Japanese philosophies, beliefs, or cultural practices have a significant impact on environmental sustainability?

I'd like to highlight a key point regarding my perspective on environmental issues and sustainability. Comparing the level of environmental awareness between countries is often unproductive and unfair, in my view. Environmental challenges are complex and shaped by numerous factors, with each country facing unique circumstances. Therefore, the most important aspect of addressing these issues is to focus on the actions that can be taken in the specific place where you live. However, as a Japanese person, her questions made me realize that, unfortunately, environmental awareness in Japan is relatively low. Despite this, several Japanese customs are naturally eco-friendly, even if people don’t explicitly associate them with environmental consciousness. For example, when we are young, we are taught to finish our meals to avoid food waste; leaving food uneaten is seen as rude and disrespectful to the farmers who produced it.

While I don’t consider myself an environmentalist—I’m not a vegetarian, and I fly at least once a year—I do find some demands from environmentalists to be rather cringeworthy. Additionally, many environmentalists send contradictory messages, often failing to practice what they preach. Instead of focusing solely on environmental rhetoric, I prefer to promote energy conservation, which has a tangible positive impact on the environment.

After the interview, I couldn't help but ask her about her major. It turned out she studied English literature at university. To tackle environmental challenges, you don’t need to be an environmentalist. In fact, approaching environmental issues from a different field can often be more effective in raising awareness and fostering comprehensive thinking. Fresh, broader perspectives from outside the environmental sphere can lead to solutions that are more impactful than the sometimes narrow focus of traditional environmentalists, who may inadvertently create conflicts with those less engaged in these issues.

I appreciate the intern for providing such thought-provoking questions, and I wish her a bright and successful career ahead. 🤞