Japan Geoscience Union Meeting 2024

Presentation information

[J] Poster

G (General ) » General

[G-02] Outreach of Geoscience: Practice and Theory

Sun. May 26, 2024 5:15 PM - 6:45 PM Poster Hall (Exhibition Hall 6, Makuhari Messe)

convener:Harufumi Tamazawa(Institute of Industrial Science, the University of Tokyo), Ken Tsukada(Hiratsuka City Museum), Junya Terazono(Moon and Planets LLC)

5:15 PM - 6:45 PM

[G02-P03] Education and outreach activities on the Arctic, the frontline of global warming

★Invited Papers

*Akiko Mohri1, Yukie Uwaso1, Hiroshi Miyaoka1 (1.National Institute of Polar Research)

Keywords:Arctic, Global Warming, Awareness, Collaboration, Teaching Materials, Science Communication

The Arctic region is one of the areas most affected by global warming. Scientific evidence indicates that rapid changes in the natural environment of the Arctic, such as a rapid reduction in sea ice, are having a significant impact on the environment and ecosystems worldwide, including in Japan. The Arctic Challenge for Sustainability II (ArCS II) is a national flagship project for Arctic research in Japan and aims to promote advanced and interdisciplinary research on the Arctic, aiming social implement of its results. Additionally, we are trying to increase interest in global environmental issues, particularly those concerning the Arctic region by enhancing education and outreach activities.

We initially conducted an internet survey of awareness regarding the Arctic and Arctic research involving 1,000 participants from the general public ranging from 10s to 70s. The survey encompassed various topics, spanning from fundamental knowledge about the Arctic and global warming, levels of interest and expectations for Arctic research, to the attitudes and lifestyles of the survey respondents. We will show not only an overview of the survey but also delves into the emerging trends from the survey results, which include misconceptions about the Arctic, variations in awareness across different generations, and expectations concerning Japanese Arctic research.

Currently, by leveraging the results of the awareness survey and insights from science communication, we are actively engaged in raising awareness about the Arctic and Arctic research and extending beyond conventional school education to provide educational opportunities aimed at capacity building of future Arctic researchers through collaborations with various stakeholders. We will showcase successful examples and challenges encountered in our activities through case studies, such as website operations, collaborations with educational institutions and social education facilities, and the development and distribution of educational materials. Additionally, we seek to explore effective methods of information dissemination, education, and outreach activities, as well as discuss potential future developments.