Japanese-language version of "The Other CO2 Problem" animation video
Oct 25, 2018
♦The Ocean Policy Research Institute of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation(OPRI-SPF) in cooperation with the Kanagawa Prefectural Marine Science High School in Yokosuka, Japan, has created a Japanese-language version of "The Other CO2 Problem," a clay animation video originally coordinated by the Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) in the UK.
♦The Japanese-language version of "The Other CO2 Problem" can be accessed here .
The greenhouse gases emitted by our society not only cause global warming, but also increase the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in our oceans, leading to a lowering of the seawater's pH and therefore moving towards acidity. This impact of CO2 absorption by the ocean is known as ocean acidification. Ocean warming as well as ocean acidification are issues of increasing global importance, and have been mentioned in the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) outcome document in 2012 as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in September 2015. However, despite the increased global focus on the issue, the Japanese response has been less than adequate.
To help address this situation, OPRI-SPF in cooperation with the Kanagawa Prefectural Marine Science High School in Yokosuka, Japan, has created a Japanese-language version of a video called "The Other CO2 Problem." This clay animation video, originally coordinated by the Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) with students at the Ridgeway School in Plymouth, UK, demonstrates the devastating impacts of ocean acidification, an issue that has been referred to as "the other carbon dioxide problem" or global warming's "evil twin." This version has been watched nearly 13,000 times on You Tube, had more than 15,000 DVDs distributed worldwide and has been translated in five languages. It has also been shown at high-level climate change meetings such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (UNFCCC COP) and the United Nations Ocean Conference.
Seven students at the Kanagawa Prefectural Marine Science High School participated in the Japanese dubbing of the film, with assistance from their teachers and researchers at OPRI-SPF. This translated video will serve as a starting point for learning about ocean acidification in Japan.
Dr. Carol Turley, Senior Scientist at Plymouth Marine Laboratory and original project leader, comments: "How wonderful to see this new Japanese version of the animation as it has travelled the globe. It was first made 10 years ago by children in England and they had great fun researching the issue of ocean acidification, making the creatures, and writing the script. What better way to celebrate the 10th Birthday of The Other CO2 Problem!"
Dr. Atsushi Sunami, President of OPRI-SPF, comments: "It is with great joy that we release the Japanese-language version of "The Other CO2 Problem." Our staff had a fantastic time working with the students and teachers, and were reminded of the importance of involving various stakeholders, especially the youth, in combatting the ocean acidification issue. International cooperation is also key to tackling this issue, and we look forward to further collaboration with PML in the future."
Notes to Editors
For more information about the Japanese-language version of "The Other CO2 Problem," please contact Mr. Tomohiko Tsunoda, Senior Research Fellow, or Dr. Nobuko Nakamura, Research Fellow, at OPRI-SPF.
oceanpolicy (@) spf.or.jp
Please note that copyrights to the original video belong to PML, with use of the video permitted to OPRI-SPF for the Japanese-language version. For more information about the original video as well as other information about PML, please see the links below or contact Ms. Kelly-Marie Davidson, Senior Communications Officer at PML.
(kdav@pml.ac.uk)
Videos:
Original version of The Other CO2 Problem : www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5w_FgpZkVY
Other PML videos: www.pml.ac.uk/News_and_media/Our_videos
About the Ocean Policy Research Institute of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation
Since 2000, the Ocean Policy Research Institute of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation(OPRI-SPF), formerly known as the Ocean Policy Research Foundation (OPRF), has worked as a think tank which aims for a harmonious relationship between mankind and the oceans through ocean policy research, policy recommendations, and publication of information. With successes including contribution to the enactment of the 2007 Basic Act on Ocean Policy, OPRI-SPF has actively participated in international conferences and debates on ocean governance, with the aim of strengthening its influence in the international community as a specialized think tank for ocean policy analysis to contribute to SPF's mission of establishing "new ocean governance."
About the Plymouth Marine Laboratory
For over 40 years, Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) (@PlymouthMarine) has provided evidence-based environmental solutions to societal challenges by applying cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research that benefits society and promotes stewardship of marine ecosystems. Since 2002, and in association with a wide range of national and international partners, PML has provided these capabilities as an independent company limited by guarantee with charitable status.
The impact of PML's science is far-reaching ranging from highly cited scientific papers, to providing scientific evidence for policy and training the next generation of marine scientists. Through the delivery of the science plan PML is also contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals to promote healthy, productive, and resilient oceans and seas.
About the Kanagawa Prefectural Marine Science High School
With the school motto of "Understanding the ocean, protecting the ocean, and developing the ocean," the Kanagawa Prefectural Marine Science High School in Yokosuka (south of Tokyo) is known for being the only school in the prefecture to offer specialized education in the fisheries and marine science fields. Located on the waterfront of Sagami Bay, the school currently receives a grant through OPRI-SPF's "Ocean Education Pioneer School Program" (coordinated with The Nippon Foundation and University of Tokyo) through which it conducts basic research on ocean acidification.