Earth’s natural phenomena, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, generate infrasound (low-frequency sound) which cannot be detected by human ears. Since 2016, Kochi University of Technology has installed infrasound sensors – which they developed - at 31 locations between Hokkaido and Miyazaki Prefecture to monitor air vibrations. In January 2022, there was a massive eruption on a volcanic island in Tonga. Sea level fluctuations resulting from huge atmospheric pressure fluctuations were transmitted to the sensors at nearly the speed of sound, clearly showing that infrasound observation is effective for tsunami preparedness.

Today’s elementary, junior high, and high school students have been learning about social issues from a young age; one could say they are the “SDGs Native” generation. With a high level of knowledge and understanding regarding sustainability and SDGs, there have been impressive examples of their efforts and accomplishments related to measures against marine plastic pollution. On the other hand, it has been pointed out that there is a segment of the population that is indifferent. We think that it is important to hold various activities to encourage them to get personally invested.

Along with others from around the world, I recently had the opportunity to participate in the One Ocean Expedition voyage of the Norwegian tall ship, the Statsraad Lehmkuhl, as part of the UN Decade of Ocean Science initiative. The voyage allowed me to experience the importance of cooperation among the crew members, as well as to learn how the depth and vastness of ocean problems make them global in scale, requiring international cooperation for their solution.