6
deterioration. Social sciences are also important to manage and control the environment. Environmental policy in the fi eld of law and environmental economics in the
fi eld of economics are the examples.
Though these disciplines are necessary to identify and analyze environmental
issues and propose solutions, their contribution is limited if each discipline is separated. Interaction among these disciplines is essential. For example, the wrong technology could be selected if an engineer does not consider local social and economic
circumstances. On the other hand, the wrong technology can also be selected if the
decision-making team has no expert in engineering and just considers the cost.
There is a risk for offi cial development assistance, where important funding negotiations take place between governments, when the recipient nation demands an
expensive high-tech solution that requires experts to operate and maintain. The
assisting nation then tries to cut the budget without considering operating and maintenance costs. The outcome is that expensive technology and machines are introduced but stop running within a short period. The role of technology experts who
understand the social circumstances is essential in such a case. The natural sciences
and engineering are superfi cially under a common discipline, but there are signifi -
cant differences in basic concepts and methodology. The ultimate objective of the
natural sciences is to fi nd the truth; engineering is oriented to problem solving.
Understanding every aspect of these different disciplines is impossible for one
person. Instead, having the ability to interact with experts from different disciplines
is essential for environmental leaders. In other words, environmental leaders must
be coordinators among these different disciplines.
A holistic academic organization, such as a national academy, should play a
fundamental role in promoting interdisciplinary academic activity. For example, the
Science Council of Japan set up a committee on environmental science as a body
that cuts across three major groups: social sciences and the humanities, life and
medical sciences, and the natural sciences and engineering. However, real environmental issues cannot wait until disciplines merge before fi nding a solution for environmental issues. Therefore, for solving an individual issue without any delay, an
environmental leader can coordinate the disciplines.
1.2.3.2 Interregional Resonance
Environmental issues have commonalty and diversity among countries or regions.
The mechanisms of pollution or climate change are common among the regions.
However, the history, the causes, and control of these problems are local issues.
Effective technology for solutions is to some extent common, but the choice of
technology depends on local circumstances.
Even for global environmental issues, such as climate change, reducing greenhouse gases depends on local conditions. The impact of climate change is a locally
dependent issue. Analyzing environmental issues requires an understanding of
environmental deterioration within the local context. Though data is gathered
through surveys, much more valuable and relevant information is obtained through
collaboration with local people, governments, or experts. The global environmental
T. Akiyama et al.
deterioration. Social sciences are also important to manage and control the environment. Environmental policy in the fi eld of law and environmental economics in the
fi eld of economics are the examples.
Though these disciplines are necessary to identify and analyze environmental
issues and propose solutions, their contribution is limited if each discipline is separated. Interaction among these disciplines is essential. For example, the wrong technology could be selected if an engineer does not consider local social and economic
circumstances. On the other hand, the wrong technology can also be selected if the
decision-making team has no expert in engineering and just considers the cost.
There is a risk for offi cial development assistance, where important funding negotiations take place between governments, when the recipient nation demands an
expensive high-tech solution that requires experts to operate and maintain. The
assisting nation then tries to cut the budget without considering operating and maintenance costs. The outcome is that expensive technology and machines are introduced but stop running within a short period. The role of technology experts who
understand the social circumstances is essential in such a case. The natural sciences
and engineering are superfi cially under a common discipline, but there are signifi -
cant differences in basic concepts and methodology. The ultimate objective of the
natural sciences is to fi nd the truth; engineering is oriented to problem solving.
Understanding every aspect of these different disciplines is impossible for one
person. Instead, having the ability to interact with experts from different disciplines
is essential for environmental leaders. In other words, environmental leaders must
be coordinators among these different disciplines.
A holistic academic organization, such as a national academy, should play a
fundamental role in promoting interdisciplinary academic activity. For example, the
Science Council of Japan set up a committee on environmental science as a body
that cuts across three major groups: social sciences and the humanities, life and
medical sciences, and the natural sciences and engineering. However, real environmental issues cannot wait until disciplines merge before fi nding a solution for environmental issues. Therefore, for solving an individual issue without any delay, an
environmental leader can coordinate the disciplines.
1.2.3.2 Interregional Resonance
Environmental issues have commonalty and diversity among countries or regions.
The mechanisms of pollution or climate change are common among the regions.
However, the history, the causes, and control of these problems are local issues.
Effective technology for solutions is to some extent common, but the choice of
technology depends on local circumstances.
Even for global environmental issues, such as climate change, reducing greenhouse gases depends on local conditions. The impact of climate change is a locally
dependent issue. Analyzing environmental issues requires an understanding of
environmental deterioration within the local context. Though data is gathered
through surveys, much more valuable and relevant information is obtained through
collaboration with local people, governments, or experts. The global environmental
T. Akiyama et al.