Transformational Leadership Training - Sustainable Environments

ENST 0842: Sustainable Environments

Semester: Summer

Offered: 2026

Humans are at a critical juncture in their relationship with the environment. Many of the global changes occurring in the atmosphere, climate, and oceans can be attributed to human activity. While the standard of living has increased for many people across the globe, the technological advancements that have made this possible, and are part of the solution, endanger future generations because of their environmental impacts. Environmental toxins and air pollution are increasing, and fossil fuels and forests are being depleted at unsustainable rates. Now more than ever, the viability of human life depends on the scientific understanding of global environmental change, and on developing science-based policies to both protect the environment and promote human well-being in a just and sustainable manner.

Guest Speakers:

Dr. Carina Keskitalo, Professor at Umeå University

Nic Harty-Morris, Operations Manager at Everybody Eats

Kasumi Fujita, Council Member of Osaki Town

Mariane Uehara, Coordinator at 'Inana Innovators Program

Robin Lewis, Founder at mymizu

Kerri Chen, Senior Manager at Robert Walters

Jennie Dahlén, Slow Fashion

Dr. Micah Fisher, Research Fellow at the East-West Center

Dr. Andrea Urushima, Lecturer at Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Kyoto University

Brandon Bodenstein, PhD Candidate at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

Chikara Ushiki, Ashoka Japan

Katie Brill, Director of Partnerships and Communications at Junk Kouture

Mark Gonzaga, PhD Candidate at the University of Tokyo

Leo Liwag, Co-Founder and CEO of Hashi Media

Hon. Sujeet Kumar, Member of The Indian Parliament

Dr. Caitlin Wyndham, Researcher and Learning Leader at Blue Dragon Children's Foundation

James Pakele, Founding President of Dynamic Community Solutions

Dr. Ya'ara Rosner Manor, Architect and Urban Planner

Prof. Ritu Dangwal, Educational Research and Cognitive Sciences

Dr. Joy Leilei Shih-Casado, Chair, National Marine Team | The Sierra Club

Dr. Azadeh Davari, Organizational Leadership Consultant, Executive Coach

Tim McInerny, Founder of Wood be Good

Nicole M. Forrester, Chief Regenerative Officer (CRO) at World Wildlife Fund (WWF) - Australia

Tomo Hamakawa, Social Innovator

Philippe Lemonnier, Senior Leadership Development Specialist

Find below samples of multimedia submission for ENST 0842: Sustainable Environments

Hannah M. Belk: hannah.belk@temple.edu

This video discusses the overwhelming nature of negative news about climate change and introduces the concept of 'active hope' as a way to combat feelings of doom. It critiques the role of corporations, particularly the fossil fuel industry, in contributing to climate change and their efforts to mislead the public. The video advocates for a 'radical' approach, defined as addressing the root causes of environmental degradation by challenging systems that devalue human life and the Earth, and by imagining a sustainable future beyond current exploitative economic models.

Key takeaways

Negative news about climate change can lead to feelings of doom and helplessness.
Fear is a tool used to divide people, but the concept of 'active hope' can counter this.
The fossil fuel industry has a significant role in climate change and has historically engaged in deceptive practices to obscure their impact.
'Radical' action means addressing the root causes of environmental issues by challenging destructive systems.
Imagining and believing in a better future, beyond capitalism and exploitation, is a crucial step towards creating sustainable environments.
Systemic change, though daunting, is achievable through courage and collective action, as history has shown.

Soyon Nishioka: @s0y0n

This video discusses the low representation of female students in top Japanese universities and the barriers they face in pursuing leadership roles. It highlights parental influence, a hidden curriculum in schools that perpetuates gender norms, and the importance of gender-equal perspectives among teachers to empower female students.

Key takeaways

Female students constitute less than one-third in top universities in Japan, indicating a significant gender disparity.
A 2025 survey from Waseda University revealed that parents often steer their daughters towards universities with higher female enrollment or fields considered more suitable for women.
Schools often implicitly teach gender norms and values, such as gender-based division of labor, which students internalize.
Examples include assigning physical activities only to male students or having lower expectations for female students in leadership roles, while expecting them to be polite.
It is crucial to guide teachers to adopt gender-equal perspectives, enabling female students to recognize their potential and pursue opportunities irrespective of parental expectations.

Miyuki Maegaki

This video discusses transportation equity in regional Japanese cities. It explains that mobility encompasses more than just movement, including access to essential services and a sense of belonging. It highlights how transportation systems can inadvertently create inequality and advocates for mobility to be treated as a human right, emphasizing the need for empathy and inclusive policies.

Key takeaways

Mobility is crucial for accessing healthcare, education, work, and fostering a sense of belonging, not merely physical movement.
Transportation systems can unintentionally create societal inequalities, affecting access to opportunities.
True inclusion in mobility requires more than just physical accessibility (like ramps and elevators); it involves people feeling safe, seen, welcome, and able to move with dignity.
Mobility should be considered a human right, not just a convenience.
Achieving inclusive mobility necessitates both robust policies and systems, alongside empathy and a willingness to listen to the experiences of those most impacted.

Mimi Nagae Bradley: tmimi3240@gmail.com

This video discusses strategies for raising awareness about climate change, particularly when encountering individuals who are dismissive of the issue. It explains that direct presentation of facts may not be effective with those holding deeply ingrained beliefs influenced by their political, cultural, or religious backgrounds. The video suggests three alternative approaches: focusing on health, empowering women, and validating individual stories to connect climate change to personal experiences.

Key takeaways

Individuals who are dismissive of climate change are the most difficult to engage with, often denying any presented facts due to deeply held beliefs.
Political, cultural, and religious backgrounds can create a sense of community that may lead individuals to reject climate change awareness to avoid ostracization.
Emphasizing the importance of health, both personal and communal, can be an effective way to engage people in discussions about climate change.
Research suggests that empowering women with authority and education can significantly contribute to addressing climate change issues within their communities.
Connecting climate change to an individual's personal story and validating their experiences is a more effective engagement strategy than presenting undeniable facts.

Kotaro

This video discusses the relationship between increasing female university attendance and the number of female leaders in Japan. It highlights significant regional disparities in female university enrollment, particularly the gap between Tokyo and other prefectures like Kagoshima and Iwate. The video emphasizes the need to address these educational disparities to achieve gender equality in Japan.

Key Takeaways

A correlation is posited between increased female university attendance and a rise in female leaders, leading to positive societal impact.
Significant regional disparities exist in Japan regarding female university enrollment; Tokyo shows much higher rates than Kagoshima and Iwate prefectures.
Overcoming regional educational gaps is crucial for achieving gender equality in Japan.
A shift away from a male-centered mindset is essential for addressing this issue.
The video questions whether Japan can achieve gender equality, suggesting a need for societal change.

Olivia Scheuer:

olivia.scheuer@temple.edu

This video is a short reflection by Olivia Scheuer on Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sower. Scheuer discusses how the novel's depiction of a broken society resonated with her, highlighting issues of poverty, gender inequality, and the lack of justice. She connects the novel's themes to contemporary societal issues.

Key Takeaways

Dystopian Relevance: Scheuer found Butler's depiction of a broken society in Parable of the Sower alarmingly relevant to current social issues.
Gender Inequality: The book prompted Scheuer to reflect on the ongoing challenges women face, such as silencing and societal expectations.
Importance of Equality and Respect: Scheuer emphasizes the novel's message about the importance of embracing diversity and treating each other equally, regardless of background.
Call to Action: The book inspired Scheuer to consider the future and the necessity of taking immediate action.

Jasmine Mehta: jasmine.mehta@temple.edu

This video challenges the notion that population growth is the sole cause of environmental crises. It argues that systemic inequalities, poor resource management, and a lack of innovation play equally significant roles. The video promotes a shift in focus from solely addressing population numbers to embracing education, innovation, and sustainable practices.

Key Takeaways

Systemic inequalities and poor resource management are major contributors to environmental problems, often outweighing the impact of population size. The video uses examples of poverty, chaos, and pollution to illustrate this point.
Smart agricultural practices and urban planning can mitigate environmental challenges even in densely populated areas. The Green Revolution is cited as an example of successful innovation in agriculture.
Focusing on education and innovation empowers individuals to make informed choices about balancing growth and sustainability. The video suggests that informed choices, rather than population control, are key to a sustainable future.
Sustainable solutions require collaboration and innovation, not just population control. The video calls for collective action to build a sustainable future.

Tea Migita

This video discusses the environmental and health problems associated with disposable menstrual products (pads and tampons). It proposes DIY reusable menstrual pads as a solution to reduce waste, consumerism, and harmful chemicals.

Key Takeaways

Disposable menstrual products contribute significantly to waste and pollution, impacting landfills and even marine life.
These products often contain chemicals harmful to human health and the environment.
Creating reusable menstrual pads from old clothes is presented as a sustainable alternative.
DIY pads are suggested as a way to reduce waste, lower costs, and decrease the environmental impact of menstruation.
Making reusable pads can also help destigmatize menstruation.

Angeliah Barraza-Hernandez

This video summarizes key findings from the book "Violence Against Women During Coronavirus When Staying Home Isn't Safe" by Fitzner. It focuses on the increased domestic violence during lockdowns, highlighting the inadequacy of support systems and the significant economic impact of this issue.

Key Takeaways

Increased Domestic Violence During Lockdowns: The pandemic led to a surge in domestic violence, disproportionately affecting women, children, and marginalized communities. This is referred to as a "shadow pandemic."
Overwhelmed Support Systems: Support services were overwhelmed, struggling to adapt to remote work and address the increased demand. Systemic injustices and insufficient infrastructure led to delays in justice for survivors.
Significant Economic Impact: Violence against women has substantial economic consequences, costing some countries up to 3.7% of their GDP in 2019 alone – more than double what many governments spend on education.
Call to Action: The video emphasizes the urgent need for governments, communities, and individuals to improve support systems for victims of domestic violence, ensuring they are effective and accessible.
Home is Not Always Safe: The video serves as a reminder that home is not always a safe haven, particularly for victims of domestic violence. Continued awareness and support for those at risk are crucial even after the pandemic.

Lilian Ozawa

This short video discusses the environmental and social impact of fast fashion and proposes slow fashion as a solution. It highlights the problems of resource waste, human rights violations, and rampant consumerism within the fashion industry and suggests alternatives like supporting local manufacturers, extending the life of clothing, and sharing clothes.

Key Takeaways

Fast fashion's negative impacts: The video points out the significant negative environmental and social consequences of fast fashion, including resource depletion, human rights abuses, and unsustainable consumerism.
Slow fashion as a solution: Slow fashion is presented as a key approach to mitigating these negative impacts.
Practical strategies for slow fashion: The video suggests several practical ways to embrace slow fashion, such as repairing clothes, renting accessories, and sharing clothing.
The influence of marketing: The video acknowledges the challenges of changing consumer behavior due to the powerful influence of marketing on consumers.
The call to action: The video encourages viewers to understand the issues related to unsustainable fashion practices and to adopt more sustainable strategies.

Sonja Stevens: LinkedIn; Instagram

This short video critiques Greta Thunberg's approach to climate change, arguing that while her points are valid, she oversimplifies the issue by presenting it as a purely black-and-white matter. The video emphasizes the need to consider trade-offs, equity among different nations, and the media's role in raising awareness.

Key Takeaways

Oversimplification: Greta Thunberg's approach lacks nuance, failing to acknowledge the complexities and trade-offs inherent in climate action.
Equity: Climate action must consider the varying capabilities and circumstances of different countries (e.g., Sweden vs. Niger).
Media's Role: While the media is vital for raising awareness, it's not sufficient to address the complexities of climate change.
Complexity: Climate change is a multifaceted issue that transcends simple "black and white" solutions. Immediate action is crucial.

Nadine Salem

This video presents a sustainability proposal addressing the issue of animal confinement at the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, Japan. The speaker, a sustainability consultant, proposes relocating the zoo to Yamanashi prefecture to provide animals with more spacious and appropriate living environments.

Key Takeaways

Animal Welfare Concerns: Ueno Zoo's confined spaces negatively impact animal health, leading to aggression, self-harm, and abnormal behavior, shortening lifespans.
Proposed Solution: Relocation: Relocating the zoo to Yamanashi prefecture is suggested. This location offers ample space due to numerous vacant houses ("akas").
Yamanashi Prefecture Advantages: Yamanashi is only 1.5 hours from Tokyo, maintaining accessibility, and possesses many vacant houses, making land acquisition cost-effective.
Sustainability Focus: The proposal emphasizes protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
Improved Animal Habitats: Relocation allows for creating more spacious and suitable environments for the animals.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse