Climate change impacts
The average annual temperature in Fukuoka City has been rising at a rate of 2.44°C per 100 years, which is greater than the average for Japan as a whole (1.24°C per 100 years) (Note 1). The total number of days over 30°C (manatsubi) and days over 35°C (moshobi) per year have increased at a rate of 1.1 days per decade (Note 2). In addition, the number of nights with a minimum temperature of 25°C or higher (nettaiya) per year has increased at a rate of 4.7 days per decade, and the number of days when the minimum temperature is below 0°C per year has decreased at a rate of 4.9 days per decade (Note 3).
Adaptation activity
In FY2018, the "Fukuoka Prefecture Global Warming Action Workbook: Learning about Global Warming with Captain Ecotone" was developed by the prefecture for fifth and sixth graders of primary schools in Fukuoka Prefecture (Fig. 1). The purpose is to encourage children and students to be proactive in thinking about environmental issues, especially global warming, such as "Why is this happening now?" and "What can I do now?", and to promote domestic responsibility through children to combat global warming. In FY2019, a version for primary school third and fourth graders was released, and another version for junior high school students was scheduled to be released at the end of FY2020.
For teachers and guardians who use these workbooks to provide environmental education, the "Global Warming Action Workbook Resource Guide", with data and explanations that supplement the content of the workbook, and the "Utilization Table" summarize learning guidelines in relation to government educational objectives and textbooks when using the workbook, and other related class activities.
In addition, in FY2018 and FY2019, environmental education workshops were held for elementary school students at a public learning space in Fukuoka Prefecture using the workbook. At this workshop, approximately 40 children learned about environmental issues through talks on global warming and hands-on crafting activities using beachcombed materials and scrap wood.
Outputs / Expected benefits
Global warming and other environmental problems affect our everyday lives, and in order to solve these problems, each of us needs to understand the current state of the environment and the issues correctly, as well as to change our daily behavior. Education of this kind is expected to stimulate interest in environmental issues, deepen general understanding, and help develop problem-solving skills, thereby encouraging everyone to consider themselves an active stakeholder in addressing environmental problems.
Footnote
(Note 1) Statistical period: 1891-2019
(Note 2) Manatsubi is defined as a day when the maximum daily temperature is 30°C or higher, and moshobi is defined as a day when the maximum daily temperature is 35°C or higher. Statistical period: 1927-2019
(Note 3) Nettaiya is defined as a nighttime minimum temperature of 25°C or higher, and fuyubi is defined as a day when the daily minimum temperature is below 0°C. Statistical period: 1927-2019
