How the initiative came to be
I realized that countless species inhabit the Earth, and humans are just one of them. There is no time to lose when it comes to environmental issues. I want to do everything I can.
Male participant in his 50s
FY2025 Special Seminar
The Public Seminars on the Environment trace their origins to the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. In response to the Summit’s recognition of global environmental protection and sustainable development as challenges shared by the international community, Sompo Japan became the first financial institution in the country to establish a Department of Global Environment. This initiative subsequently led Sompo Japan and the Japan Environmental Education Forum (JEEF) to launch the Public Seminars on the Environment in 1993, providing a place where people could gain a better understanding of environmental issues and translate that understanding into concrete action.
The Sompo Environment Foundation joined the initiative in 1999, and today the seminars are jointly organized by JEEF, Sompo Holdings, and the Sompo Environment Foundation. Behind the continued operation for more than 30 years lies an unwavering belief that each individual’s understanding and actions can help create a better future for everyone.
Themes that have evolved with the times
The multiple seminars held each year all focus on themes about the environment, but they have also evolved alongside changes in society. Pollution was a central focus when the program began, but today it covers a much broader range of issues and international frameworks, including topics such as sustainability, climate change, decarbonization, and biodiversity.
The speakers aren’t limited to experts from universities and research institutions. People working on the front lines to address these challenges, from within companies, local governments, NPOs and NGOs share their experiences and the challenges they have taken on. By highlighting positive initiatives for the future as well as conveying the urgency of the issues we face, the seminars have evolved into a forum that leaves participants feeling, “There’s something I can do, too.”
I gained a real sense of just how seriously companies are addressing environmental issues and workers’ rights. From now on, I will pay closer attention to where the products I buy come from.
Male participant in his 20s
FY2025 Regular Seminar
Expanding opportunities to learn and inspiring action
To ensure that opportunities for environmental education continued even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the seminars moved to a free online format in 2020, which continues through to today. Recordings and summaries have made it possible for people to participate and learn regardless of time or location. By bringing environmental education to a wider audience, the program is creating opportunities for more individuals to take action in their everyday lives and through their work.
These efforts form one of the key pillars of “SOMPO Earth Positive Actions,” Sompo Group’s new strategy to maximize contribution to the global environment while pursuing sustainable business growth. Through the seminars, expert knowledge and the experiences of people taking practical action are shared with the public, creating opportunities for individuals to see environmental challenges as issues that affect them personally.
There’s so much I don’t know, and learning more makes me feel younger. I’ve also shared these seminars with my grandchildren, who are university students.
Female participant in her 70s
FY2025 Regular Seminar
As participants begin to see through what they learn how environmental issues relate to their own lives and work, many are inspired to take small steps themselves.
Environmental challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss are becoming increasingly complex, and sharing and acquiring knowledge are not enough. We also need to consider what we can do and put our ideas into action. Through the public seminars, we continue to explore the steps we can take today, expanding the circle of people working to contribute to the future of our global environment.
