How do we envision the sustainable society we want to create?

<jats:sec> <jats:title>How do we envision the sustainable society we want to create? </jats:title> <jats:p>Professor Masahide Sakamoto uses Japanese pollution research to discuss how we can implement a better, more sustainable society. He uses two ideas that we should choose in order to realize a sustainable society: 1. If the inequality structure of the capitalist economy remains unchanged, each person should seek happiness in his or her own way within that structure. 2. Assuming that it is natural that there are differences in individual abilities, we should build a society in which there are no differences in human values, and we can respect each other as human beings. While there is no single definition of a sustainable society, he argues the introduction of renewable energy has less environmental impact than fossil fuel-based power generation systems. Fossil fuels can only be extracted in certain places, and disputes over ownership are likely to arise, whereas renewable energy can be used in any country with the right technology. This entails wars and conflicts over oil can be avoided, leading to the peaceful use of energy, and reducing post-disaster damage. Ultimately, the realization of a sustainable society will depend on what kind of socioeconomic system is designed by governments.</jats:p> </jats:sec>