[Event Information]
Interactive Evening Lounge
“Economic growth and its impact on environment and society”
6th Dec 2017 18:30-20:00
(Eng.Bld.#8-536, Hongo Campus)

■Date	:	Wednesday, 6 December 2017, 18:30-20:00
■Venue	:	GSDM Students’ Room Engineering #8 Room 536 (Hongo Campus)
■Organizer	:	Dr. Roberto Orsi SIP Group No. 7, UTokyo4SDGs
■Summary	:	Our SIP group conducted a survey concerning students’ research interest and its link to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Considering the results, it was found that numerous participants are interested in Goal 8 (Decent work and Economic Growth) and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) out of all 17 SDGs. Economic growth can be double edged sword: if properly utilized, it can improve the environment and life quality; if not, it may accelerate the deterioration of the vulnerable environments we are living in. To deepen students’ understanding sustainable economic and environmental development, as well as to encourage interdisciplinary research aligning with sustainable development goals, we propose to hold a brainstorm and debate on “Economic growth and its environmental impact”. The first section of this IEL would be “sharing”. Students will share their observations and knowledge on current environmental issues brought by economic growth. Standing in the shoes of different countries, students will discuss the barriers against international cooperation. The second section of this IEL would be “arguing”. On top of the knowledge we shared, we will debate on whether economic growth should give way to environment preservation, or they can coexist in a harmonious way. Furthermore, we will explore interdisciplinary research topics by means of both the brainstorm and debate.