TOKYO,
The
\u00a0<\/p>\n
During remarks at the
Echoing these sentiments, Lord Deighton, chairman of The Economist
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Speaking on the Back to Blue initiative at the launch event, Charles
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* In January 2021, The Economist Group, in
\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
Survey details:<\/b><\/p>\n
Survey 1. industry and
Sample size: <\/b>1000\u00a0
Geography: <\/b>20% each from North America,,
Employment status:<\/b> Full or part-time
70% <\/b>for profit organisations (a
30%<\/b> public sector, non-profit
Sample
Geography:
Gender:
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Back to
Website: backtoblueinitiative.com<\/a><\/p>\n
MOU signing ceremony:
\nJAPAN –\u00a0Media OutReach<\/a>\u00a0–\u00a03
\nMarch 2021 – Back to Blue<\/b><\/a>, a new initiative from The Economist Group and The Nippon Foundation,
\nlaunches today at the 8th<\/sup> annual World Ocean Summit. With an initial
\nfocus on ocean pollution, the three-year collaboration is a response to the
\nescalating challenges posed by plastic pollution and, less visibly, pollution
\nfrom nutrients and chemical contaminants that are damaging ocean life and
\necosystems, and in turn human health. The programme, now under development, has
\nbeen supported by findings from a Back to Blue global survey* which place
\nplastic pollution (59.6% of respondents) and chemical pollution (39.1%) as the
\ntop two concerns, followed by climate change (31.1%).<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\nopportunity to embark on original research, stimulate fresh dialogue and
\nexplore new solutions to the vexing problems posed by pollution in the ocean is
\nmotivating both organizations. The Economist Group, through its World Ocean
\nInitiative and World Ocean Summit, has been fostering a global conversation on
\nthe greatest challenges facing the seas. The Nippon Foundation–with its diverse
\nprogrammes building and nurturing ocean networks, research and
\nprofessionals–has a global reputation for championing ocean science and health.
\nThe Back to Blue initiative brings together two organisations\u00a0that share a common understanding of the need for
\nevidence-based approaches and solutions to the pressing issues faced by the
\nocean, offering a powerful platform from which to accelerate momentum
\nfor improving ocean health.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.media-outreach.com\/Release\/templates\/images\/socialMedia\/iconmonstr-youtube-6-24.png\"\/)
signing of a memorandum of understanding<\/a> between the two organisations, Yohei Sasakawa, chairman of The Nippon
\nFoundation, warned that “we are much aware of the land-based problems that
\noccur around us[…]; however, when it comes to understanding the multifaceted
\nproblems of the ocean that covers 70% of the earth surface, I believe that our
\nunderstanding is still very poor. This is already a threat to human security
\nfor every individual on this planet.”<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\nGroup, said: “We [at The Economist Group] have also developed our own passion
\nfor the ocean. We held our first World Ocean Summit in 2012, after we had
\nargued in the newspaper that the seas were in trouble, and that human
\nactivities were having a profound impact on ocean health. A decade or so later
\nwe are more committed than ever to our vision of an ocean in robust health and
\nwith a vital economy. The ocean is too big to fail.”<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\nGoddard, editorial director at The Economist Group, noted that “defining and
\nheading towards a pollution-free ocean is an enormous challenge, as we are
\nalready seeing in the many extraordinary efforts to address plastic pollution.
\nWe hope Back to Blue can contribute vital new knowledge and perspectives on
\ncontaminants in the ocean, and to the global architecture of engagement needed
\nto address them. The urgency is very real.”\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\ncooperation with The Nippon Foundation, undertook two related surveys–one of
\nindustry and public-sector executives, the other of the general public (global
\ncitizens)–to better understand their views and priorities around key ocean
\nissues. The survey was conducted to provide a reference point for the Back to
\nBlue initiative among the global audience we expect to be engaging, as well as
\nto seek feedback on the direction and relevance of the initiative, and to help
\nus gauge progress towards our goals.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\npublic sector\u00a0<\/u><\/b><\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\nEurope and Asia-Pacific, 40% Rest of the World<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\nemployees\u00a0
\nType of organisation respondents work for:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\nrange including minimum 50 each from finance, food (including fisheries) and
\nbeverage, travel (including shipping) and tourism, energy
\n
<\/p>\n
\norganisations or academia
\n
<\/p>\n
\nSurvey 2. General Public\/ world citizens<\/u><\/b><\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\nsize: <\/b>3000\u00a0
\n
<\/p>\n
\n<\/b>20%
\neach from North America,, Europe and Asia-Pacific, 40% Rest of the World
\nAge: <\/b>50% Millennials (1981-96) and Generation Z (1997-) \/ 50% Generation X
\n(1965-80) and Baby Boomers <\/b>(1946-64)<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n<\/b>At
\nleast 40% male\/female
\n
<\/p>\n
\n
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\nBlue<\/b><\/p>\n
\n
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\n
<\/p>\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=NPUar232EkA&t=3s<\/a><\/p>\n