“Earthshot” Whole Earth 2021 @Tokyo
Half Century Since Whole Earth Catalog: Shaping the Future with Technology
This conference proposed new perspectives for tackling global shifts in society, environment, and technology. Stewart Brand, founder of the Whole Earth Catalog, served as the main guest and led multifaceted discussions on the importance of long-term thinking and the relationship between culture and technology. With a focus on sustainability, post-COVID redesign, and technological ethics, speakers offered a wide range of visions for a more sustainable future.
Global IT History
- The Digital Agency is established with 600 staff (one-third from the private sector) and a ¥400 billion budget
- 99% of stamp requirements are abolished
- The government aims to make 98% of administrative procedures online by 2025
- My Number Card adoption reaches 40%
- Through the GIGA School Initiative, over 96% of elementary and junior high schools implement one device per student
Global Rise of Climate Tech
- Global cleantech investment reaches $755 billion
- Rapid growth in renewable energy, EVs, and energy efficiency technologies
- Venture investment in climate tech surges 210% year-over-year to $37 billion, driving global startup participation in decarbonization
- Major nations including the U.S., EU, Japan, and China announce or strengthen 2050 carbon neutrality goals
- Tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon accelerate carbon-neutral commitments
Speakers
Stewart Brand
President, The Long Now Foundation
Mitsuhiro Takemura
Founder, Takemura-Juku
Jane Metcalfe
Founder & CEO, NEO.LIFE / Cofounder & Former President, Wired Ventures
Nick Philip
Artist
Taro Kono
Minister in charge of Administrative Reform, Japan
Takuya Hirai
Minister for Digital Transformation, Japan
Jun Murai
Distinguished Professor, Keio University
Jennifer Pahlka
Founder & Former Executive Director, Code for America
Kate McCall-Kiley
Co-Founder, xD (US Census Bureau)
Audrey Tang
Digital Minister of Taiwan
Miwa Komatsu
Contemporary Artist
Zenryu Hidaka
Abbot, Kyoogokoku-ji (To-ji), Shingon Sect
Ariel Ekblaw
Climate Change Systems Researcher, CCI
Ryan Phelan
Co-founder & Executive Director, Revive & Restore
Shinjiro Koizumi
Minister of the Environment / Minister in charge of Climate Change, Japan
Shiro Kambe
Senior Executive Vice President, Sony Group Corporation
Takashi Ikeuchi
Managing Director, TOKYU LAND CORPORATION
Mayumi Tsuryu
Executive Officer, Seven & i Holdings / Senior Officer, Sustainability Division
Fujio Kojima
CEO, Pirika Inc. / Pirika Association
Yukihiko Ito
Founder & CEO, GOYOH (EaSyGo)
Kathy Matsui
General Partner, MPower Partners
Teruhide Sato
Founder & CEO, BEENEXT
Samantha Bates
Executive Director, CCI
Ken Hasebe
Mayor of Shibuya
Kaoru Hayashi
Representative Director, President Executive Officer and Group CEO, Digital Garage, Inc. Executive Chairman, Kakaku.com, Inc.
Joichi Ito
Board of Directors Member and Co-Founder, Digital Garage
Gallery
