In the days before the course officially began, I often pondered the connection between my background in journalism and the field of future infrastructure and climate change. Although they seem to belong to entirely different domains, they are deeply interconnected in many ways.

‘With the instantaneous communications available millions of people can be mobilized in an instant to act for good causes.’ , ‘In a globalized, interconnected world, there is no excuse for ignorance. Cities can form alliances and networks for knowledge sharing about paths to sustainability and resource management. Internet technology can be used to disseminate research and knowledge about more socially and politically equitable forms of urbanization’ (Maslin, M. 2021)

Admittedly, in the age of the internet, having a foundation in mass communication is akin to wielding a sharp blade—a powerful tool to achieve goals. Climate issues are grand challenges that concern all of humanity. No one can remain unaffected by global warming, and climate issues should not remain confined to obscure scientific articles or complex data charts. Mass communication may serve as a “shortcut” to addressing this problem.

With my background in mass communication, I can better capture public sentiment, shape public opinion, and help more people understand climate issues and recognize their severity. This kind of interdisciplinarity may be something I should explore more deeply in the future.

‘Humans have always influenced the future, as we will see when we explore the history of humanity’s relationship with the future.’

As the book states, humanity has always influenced the future, but not all of this influence has been positive. Many negative impacts have gone unnoticed. We are accustomed to praising and documenting great achievements, yet nature continuously reminds us through its actions not to forget the need for reflection.

What we failed to realize about the future in the past is something we now have the ability to change. What we must do is neither remain indifferent nor simply let things take their course. Today’s climate change and natural disasters are warnings that we must pay the price for our past inaction.

2024.9.16

REFERENCE

1. Maslin, M. (2021).Climate change: A very short introduction (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

The Interdisciplinary Integration of Communication and Future Infrastructure and Reflections from Readings / Yunyi Yang / Future Infrastructure, Climate Change and Sustainability: KIPP & Futures Project (2024-25) by is licensed under a