Overview
Education is an important component of our work in Human Practices. Our approach to integrating projects with education is driven by ongoing reflection on our research and continuous feedback from stakeholders. Through this process, we identified several core issues. First, although global warming and the greenhouse effect are critical concerns that affect everyone and attract wide public attention, there are few effective channels for gaining an in-depth understanding of their mechanisms, the severity of their impacts, and the strategies for addressing them. Second, while the public generally recognizes algae and genetic modification (GM) technology, misconceptions often arise due to limited knowledge or information asymmetry. For instance, some assume that GM technology is inherently unreliable, or that all algae are prone to overgrowth and red tides, without knowing that such problems are usually caused by certain algae species.
Online Education
To address these challenges, we implemented a range of online and offline educational activities designed to provide diverse stakeholders with reliable information channels and to foster better understanding and engagement.
For online education, we focused on self-media platforms, in line with our survey findings on the information sources most trusted by the public. We established official accounts on Instagram, Xiaohongshu, and WeChat, where we regularly publish scientific content related to the greenhouse effect, global warming, and our project. Through these sustained efforts, we aim to build a reliable platform for the public to access accurate and trustworthy information.
Offline Education
For offline education, we visited schools and local communities, organizing interactive activities such as workshops and face-to-face discussions. We also experimented with “elevator pitches” to concisely convey our project’s core concepts and related issues. These activities not only allowed us to share our ideas directly with the public but also helped us gather valuable feedback and understand their concerns.
Future Outlook
We recognize that much more can be done in the field of education. Even after completing this year’s project documentation, we are committed to further broadening our perspectives and deepening our understanding of related issues. With humility and continuous reflection, we will keep improving our educational practices in the years to come.