Sumitomo and Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner’s Poem
In light of the increasing threat of global warming, many governments and corporations implement policies aiming to reduce the harmful environmental effects of various industries. Japanese conglomerate Sumitomo Corporation deals with coal mining and constructs coal-fueled power plants. As reported by Smith (2021), the corporation that “has long operated businesses involved in the dirtiest and most environmentally destructive forms of energy production” now aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 (p. 3). However, from the report, I have discovered that Sumitomo is involved in various unsustainable practices such as mining, financing, and burning destructive fuels and contributing to the deforestation problem. Such approaches result in negative environmental outcomes, including biomass impacts in the United States and Canada, increases in atmospheric CO2 levels, and negative effects for wildlife.
In her poem “Dear Matefele Peinam,” Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner raises the problem of the environmental impacts and the contribution to climate change of large corporations, such as Sumitomo. Jetnil-Kijiner’s powerful words emphasize that ecological activism is essential to avert a tragedy and ensure the next generation’s well-being. The accountability issue is of particular importance since responsible practices can stop destructive corporate behavior. In addition, investment in research and new energy technologies can help avert the adverse consequences caused by businesses.
Rinko Sagara’s Poem Explanation
1. “Seventy-three years ago,
That day turned this island that I love into an island of death.
The chirping of small birds turned into screams of fear.”
This part of Rinko Sagara’s poem mentions the Battle of Okinawa and marks the 73rd anniversary of its end. Thousands of people, including many civilians, lost their lives at the battle. Therefore, the poem passes down the memory of this terrible event and expresses the horrors of war.
2. “My life cries out.
Resonating with the past, present and future.
Let this requiem reach the sorrowful past.
Let the sounds of the living reverberate to the future.
I will live out this moment.”
In this part of the poem, the author claims that without reflecting on the past, a nation cannot be future-oriented. The past, present, and future are interconnected, and by remembering history, one can overcome current challenges and achieve a better future.
Reference
Smith, R. (2021). Smokescreen: Sumitomo’s “carbon neutral” failures.