The Scientific Perspective of Zero Emissions From biology to architecture, from the arts and humanities to economics, the scientific research behind Zero Emissions Research and Initiatives is dedicated to realizing various innovative ideas. While improving access to water, food, housing, healthcare, employment, energy, and education, it also actively enhances the environment. As people continue to envision a sustainable future that evolves with nature, ZERI has already established an information foundation. This foundation provides us with an endless source of inspiration, guiding us in the ongoing search for solutions to global challenges while meeting the basic needs of all species.
The Five Intelligences of Human Cognition
Emotional Intelligence
Humans are the most emotional animals on Earth, with our cognition, behaviour, and social organization largely driven by emotions.
In interpersonal interactions and groups, emotions are the hidden force behind social commitments to others. They not only shape the formation of social structures but can also act as a destructive force that drives collective activities that transform social culture. Emotions foster friendships, create commitments to social structures, or lead to collective fears manifesting in acts of terror. Given the central role emotions play in human events, we should develop a universal theory to explain why specific emotions arise in individuals and groups, particularly focusing on the consequences of emotions in social relationships and broader cultural patterns.
Academic Knowledge
Knowledge is the act of "cognition" and "recognition" of a subject, leading to a "recognition" that can be utilized for specific purposes.
People gain familiarity and understanding through experience or association, which constitutes knowledge—encompassing scientific, artistic, or technical understanding. Academic knowledge refers to the depth of research into objective phenomena, revealing the objective regularities they reflect. The fundamental requirement of academic research is innovation, including the formulation of new questions, exploration of new fields, introduction of new perspectives, construction of new theories, discovery of new materials, and provision of new evidence.
Artistic Intelligence
Art is the expression of aesthetic experiences or significant emotions through a blend of skills, will, imagination, and experience. It embodies the process by which individuals share feelings of beauty or deep awareness, encapsulating personal or collective experiences.
Art reflects our innate appreciation for harmony, balance, and rhythm. It offers a non-grammatical means of expression, unconstrained by spoken or written language forms. Art presents diverse forms, symbols, and concepts, with meanings that can evolve.
Ecological Literacy
The public has actively engaged in building ecological civilization, playing a significant role in the process. The term "ecological literacy," coined by David W. Orr in his 1992 book Ecological Literacy: Education and the Transition to a Postmodern Society, refers to the integrated competence acquired through learning and living, encompassing ecological knowledge, awareness, and behavioural abilities.
Ecological literacy includes the individual understanding of ecological knowledge and methods, as well as ecological thinking and behaviours. It also embodies an individual's ecological values, attitudes, and consciousness, integrating knowledge, behaviour, and ecological spirit. Organized and impactful ecological education can further enhance public awareness of ecological civilization.
Implementation Capability
Implementation capability intersects the four intelligences mentioned above.
By cultivating an exploratory environment, we aim to foster students who can think systemically, design, create, and dream, allowing them to continuously develop and expand their ideas. This approach encompasses the integrity of individuals and these five distinct modes of understanding and expression.