高校の部 2位
安田　穣（兵庫県立長田高等学校）

Future in Our Hands

 Do you think the Earth and human beings have a bright future? This is a question my class was asked when I was in junior high school. All the students in the class answered "No". They were concerned about many problems the earth was facing, such as global warming, over population, natural resource depletion, extreme weather, and so on. Well, I said, "all the students," but actually, there was an exception. That was me. I answered "Yes." "Yes, we do have a bright future."
 Why was I being so optimistic? Throughout history, our ancestors have managed to overcome difficulties and survive crises by using their knowledge, wisdom, and ingenuity. Every time they were confronted with a problem, humans have created new methods to solve it. I believe that now, it is our turn to do exactly that.
 One of the biggest challenges we face today, is how to generate energy without imposing harmful consequences on our environment. When I was 13 year old, I read an article about a new method of generating energy. It was called "artificial photosynthesis". Yes, photosynthesis... it's the wonder of nature where plants take away our unwanted carbon dioxide and turn it into oxygen and energy. But... I thought only plants could do this. Artificial? How on earth is such a thing possible? I was instantly interested, and read further to find out. This method uses sunlight to resolve and rebuild water and carbon dioxide into what is called "high energy density matters", like artificial fossil fuels and carbohydrates.
 Many of you might think, "What!? Artificial fossil fuels? But don't they emit carbon dioxide when you use them?". Yes, they do release carbon dioxide when used. However, the process of creating artificial fossil fuels absorb and consume enough CO2 from the air to make up for what it releases when using them. In other words, we will not be burdening the environment with creation of additional CO2.
 I think that "artificial photosynthesis" is the key to solving the energy issue, as well as improving our planet's environment. It is clean energy, and its source is abundant; sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. As of now, the energy conversion efficiency is still too low to be put to practical use. I want to learn more about artificial photosynthesis, and hope to do research on how we can improve this energy conversion efficiency when I go to college.
 We still have many other problems that need to be addressed and solved, such as lack of clean water, food shortages, health issues, and more. Can these also be overcome by some innovative ideas like artificial photosynthesis? Yes, I think so. Scientists around the world are working on projects to tackle these problems, and I believe that one day, an effective solution will be developed.
 Our future is in our own hands. We must make full use of our creativity and technology to keep our planet from deteriorating. We must stay alert and conscious. But there is no need to be overly frightened or pessimistic about our future. What we have to do is to face the reality with positive and productive attitude. To take actions based on our wisdom and innovation. Then, yes. Our future will be a bright one.