The area encompassing the Sea of Japan has become one of the major socio-economic areas of the world due to significant industrial and economic activity. However, the atmospheric and marine environmental changes caused by human activities are evident and alarming. The harmful influence of such changes extends to not only terrestrial ecosystems, but to human health as well.

Finding solutions to the various environmental issues caused by both anthropogenic activity and natural phenomena are among the most important challenges imposed on science and engineering in the 21^st century. The Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology at Kanazawa University was established in response to these emerging environmental issues and promotes research and education to help create sustainable future environments. It is an effort that has been in collaboration with other domestic and overseas institutions.