[EmPath Newsletter]🌎July. 2025

Hello everyone.

How can we relate, connect, and act in a world that changes every day?

This time, we will cover a variety of topics, from climate change to local events and EmPath's new initiatives.

Please enjoy until the end.

Topic 1: Wildfires and Climate Change - What can we do?

Over 25 years ago, I couldn't sleep so I turned on the radio, just to listen to some music. Instead, I heard an interview with a meteorologist who said that climate change is real and will have a huge impact on our daily lives. He warned that over time, devastating natural disasters will occur with unprecedented frequency and we will not have time to recover. He also said that home insurance premiums will skyrocket to the point where they will no longer be affordable.

The future he described was bleak, but I remained hopeful that humans could adapt and take action to avert catastrophe. But I was wrong. That future is already here, and it is happening right before our eyes, more powerful, more destructive, and more frequently with each passing year.

Living in Canada, I have witnessed wildfires the size of European countries devastate entire provinces. This year alone, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and northern Alberta have been hit by fires. Fire is essential to forest ecosystems and supports biodiversity and regeneration, but today's wildfires are threatening our health, communities, culture and economy. The impacts are felt not only in the areas where the fires occur, but also in the Northwest Territories, Western Ontario and Labrador.

Each of us has a responsibility to prevent man-made wildfires. So how can we do this? By being mindful of our own behavior, especially on dry, windy, or hot days. For example, by completely extinguishing campfires, avoiding fires in dry areas, and being careful when handling equipment that may produce sparks. Additionally, creating firebreaks by removing flammable vegetation around your home and reporting any suspicious behavior immediately can significantly reduce the risk.

Every small effort counts. For example, cultures like French Guiana have a word for it: "mayouri," which means working together to clean up and protect the area. This kind of collective action not only reduces risk, but also strengthens community ties.

We live in environmentally unstable times. In a rapidly changing world, we should aspire to be protectors, not destroyers. If you can, take action. Protect your surroundings. Protect the Earth.

(EmPath Vice President Marie-Laure Polydore)

Topic② Lavender Festival 2025: A summer holiday with art, music and relaxation

The 21st Lavender Festival by "123 Farm" was held in the lush lavender fields of Cherry Valley, California. This event, which emphasizes entertainment and wellness for the mind and body, has been attracting many people of all ages.

The festival will provide a time for art, agriculture and healing to come together, with workshops such as lavender-themed painting and perfume-making, allowing participants to experience the joy of creating with their own hands.

At the venue, you can experience local food such as desserts that make use of the scent of lavender and homemade sourdough bread made with ancient grains. As the sun sets, you can enjoy live music by local artists and roast s'mores around a bonfire.

Additionally, as part of a program unique to California, an agricultural powerhouse, there were also demonstrations of the lavender distillation process and guided tours learning about the history and culture of the region, providing many new insights to visitors.

Away from the city, in nature, experiencing the changing of the seasons with all five senses - the Lavender Festival provided us with a luxurious introduction to summer.

(EmPath Correspondent Saby Clarke, California)

Topic 3: Bring the world of EmPath closer to you! Introducing it through a 6-frame comic strip

We have started a six-panel comic series to help people learn about EmPath's activities in a fun way!

In this first installment, we introduce EmPath's basic philosophy that "supporting local communities makes the world a better place" with our friendly characters.

Both the English and Japanese versions will be posted on our website in due course, so please feel free to take a look.

We hope that through this manga you will be able to feel closer to the future that EmPath is aiming for and the efforts of our colleagues around the world!

Topic④ Title: We are looking for participants for the "Ikigai" online seminar to be held on Wednesday, June 26th!

On Wednesday, June 26th from 9:30 to 11:00, EmPath will be hosting an online seminar on "Ikigai"! Why not join us and think about how you want to live and work in a way that suits you?

Thank you to everyone who has already applied! Our staff is currently preparing for the event. Please look forward to it.

And there is still time to apply! Please feel free to join us. 🌍 Estimated start times in each area:

• US West Coast (PDT) | June 25th (Tue) 17:30-19:00

• US East Coast (EDT) | June 25th (Tue) 20:30-22:00

• Central Europe (CEST) | Wednesday, June 26th, 2:30-4:00

🔗 Register here: https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/ikigai-online-seminar-2025-tickets-1344801701089?aff=oddtdtcreator

How was it?

EmPath will continue to support actions that are kind to the earth, local communities, and ourselves.

Stay tuned for our next issue and we hope to see you at one of our upcoming events!