Naoko shimazu biography examples

When Naoko Yamazaki looked down from her position in the international space station in 2010, she had something of an epiphany.

"The Earth is shining blue in the vastness of darkness. It is very beautiful, but at the same time, I realized it's fragile as well," Yamazaki, 50, tells PEOPLE of her astonishing experience.

Naoko shimazu biography examples

"The layer where the atmosphere is so thin, it's paper thin."

Yamazaki proudly wore a shirt commemorating her space station mission during a Zoom call from Japan to explain her "180 degree" change in perspective.

Since that a-ha moment, she has dedicated to educating the next generation and protecting the environment.

So when Prince William's Royal Foundation asked her to be among his Earthshot Prize Council, helping choose the contenders for the five Earthshot Prizes, she jumped at the opportunity to help.