Cultural diversity is one of the greatest assets of Taiwan’s performing arts scene today. It is expressed not only in large-scale performances by local artists on the world stage, but also in imported or local performances of various styles based on fusion with other cultures. This interaction with foreign cultures also demonstrates the flexibility of Taiwanese society in embracing cross-cultural arts.
The theme of this month’s Cover Story is diversity and blending in the performing arts. It includes stories on foreign performers who have integrated into local society in Taiwan, local bands that have engaged with the world, and cross-genre performances of folk music. They illustrate how Taiwan’s contemporary performing arts link Taiwan with the world.
In this issue we also focus on sustainable development. A crowdfunding platform for community renewable energy is fostering widespread participation in Taiwan’s energy transition. Meanwhile, reusable packaging systems are being developed to make zero-waste e-shopping feasible. And Taiwan’s social enterprises are making their mark overseas, such as by supporting rural economic development in Uganda. Another story, on the growing popularity of plant-based meats, reveals how these products are now becoming as tasty as they are eco-friendly. Taiwan’s food technology is in the vanguard of this global trend.
“The greenhouse effect of methane is 25 times that of carbon dioxide. If methane can be used for power generation, this will vastly reduce its climate impact.” So says Li Chih-chieh, manager of the Agricultural Energy Technology Development Department at the Central Region Campus of the Industrial Technology Research Institute. How is biogas power generation developing in Taiwan? How are specialists from different fields joining together to create a large-scale biogas power industry? This is another topic we explore this month.
One of the most noteworthy events in Taiwan in 2022 has been the Asia–Pacific Forum and Exposition for Sustainability, held here for the first time. It showcased recent R&D achievements of Taiwanese industry, government, and academia, and highlighted Taiwan’s resolve to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Another was the biennial Tang Prize awards, now in their tenth year. This year’s Tang Prize in Sustainable Development went to Jeffrey D. Sachs, who has put forward action plans to implement the UN’s eight Millennium Development Goals and 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Taiwan is in step with world trends regarding environmental change and energy transition, and is making steady progress. This issue’s Readers’ Photos, on the theme of “Formosan Wonders: Birds and Flowers,” highlight the colorful sights of Taiwan. Let us deeply reflect on how to leave a more beautiful and sustainable environmental and cultural heritage to future generations.
