As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, countries around the globe are seeking ways to achieve carbon neutrality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Taiwan is no exception. In 2021, the National Development Council released a roadmap for achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The sports industry is an important player in this effort and must find ways to make a positive impact on the environment while ensuring its own sustainable development.
One example of a sustainable sports industry in Taiwan is running. With more than 70 marathons each year, the industry has a significant impact on the environment due to waste and energy consumption. To address these issues, the Taiwan Road Running Industry Association has developed a certification system for “green running” events. This system includes criteria for waste reduction, carbon offsetting and the use of eco-friendly materials. By promoting these practices, it aims to reduce the environmental impact of running events and promote sustainability in the industry.
While the association’s efforts are commendable, they represent only a small part of the overall challenge facing the sports industry in Taiwan. The Sports Administration’s Sports Industry Development Policy Guidelines provide a framework for a more comprehensive approach to sustainable development.
The guidelines call for the promotion of sports for all, including individuals with disabilities and those from underprivileged backgrounds. This inclusivity and diversity in sports should help promote a more equitable and sustainable society.
Additionally, they call for the development of sports-related technology and innovation to enhance the industry’s competitiveness and sustainability. This includes the development of smart sports equipment and facilities, as well as the use of big data and artificial intelligence to optimize sports performance and reduce fuel consumption.
Furthermore, the guidelines highlight the importance of sports tourism. By promoting eco-friendly practices in sports tourism, the sports industry can help promote sustainable development in the broader tourism industry.
However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed for the industry to achieve sustainable development. One is the lack of investment in sustainable sports infrastructure. Without proper facilities and equipment, it is difficult to promote sustainable practices in the industry. Another challenge is promoting sustainable practices among participants, fans and stakeholders.
To overcome these challenges, the government should take a leadership role in promoting sustainable development. This includes providing financial support for the development of sustainable sports infrastructure, promoting awareness of sustainable practices and incentivizing the adoption of sustainable practices among industry stakeholders.
By following the Sports Industry Development Policy Guidelines, promoting sports for all, developing sports-related technology and innovation, promoting sports tourism and providing leadership in promoting sustainable practices, Taiwan’s sports industry can become a leader in promoting sustainability in the region.
Gary Chen is an associate research fellow in the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research Department of International Affairs.
Recently, China launched another diplomatic offensive against Taiwan, improperly linking its “one China principle” with UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 to constrain Taiwan’s diplomatic space. After Taiwan’s presidential election on Jan. 13, China persuaded Nauru to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Nauru cited Resolution 2758 in its declaration of the diplomatic break. Subsequently, during the WHO Executive Board meeting that month, Beijing rallied countries including Venezuela, Zimbabwe, Belarus, Egypt, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka, Laos, Russia, Syria and Pakistan to reiterate the “one China principle” in their statements, and assert that “Resolution 2758 has settled the status of Taiwan” to hinder Taiwan’s
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s (李顯龍) decision to step down after 19 years and hand power to his deputy, Lawrence Wong (黃循財), on May 15 was expected — though, perhaps, not so soon. Most political analysts had been eyeing an end-of-year handover, to ensure more time for Wong to study and shadow the role, ahead of general elections that must be called by November next year. Wong — who is currently both deputy prime minister and minister of finance — would need a combination of fresh ideas, wisdom and experience as he writes the nation’s next chapter. The world that
Can US dialogue and cooperation with the communist dictatorship in Beijing help avert a Taiwan Strait crisis? Or is US President Joe Biden playing into Chinese President Xi Jinping’s (習近平) hands? With America preoccupied with the wars in Europe and the Middle East, Biden is seeking better relations with Xi’s regime. The goal is to responsibly manage US-China competition and prevent unintended conflict, thereby hoping to create greater space for the two countries to work together in areas where their interests align. The existing wars have already stretched US military resources thin, and the last thing Biden wants is yet another war.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, people have been asking if Taiwan is the next Ukraine. At a G7 meeting of national leaders in January, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida warned that Taiwan “could be the next Ukraine” if Chinese aggression is not checked. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said that if Russia is not defeated, then “today, it’s Ukraine, tomorrow it can be Taiwan.” China does not like this rhetoric. Its diplomats ask people to stop saying “Ukraine today, Taiwan tomorrow.” However, the rhetoric and stated ambition of Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) on Taiwan shows strong parallels with