Driving and Practicing a Circular Economy

In the past, achieving close-to-zero carbon emissions was often considered the ultimate goal, with most economic models following a linear path—from production to disposal, ending in vast amounts of waste. However, with the push for a net-zero transition by 2050, the focus has shifted to a circular economy. Today, there’s a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability and pollution reduction, with concrete measures like source reduction, minimal packaging, and eco-friendly design steering us toward a truly circular economy that minimizes resource waste.

Government Policy Initiatives

Taiwan’s energy supply structure is evolving to support the 2050 net-zero transition. As conventional energy sources decrease and new fuels create an energy gap, an increased power supply is required. Yet, this also raises concerns about rising carbon emissions. Decarbonizing the power sector and advancing electrification are essential; as power demand surges by over 50%, fossil-fuel-powered systems must be electrified, and electrification efforts expanded in household appliances, the service industry, and transportation. Additionally, integrating carbon offset and carbon capture technologies is critical to achieving the net-zero goal.

University and Community Collaboration

In the remote “Back Mountain” areas of Fuxing District, where landslides often isolate communities after heavy rain or earthquakes, National Central University (NCU) has stepped in to support disaster resilience. The university holds disaster-prevention workshops at local elementary schools, conducts displacement monitoring, and offers certification training in disaster preparedness. This initiative empowers residents, fostering a sense of contribution to their community and motivating greater engagement. As Yisheng Village Chief  Hsiao-jen Wang noted, “NCU treats our village like their own home, creating a sense of affinity that I deeply appreciate in this partnership.

Natural disasters in remote mountain areas pose more than just safety risks; they can disrupt roads, power, and communications, hindering emergency response efforts. With Fuxing District’s limited accessibility, a power outage can leave the area isolated, unable to access critical information. To address this, NCU has begun installing a microgrid system in the region, exploring the use of abundant local bamboo waste as an energy source. Additionally, despite Fuxing’s proximity to the Shimen Reservoir, parts of the district have long struggled with water shortages and uneven distribution. To tackle these issues, NCU has implemented water and air quality monitoring systems and partnered with the community to promote environmental education. This collaboration aims to enhance both resource management and awareness of environmental sustainability among local residents.

Outlook and Promotion of the Bamboo Industry

While addressing natural disaster challenges, NCU also recognized Fuxing District’s potential. The local Makino bamboo has a high carbon fixation capacity. Yet, bamboo production sharply declined after the implementation of the “The Logging Ban Compensation for Lands Reserved for Indigenous Peoples Act,” with aging bamboo forests becoming an environmental concern. Many young people in the community have lost interest in the industry, seeing no viable future. In response, NCU is working from three angles—industry, policy, and environment—to drive comprehensive bamboo industry development, aiming to boost the local economy and improve residents’ livelihoods. Through sustained efforts, National Central University and the community are collaboratively promoting the bamboo industry, advocating for supportive policies, and raising public awareness through media outreach, gradually bringing bamboo issues into the public eye. Although the progress is steady rather than rapid, NCU remains committed to a step-by-step approach, building deep trust and a collaborative relationship with the local community to tackle challenges together.