Word: taipei
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...Though one of the more environmentally pro-active places in Asia - Taipei has reduced air pollutants over 30% in the last decade - the island still has a long way to go. Taiwan's per capita carbon dioxide emissions are three times the global average, and they're growing faster than any country in the world. President Ma Ying-jeou set an ambitious goal to decrease emissions to half of 2000 levels by 2050, but critics say his goal of maintaining 2008 levels is a bit flimsy, and programs like bike sharing are more style than substance. "In Taiwan, the economy...
...Still, Taiwan's past efforts to clean up its act have not been unsuccessful. As the mayor of Taipei, Ma introduced a recycling program in 2000 which has helped the city has reduce its trash output by 55%. With a little monetary incentive - people get fined $145 for not complying and the required bags for non-recyclable trash cost more than for recyclables - residents of the capital have become efficient organizers of their trash. In 2006, Taiwan was also one of the first countries to stop giving away plastic bags. Stores charge a dime or more for one, a policy...
...Last semester, 45 elementary and junior high schools across Taiwan also promoted walking to school as a way to improve the environment and personal health. Taipei's Xinglong Elementary School had remarkable results: 87% of its 1000 students and 60 teachers now walk to school, and as a side benefit, many have lost weight. The faculty lost a total of 220 pounds (100 kgs), and overweight students lost an average of 0.4 BMI in just three months. "Now I walk everywhere," says Shih Chen-ming, a school superintendant who lost 44 pounds (20 kgs) in six months. "I'm happier...
...first year in office, Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou has kept his promise to ease tensions with the island's longstanding rival, China. Beijing and Taipei have signed several historic agreements opening up direct transport links, allowing mainland Chinese tourists to visit Taiwan, and calling for financial cooperation. Taiwan also recently announced Chinese would be allowed to invest in Taiwan for the first time. On May 12, TIME's Jim Erickson, Michael Schuman and Natalie Tso sat down with Ma to talk with him about China, the economy, and Taiwan's future. TIME: Tell us what you thought about your...
...right track. Many American experts on China relations say relations between China and Taiwan are the best in 60 years. China can have a friendly relationship with Washington and Taipei and vice versa. A year from now, we certainly hope to achieve something on the ECFA issue and further normalize our relations with the mainland...