Activism Gets Rolling in Taiwan

The deepest respect for a society often comes from those who criticize and take corrective action. Writing for the New York Times, Ralph Jennings tells the story about a US-born lawyer who moved to Taiwan in 1977, becoming a citizen 26 years later to fight for environmental causes. In 2003, Robin Winkler started a foundation to handle pro bono cases on environmental issues. Investment in manufacturing reduced poverty in Taiwan and other Asian nations since the 1980s, yet citizens increasingly question the need for rapid development that pollutes air, contaminates water supplies and destroys habitat. The growing environmental movement in Taiwan, galvanized by the Fukushima accident in Japan, could deliver economic benefits, Jennings reports, nudging the government to “retool its policies to promote 'high-value development' instead of traditional heavy industry.” Degradation has high costs and reduces productivity, notes one business leader. Embracing high standards and green energy as a competitive strategy could attract offshore investors. Investment in sustainable industries can deliver profits, too. – YaleGlobal