In response to World Earth Day on April 22nd, Taiwan Tech launched the “Environmental Protection and Sustainability, Happiness and Love for the Earth” beach cleaning activity on the 19th. It took place at the Shimen Laomei Kite Park Beach, with nearly 40 faculty and staff actively participating. The aim is to instill environmental protection and plastic reduction awareness into daily campus life, collectively promoting sustainable environmental development.

In this beach cleaning activity, a total of 40 faculty and staff participated.

In the face of global environmental and climate change threats, sustainable development and low-carbon initiatives have become important topics for countries, businesses, and organizations worldwide. Taiwan Tech, guided by its vision and development philosophy, has outlined a blueprint for sustainable development, including initiatives such as “Local Care and Regional Revitalization”, “Talent Cultivation and Holistic Development”, “Environmental Resilience and Sustainability”, and “International Collaboration and Resource Sharing”. Taiwan Tech has also joined hands with other universities like National Taiwan University and National Taiwan Normal University to establish the Taiwan Sustainable Governance University Alliance. Furthermore, Taiwan Tech has announced its low-carbon transformation goals to achieve 50% carbon neutrality by 2030 and 100% carbon neutrality by 2049.

Vice President Jhy-Chern Liu stated, “In recent years, Taiwan Tech has actively responded to international consensus on achieving zero carbon emissions and sustainable development. In 2023, we completed a greenhouse gas inventory and implemented carbon emission reduction management mechanisms. In addition to strengthening the awareness of sustainable issues, I hope to remind everyone to take action in their daily lives to achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and preserve the Earth's environment together.”

During the beach cleaning process, a considerable number of plastic products were collected.

Yu-De Lin, the initiator of this beach cleaning activity and the director of the Center for Sustainable Development and Campus Research, emphasized that the majority of marine drifting garbage is caused by improper human usage. From a sustainability perspective, the significance of beach cleaning lies in raising awareness about reducing or limiting plastic usage. Starting from reducing plastic at the source and minimizing waste generation is much more effective than dealing with the aftermath. Lin stated, “Therefore, we believe that action brings about change. We hope to integrate the concept of plastic reduction into every aspect of campus life, contributing to the sustainable development of the environment.”

The 50th anniversary of Taiwan Tech invites the public to do their best for sustainable development.

The beach cleaning activity fully demonstrated the determination and action of actively participating in the environmental sustainability of Taiwan Tech, which is also a specific measure for the school to promote sustainable development. Taiwan Tech, which is about to enter its 50th anniversary, will uphold the spirit of sustainable practice, combine the energy of school education and research, and plan educational activities related to sustainable issues, energy conservation, and carbon reduction. The university looks forward to the participation of more members of society in these initiatives, collectively contributing to the sustainable development of the planet.

In response to World Earth Day, Taiwan Tech faculty and staff launched a beach cleaning activity.