Sustainability Talk

Dr. Rodney Matsuoka, a psychologist with a Ph.D. in landscape architecture, has plenty of experience studying energy policies. Follow our next listening session in which we will discuss how global warming is such a difficult problem to solve due to the use of the wrong policies.

We will also talk about how countries recognized to be world leaders in green energy started by accident and how the responsibility of locally managing this global issue can be the most effective way to approach climate change.

Ever wonder where studying sustainable technology will take you? Follow our next guest, Heng Yi Teah as he recounts his years of study and how it all led to his experience with fieldwork. Studying sustainable technology took him from shrimp farms in Vietnam to Minamata, Japan where he studied the infamous mercury poisoning case, to tsunami sites in Northeastern Japan, and an oasis in Zhangye, China.

What comes to mind when you think about a zero-waste store? Mason jars? Handmade soap bars? The fact that going to one has always been on your to-do list? For Paulina Tarnowska, her zero-waste store, Sunmoon Refillery, is her way of encouraging others to change their consumption behaviors. Listen to us as we discuss with Paulina what it takes to run a zero-waste store here in Taiwan.

Climate change and coastal environments of Western Canada: Observations made during my career as a fluvial geomorphologist and aquatic ecologist.

Chad is an experienced fluvial geomorphologist with an acute understanding of river channel morphology and its influence on the spatial organization of salmonid habitat. As a registered professional biologist, Chad has extensive experience with conducting aquatic assessments for projects within river and coastal environments.

Chad has worked with a variety of clients (e.g., Mining, Oil and Gas, Hydro, municipal government, First Nations) throughout northern and western Canada and has observed elements of climate-related impacts during his career. Chad will provide a high-level overview of his observations and, using project examples, discuss: climate change and associated impacts to coastal environments, existing development, and strategies to help mitigate these impacts.

A social, political, and environmental X-ray of the second-hand clothing industry in a developing country.

Millions of second-hand clothes from different countries are shipped around the world and in Latin America, you can find them in pacas, or thrift shops. Many go to pacas searching for hidden gems, a statement piece they can add to their wardrobe for a decent price, and some go with the hopes of reducing their environmental impact in the world where fast fashion thrives and clothes are made and thrown out daily. But what’s the truth behind it all?  In this discussion, Natalia will talk about how even the overuse of this sustainable alternative can have a negative impact in others. Find out in this Friday's podcast!

Participatory planning and its impact on wetland conservation and flood management

Sustainable Development must be centered around just and effective planning, which requires the inclusion and agency of key stakeholders, especially of marginalized communities. In this discussion, Adrienne will talk about her work in Taiwan around participatory environmental planning in rural coastal regions to address issues of wetland conservation and flood management.

What is a Life Cycle Assessment and how can it contribute to sustainability? Can this strategy reduce costs, energy, and emissions? Dr. Muangthai from The University of Solent, The UK, will provide a scientific discussion on life cycle assessment in the second episode of this important Sustainability Talk podcast series.

What is Sustainable development and where did this organizing principle originate from? Can this idea save human societies reverse course or is it too late? Dr. John F. Harrison from NCKU will provide a scientific and historical discussion on the origins of sustainable development to launch this important new Sustainability Talk podcast series.