This is a special episode where we chat with the producer and host of ‘Our Ocean: The Fight for Sustainability.’ ‘Our Ocean’ is a documentary that focuses on the actions Taiwan and its people take in combating global issues of marine pollution, depletion of marine biodiversity, and climate change in general. With only five episodes, however, we felt that there was so much that went on behind-the-scenes that would be a pity not to share—fun facts and interesting findings that will benefit all who care about our natural environment. Indeed, as this episode and subsequent discussions highlight, Taiwan’s efforts might just be what other countries around the world need to hear.

The Ripple Effect Podcast is a limited podcast series brought to you by TaiwanPlus, the premier international media platform providing English-language content from Taiwan. This series is available in audio-only and video versions, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube (TaiwanPlus Docs). You can find us on Instagram (@taiwanplus), Facebook (@taiwanplusmedia), and Twitter (@taiwanplusshows)

Climate Change is probably one of the most over-used terms in modern environmental journalism and scientific research. The effects of this phenomena is so broad that almost any modern issue can be connected with the rapid changing global climate. Similarly, however, its effects are so deep that it’s easy to overlook the social, cultural—and obviously—environmental consequences. That is probably why there seems to be a burnout of the issue that’s felt all around the world—Climate Change is ultimately a topic that seems to have no end or cure. But is that really true?

In this episode, Dr. Aziz Mulla, a post-doc at National Taiwan University, speaks with two scientists and look at the facts. Trevor Padgett and Dr. Vicky Lin speak from their respective fields of forest ecology and marine ecology, and look at this looming climate threat from a fresh perspective. Opinions are raised, but ultimately, they tackle the question “what is climate change,” and “how do we solve it?” Like our other episodes, they also examine how Taiwan is doing in this global fight against global warming.

The Ripple Effect Podcast is a limited podcast series brought to you by TaiwanPlus, the premier international media platform providing English-language content from Taiwan. This series is available in audio-only and video versions, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube (TaiwanPlus Docs). You can find us on Instagram (@taiwanplus), Facebook (@taiwanplusmedia), and Twitter (@taiwanplusshows)

The topics of living sustainably and conserving as much as we can has become more mainstream than ever. Though it may seem like a good thing, the burnout with related issues has become equally as pervasive. Especially in Taiwan, where green energy may be in plan and action but daily plastic wastes doesn’t seem to be on the minds of most people. Thus, Taiwan is a great case study to examine why reaching certain conservation goals still seems impossible. Today’s discussion includes talk about the 30x30 initiative, what governments can do to help NGOs, and good versus bad examples of conservation practices in Taiwan and around the world.

In this episode, Dr. Aziz Mulla, a post-doc at National Taiwan University, speaks with guests from two NGOs: Fabio Grangeon and Guillaume Brissaud from Wild Ocean Taiwan and Chialing Fong from Turtle Spot Taiwan.

The Ripple Effect Podcast is a limited podcast series brought to you by TaiwanPlus, the premier international media platform providing English-language content from Taiwan. This series is available in audio-only and video versions, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube (TaiwanPlus Docs). You can find us on Instagram (@taiwanplus), Facebook (@taiwanplusmedia), and Twitter (@taiwanplusshows)

After the hit Netflix documentary Seaspiracy aired in 2021, a frenzy of accusations, critiques, as well as support erupted, resulting in a heated discussion. Ultimately, is overfishing as bad and “dramatic” as it seems? What’s the truth of about the depletion of ocean biodiversity? Are there policies that are stopping fishermen from using more ecofriendly methods, or are they the ones at fault? Though it’s hard to get to truths, conversations need to continue to be had to keep the general public aligned and aware of our actions and their effects on the environment. Using Taiwan as a case study to ultimately examine if we should have such a negative view of the fishing industry, we engage with some experts today.

In this episode, Dr. Aziz Mulla, a post-doc at National Taiwan University, speaks with two guests: Hao Mai, a sustainable seafood consultant; and Dr. Ting-chun Kuo, an associate professor at National Taiwan Ocean University.

The Ripple Effect Podcast is a limited podcast series brought to you by TaiwanPlus, the premier international media platform providing English-language content from Taiwan. This series is available in audio-only and video versions, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube (TaiwanPlus Docs). You can find us on Instagram (@taiwanplus), Facebook (@taiwanplusmedia), and Twitter (@taiwanplusshows)

Professional journalism has become an extremely tricky industry to be a part of, especially in Taiwan--a place heavily burdened by misinformation on a daily basis. The tension increases in the field of energy, climate and ecology. For many, the issue of climate change, for instance, is either a hoax or insignificant. Yet, there is still a handful of people who are determined to report on issues that matter. Using Taiwan as a case study--like we do for all other episodes--this episode will uncover what goes on behind the articles they write and produce, as well as what goes on in there minds in a seemingly chaotic world.

In this episode, meet Dr. Aziz Mulla, a post-doc at National Taiwan University; Kwangyin Liu, Managing Editor at CommonWealth Magazine; and Sally Jensen, an environmental journalist at TaiwanPlus.

The Ripple Effect Podcast is a limited podcast series brought to you by TaiwanPlus, the premier international media platform providing English-language content from Taiwan. This series is available in audio-only and video versions, available on wherever you get your podcasts and YouTube. You can find us on Instagram (@taiwanplus), Facebook (@taiwanplusmedia), and Twitter (@taiwanplusshows)

As the world returns to pre-pandemic levels of traveling and tourism, our environment inevitably takes a hit with increased levels of manmade wastes. In addition to the common issues of pollution and plastics, this episode brings you deeper into the fundamental problems surrounding modern ways of tourism. More importantly, we use Taiwan as case study--like we do for all episodes--and look at how the island nation is implementing sustainable tourism measures.

In this episode, meet Dr. Aziz Mulla, a post-doc at National Taiwan University; Richard Foster, a veteran birdwatching guide based in Taiwan; and Dr. Yi-huang "Victor" Tao, Director of Green Tourism Association of Taiwan.

The Ripple Effect Podcast is a limited podcast series brought to you by TaiwanPlus, the premier international media platform providing English-language content from Taiwan. This series is available in audio-only and video versions, available on wherever you get your podcasts and YouTube. You can find us on Instagram (@taiwanplus), Facebook (@taiwanplusmedia), and Twitter (@taiwanplusshows)