Anti-Pollution Protesters Make Voices Heard in Taichung

Thousands took to the streets in front of a strong showing of Taiwanese politicians, but will it be enough to instigate meaningful policy change?

The News Lens
Date: 2017/12/18
By: Courtney Donovan Smith (石東文)

A boisterous and enthusiastic crowd of thousands braved a cold, blustery day to take a stand against air pollution, specifically coal. Fronted by medical professional groups and a girls marching band with a clear fondness for the band Queen, the festive crowd snaked for blocks through the streets of Taichung chanting slogans and waving banners. As the afternoon came to a close, a crowd formed the words “No Coal” and a shape of Taiwan, making for a dramatic aerial shot.

The impressively professional event was primarily organized by NGOs, including the Action Coalition for Healthy Air (ACT), formed by a group of doctors at Changhua Christian Hospital, and 350.org, which campaigns against fossil fuels. A press release issued prior to the event stated, “Even though the national Executive Yuan has committed to providing solutions to the business elite … [there] is still a long way to go to pursue good heart, good lungs, good brains, good health and good atmosphere for all.” Dr. Yeh, the chairman of ACT stressed that “anti-air pollution is anti-imperialism, anti-countercivilian, anti-centralization.”    [FULL  STORY]