Radio Taiwan International
Date: 2018-01-01

The mayor of Taipei, Ko Wen-je, has said comprehensive measures are needed to tackle

This year’s Taipei 101 fireworks on January 1. (Photo/CNA)

the problem of air pollution rather than cutting the popular annual Taipei 101 fireworks.

An environmental group recently called on the Taipei city government to stop holding its annual New Year fireworks in order to reduce traffic volume and waste emission. The annual fireworks display at the landmark Taipei 101 skyscraper brings tens of thousands of people onto the streets. It is also seen as a way to boost Taiwan’s international image with pictures of the event seen around the world each year.

Ko said air pollution is an everyday issue, since people must breathe every second of every day. He pointed out that Taipei’s New Year’s fireworks lasted just five minutes but there are 365 days in a year. Therefore, he said, long-term, comprehensive measures are needed to tackle air pollution rather than purely symbolic moves.    [FULL  STORY]