After Typhoons Toraji and Nari battered Taiwan, people once again became acquainted with the irresistible forces of nature. I believe that many people, including myself, have gained much insight from these disasters.
On July 27, three days before the advent of Typhoon Toraji, I went up into the mountains with Chen Hsi-huang (
Over the past two decades, Taiwan's ecology -- as well as people's thoughts and actions -- have undergone major changes. I've often appealed to the public that we recognize one of the biggest crises facing Taiwan -- that while we have pursued a high-growth economy, we have thought little of ecological and environmental protection and are now facing the repercussions of having done so.
In 1988, Chi Mei Enterprise Co Ltd (
Water shortages
Taiwan's average annual precipitation amounts to around 2,500mm, more than triple the global average of 800mm. But 80 percent of that rainfall occurs during the summer months. In addition, short rivers and rapid currents make it difficult to store water, so most of the rainwater flows directly into the sea, with only 26 percent of it being usable. Due to Taiwan's dense population, the precipitation distributed per capita annually is only one sixth of the global average, ranking Taiwan No.18 in the world in terms of water shortage. Water has therefore become a scarce resource in Taiwan.
Statistics show that the average water usage per capita in Taiwan (except for Taipei City) comes to 290 liters per day, far higher than the average 250 liters in Western nations. The level is quite shocking and has made water usage an important issue. How we resolve the problem will influence our future quality of life.
The importance
of forests
Located in the subtropics and the typhoon belt, Taiwan receives a significant amount of torrential rain. Rain is first intercepted by the crown canopy of forests, and some rainwater flows down tree trunks, giving enough time for the forests' soft soil to absorb water. Meanwhile, some rainwater is sponged by the plants growing under the canopy such as shrubs, grass and fallen leaves, preventing soil from being directly washed away by rainfall.
Moreover, tree roots can hold soil and make it more steady. Intercepted by several layers, rain does not flow away instantly upon hitting the ground, but instead is released slowly, reducing the likelihood of mountain torrents.
Forests can maintain humidity and have a positive effect on temperature. Once trees are cut down, however, soil hardens and can no longer absorb large amounts of rainfall, making it easier for serious disasters to occur, such as mudslides.
After the undergrowth in forests disappears, the ground is directly eroded by torrential rain. The sliding soil augurs potential mudslides. As mud and sand gradually deposit into rivers, riverbeds continue to rise, as do embankments.
If water and soil fail to be conserved, mud and sand naturally deposit in dams and shorten their life. When water supply is insufficient in the dry season, underground water is pumped to supplement demand, resulting in a decline in underground water levels. The land is flooded whenever it rains and seawater flows back.
Once nature strikes back, human beings will still be the victims of their own perverse acts.
Everyone's responsibility
Our forests are crucial, but how have we treated them? In the 1950s, the government exploited pristine forests by relocating veteran servicemen and building the Central Cross-Island Highway (
After settling there, the veterans started to slash down the area's pristine forests and planted crops that offered a high return, such as pears, apples and high-altitude vegetables.
Later on, the government encouraged the exploitation of mountain slopes and built a new central cross-island highway as well as industrial roads in the mountains.
All these were aimed at boosting the nation's income at the expense of environmental protection.
In step with the growing economy, the public placed a high priority on "taste."
We wanted to drink tea grown on high mountains, eat vegetables grown in frost and play golf at scenic spots.
Due to such pompous behavior and the high demand for such products, farmers and businessmen cut down trees, moved rocks and leveled off mountain tops in order to meet market demand.
As a result of this drive for "taste.", mountain-top tea and vegetable gardens, betel nut plantations and golf courses started to mushroom everywhere.
Farmers also used a large quality of pesticides to boost production and thus weeds and undergrowth disappeared. Pesticides flowed directly into rivers and streams along with the rainfall, entering dams and tap-water systems, endangering public health.
Finally, in order to woo voters, politicians -- without considering water or soil conservation -- have frequently pushed for the construction of industrial roads even if only two or three households needed them.
Humans cannot
fight nature
Taiwan is facing a grave crisis after spending too long emphasizing economic growth and believing in the notion that "man will triumph over nature" (
However, excessive human exploitation of mountain slopes was also a fundamental factor in the tragedy.
Typhoon Herb in 1996 also caused disasters similar to those brought by Toraji and Nari. According to surveys on the Chenyolan river (
The especially heavy precipitation during typhoons is a main factor behind landslides and mudslides.
But what really causes and worsens disasters is ignorance.
The construction of industrial roads, the development of farmland and highways, as well as insufficient knowledge of the local environment on the part of new arrivals to an area all contribute to disaster.
When we buy agricultural products grown at illegal mountain farms, the social costs -- both visible and invisible -- are often several times greater than the benefits derived from the exploitation. We, however, have all too often disregarded these social costs.
I've often said that human beings cannot violate the laws of nature when they seek survival and development.
We must understand and respect nature's laws so as to exist and prosper with her together.
If we destroy the environment simply for the sake of temporary benefits, the final victim will be the human race. No one ever wanted to see the disaster brought by Typhoons Toraji and Nari. If we once again overlook the fatal warnings and fail to attach importance to environmental protection and ecology, we will only continue to suffer.
Shi Wen-lung is chairman of the Chi Mei Enterprise Co Ltd.
Translated by Jackie Lin
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