本期內容簡介

Carbon Sink Growth in Progress

In 2025, the melting Arctic ice is no longer just a concern for polar bears; it signals that global climate challenges have entered a new phase. According to the 2024 Arctic Report Card released by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Arctic permafrost’s carbon dioxide emissions now exceed its carbon storage capacity, turning it into a net source of CO₂ emissions. This shift has profound implications for the climate; and the surge in wildfires worldwide has driven carbon emissions even higher.

Today, the challenges of global climate change extend beyond merely reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These issues now encompass the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, and cross-sector partnerships. Achieving net-zero emissions will require collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as joint efforts from industry, government, academia, and civil society. On this path, national parks worldwide cannot merely sit on the sidelines.

National parks are not only committed to carbon reduction in management operations and visitor services, but also play a crucial role in advancing sustainability alongside governments, businesses, and society as a whole. By fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, engaging in conservation efforts from the mountains to the oceans, and strengthening environmental and ecological education, national parks serve as pioneers in driving sustainable action. In Taiwan, our National Parks are aligning with global trends and continuing to rack up significant results across these key areas.

This spring issue explores afforestation and tree conservation efforts as a starting point for examining how the National Parks are assessing and quantifying our existing green carbon resources. This issue also highlights how businesses are collaborate with the National Parks to achieve ESG goals through large-scale reforestation initiatives. And this issue delves into the science and meticulous planning behind afforestation, showcasing how every detail matters—ensuring that planting trees in the National Parks is more than just planting trees.

COVER STORY 1
Must–Know Key Terms for Sustainability | Chih-Ya, Cheng

COVER STORY 2
Checking National Parks' Carbon Ledgers | Chih-Ya, Cheng

COVER STORY 3
A Century-Long Promise with the Forest | Shih-Ju, Huang