Taiwanese illustrator BLUE, who has recently been focusing on sustainability issues, has been closely following COP28. In a previous interview with 《The Icons》 titled “Arousing Societal Awareness of Sustainability through Illustrations, Taiwanese Illustrator BLUE: Aspires to Leave an Inhabitable Living Environment for My Son,” he discussed his early works’ strong emphasis on current events, with the birth of his child, he became increasingly concerned about sustainable education.

He particularly worries about global issues such as climate change affecting the living environment for his child and the next generation. Consequently, he has started using his art to convey sustainable ideas to the world.

“I hope sustainability is not just a slogan but something that can be implemented in our daily lives, providing a livable environment for the next generation,” says BLUE. He believes that in the face of the impacts of extreme weather, each individual has the capability and responsibility to contribute to slowing down climate change.

Nations Gather at COP28 to Combat Climate Change

“In 2015, COP21 established the Paris Agreement, aiming to control global warming within 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of this century. To achieve this climate goal, global carbon emissions need to decrease by 43% by 2030, 60% by 2035, and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This target poses significant pressure on oil-producing or developing countries,” notes BLUE, who is well-versed in sustainability issues. He shares the key points he observed at COP28.

According to a recent study in the journal “Nature Climate Change,” the average temperature over the past decade has risen by 1.14 degrees Celsius compared to the 19th century, reaching 1.26 degrees Celsius last year. If the current pace of burning fossil fuels continues, global warming is projected to surpass 1.5 degrees Celsius by early 2029.

Facing uncontrolled global warming, BLUE emphasizes, “To defend the 1.5-degree line, we must stop burning fossil fuels, or island nations like Taiwan will face the crisis of their homes being submerged by the ocean.” BLUE also mentions the documentary “Melting Greenland: Save the Marshall Islands,” screened at COP28, which vividly portrays the imminent threat of the Marshall Islands being submerged due to rising sea levels.

However, COP28 did not include the phase-out of fossil fuels in its resolutions. Members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), including Saudi Arabia and Iraq, led opposition to such measures. COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber even stated, “There is no scientific evidence that gradually phasing out fossil fuels can achieve global climate goals.”

This stance sparked strong opposition from European and island nations. BLUE finds such statements hard to accept. Originally scheduled to close on December 12, COP28 extended discussions after protests from various countries and eventually reached a resolution to transition away from all fossil fuels.

Action is Needed Now

Regarding COP28’s resolution, BLUE points out, “This is the first time in COP history that the issue of fossil fuels has been addressed. We have finally taken a significant step.”

What impact does COP28’s resolution have on Taiwan? “The largest source of Taiwan’s carbon emissions is energy, and the main source of electricity is still fossil fuels, accounting for over 80%,” says BLUE. While there may be limited individual efforts in energy transition, BLUE believes there is still much that can be done.

“I recently bought a GOGORO electric scooter, not just because it looks good but also because of its environmental friendliness,” BLUE shares his efforts in energy conservation. He also reduces the use of disposable items, especially those made of plastic, stating, “These are opportunities for educational moments I can provide for my child!”

“Additionally, for Halloween this year, I made Minecraft costumes with my son using IKEA cardboard boxes. Our Christmas gifts are also DIY. Through playful moments with my son, I let him know that the Earth is sick, and now he can be a little soldier, and in the future, a hero saving the world,” BLUE encourages parents to cultivate awareness of caring for the Earth early on through enjoyable activities.

“Climate change is a significant issue, and while individual efforts may seem insignificant, when combined, they can make an impact and urge businesses and governments to make changes,” BLUE urges everyone to start taking action now for the sake of the next generation’s living environment.

Recommend for you:

Arousing Societal Awareness of Sustainability through Illustrations, Taiwanese Illustrator BLUE: Aspires to Leave an Inhabitable Living Environment for My Son

Single Dad Paints His Way from Taiwan to the World! Taiwanese Illustrator BLUE: “A Brush Isn’t Enough to Express My Concern and Care for Son”

The post Shoutout after COP28 in Dubai! Taiwanese Illustrator BLUE: I Urge Parents Worldwide to Stand with United Nations SDG for the Sake of Paving Way for Next Generation! first appeared on The Icons.

While BLUE’s early works focused on current events, he remains deeply concerned about societal issues, particularly education, after becoming a parent. This includes providing a quality educational environment for his child, rational distribution of educational resources, and addressing the impact of climate change on the living environment for future generations. Consequently, BLUE actively educates his son on the importance of environmental conservation, instilling in him an early awareness of caring for the planet.

Primary Concern: Education

Discussing his understanding of SDGs, BLUE sees them as challenges that humanity collectively faces. “Issues such as inequality and environmental conservation require collective efforts from everyone to make improvements,” he emphasizes.

SDGs established by the United Nations, encompass 17 crucial topics, including no poverty, gender equality, and climate action. They urge governments, businesses, and the general public to take action for the joint sustainable development of the planet and humanity.

Regarding SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all, BLUE shares his perspective as a father: “Every parent wants the best for their child. Since my son started school, I’ve been reading extensively to find the best educational methods for him, hoping he grows up happy and confident.” BLUE’s concern in education extends beyond his child’s academic performance to encompass the overall school environment.

Expressing concerns about the Taiwanese education system, BLUE grew up in a rote-learning environment. Despite pressure to prioritize academic success over personal interests, he persisted and now pursues a career he loves. Aware of the potential stifling of his child’s talents and personality within the rigid education system, BLUE believes in fostering an environment that encourages exploration. 

Rather than providing standard answers, he advocates for an educational setting that encourages children to try various activities, fostering self-discovery of their interests and abilities.

Addressing Future Challenges in Education

In the era of digital advancements, BLUE expresses concern about whether Taiwanese schools can promptly update teaching equipment and introduce courses to develop students’ technological capabilities. He worries not only about schools’ ability to prepare students for future challenges but also about the unequal distribution of educational resources. 

“Private schools often have the financial capacity to invest in updated facilities and attract qualified teachers, potentially widening the gap between students attending public and private schools, deepening educational inequality,” he noted. 

As a parent, BLUE empathizes with the desire not to disadvantage children from the start. Regardless of attending public or private schools, he hopes every child has ample opportunities for education and development. 

BLUE believes that education is a long-term commitment that continues to influence a child’s actions and words even after parents are gone. “Providing quality education to help the next generation grow in a better environment is the most critical issue for me,” he said.

Early Cultivation of Environmental Awareness

BLUE recalled a visit to the zoo with his son, “He pointed to a polar bear and expressed concern about its vanishing habitat.” 

Climate change is another significant issue BLUE actively addresses. He believes in nurturing environmental awareness in children, “like many of my generation, we only learned about waste separation later in life.”

Starting from his son’s early years, BLUE aims to influence him positively, hoping his son will influence those around him in turn. For example, during Halloween, BLUE and his son utilize discarded cardboard from IKEA to create costumes, turning the DIY process into cherished memories.

“The weather is becoming more and more extreme nowadays. Sometimes it’s so hot in the summer that it’s unbearable to go outside. We are fortunate to have air conditioning to cool down; some people don’t even have access to electricity.” Faced with the challenges of climate change, SDGs 13 calls on everyone to take action. Recently, BLUE purchased a GOGORO electric scooter to reduce the use of fossil fuels, hoping to contribute to the well-being of the Earth.

BLUE’s commitment is also evident in the positive impact on his son. “Once, when there was a large bag of garbage to be disposed of at home, and the plastic bottles and aluminum cans were not separated, my son took the initiative to divide them into two bags. He not only has environmental awareness but also takes action.”

With climate change already underway, coinciding with the COP 28,  annual global climate summit, BLUE emphasizes the importance of collective action. As countries convene to discuss strategies to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events and reverse the global warming trend, BLUE urges everyone to pay attention and take action.

“I hope environmental protection goes beyond slogans and becomes ingrained in our daily lives. Only then can we leave a livable environment for our children and the next generation,” BLUE concludes.

Recommend for you:

Single Dad Paints His Way from Taiwan to the World! Taiwanese Illustrator BLUE: “A Brush Isn’t Enough to Express My Concern and Care for Son”

COP28 is Coming, Dr. Gale Rigobert, Dean of Academics, University of St. Martin: Renewable Energy is Imperative, Urging All Countries to Join Hands in Exploring the Path to Sustainable Development

The post Arousing Societal Awareness of Sustainability through Illustrations, Taiwanese Illustrator BLUE: Aspires to Leave an Inhabitable Living Environment for My Son first appeared on The Icons.

In an interview with《The Icons》, BLUE shared his unexpected journey of becoming a parent-child illustrator. Since becoming a father, he has become increasingly concerned about education and climate change issues.

Just Seeking Sympathy Initially

For BLUE, drawing is not only a passion but also a means to convey ideas to others. Initially, his creations often focused on women due to youthful curiosity. As he grew older, he delved into societal issues, creating editorial cartoons for major newspapers. After his son was born, he became a full-time dad. The first year was hectic, leaving little time for creativity. However, when his child turned 2, BLUE picked up the brush again, using the parenting experience as his main theme. Now, at 9 years old, his son has inspired over 500 parent-child illustrations capturing their everyday interactions, whether joyful or challenging.

“He once brought a snack from kindergarten and told me mysteriously, ‘Dad, you have to taste this, it’s the most delicious thing I’ve ever eaten!’ I thought, ‘What kind of snack have I not tasted?’ When he brought it out, it was just an ordinary snack. But, I was deeply moved as I ate it,” BLUE shared, displaying an illustration of his son handing him a corn cob.

BLUE’s son had just celebrated his 9th birthday at the time of the interview. In the illustration, the child was surrounded by friends, getting ready to blow out 9 candles. “Birthdays are quite busy – you have to invite classmates, prepare food, and take care of the kids. But every time I see a child blowing out candles, it always tugs at my heartstrings. It’s a moment that signifies him growing one more year older.”

Reading Over 1000 Books to Prepare for Parenting

BLUE’s work also reflects his worries about his son. “I worry about his future, his health, and the fact that he absorbs everything like a sponge. A casual remark might influence his thoughts significantly or affect his choices,” BLUE admitted. Despite reading over a thousand books, he found himself increasingly uncertain at times.

“For instance, regarding money,” BLUE mentions his attempt to instill financial literacy. “I thought about giving him pocket money for contributing to household chores and teaching him to manage it himself.” However, BLUE read conflicting psychology theories, “If contributions to the family are rewarded with money, it changes the motivation, and I was at a loss about what to do. So, in the end, I didn’t implement it.”

“I grew up in a traditional family, where children were expected to be listening rather than questioning. It made me a bit timid. I want him to be more confident, find a sense of accomplishment in what he loves,” he added.

Speaking of his expectations for his son, BLUE touched on the conflict between parenting and personal desires. “I hope he can be true to himself, but I also want him to be well-behaved. People should continuously try new things, but I also need peace and quiet. Sometimes when he jumps around on the sofa, I tell him to stop, and that might suppress him,” BLUE confessed.

In the struggle between raising his son and fulfilling personal needs, BLUE fears he might be hindering his child’s development. He highlighted the challenges of parenting: “Being a parent means not being able to go out, not even to 7-11, once the child is asleep. The mental and economic pressures, the stress of care and discipline, all accumulate,” BLUE said, echoing the sentiments of parents everywhere.

However, BLUE firmly stated that his parenting series will continue.

BLUE: Values and Attitudes are Most Important in Education

BLUE believes that the most important education for children is to instill good values and attitudes. He stated, “Knowledge is essential, but it’s readily available on the internet. There’s no need to memorize the height of Jade Mountain or Taipei 101. However, one should avoid becoming ignorant, thinking they know everything just because they can find information online. With strong foundational values, acquiring knowledge becomes easier.”

He then discussed the challenges children will face in the future, especially regarding AI. He acknowledged that AI might replace many jobs, and skills learned today could become obsolete in 5 to 10 years. Despite the impact of technological advancements, BLUE remains optimistic. He said, “How children will face AI in the future might not be a problem for them; it will be something natural. So, the impact won’t be as significant as it is for us.”

Looking ahead, BLUE expressed concerns about the impact of climate change. He worries about leaving a habitable Earth for his son and actively educates him about environmental conservation, recycling, and climate change issues. He emphasized the importance of early awareness and mentioned the upcoming COP28 at the end of November, where leaders from various countries will gather to discuss actions to address climate change. BLUE also urges all parents to pay attention to this annual climate event.

Recommend for you:

UN SDGs Expert Professor Huey-Jen Jenny Su: The Next Generation’s Role in Building a Better Tomorrow

From Words to Action: Global Leaders on the Verge of Transforming Climate Commitments at COP28

The post Single Dad Paints His Way from Taiwan to the World! Taiwanese Illustrator BLUE: “A Brush Isn’t Enough to Express My Concern and Care for Son” first appeared on The Icons.

《The Icons》team members delve into two crucial aspects of addressing the climate crisis: empowering vulnerable groups and the role of education in shaping a sustainable future. former Minister Rigobert’s insights shed light on the urgent need for inclusive climate action and the transformative potential of education as we approach COP 28.

Empowering Vulnerable Groups in the Face of Climate Change

One of the most pressing issues in the realm of climate change is the disproportionate impact it has on marginalized and vulnerable groups. former Minister Rigobert, hailing from the English-speaking Caribbean, has witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of climate change on her region, particularly through severe weather events like Hurricanes Maria and Irma and, more recently, Tropical Storm Bret.

In our conversation, she highlighted that sectors such as agriculture and tourism, which employ a significant number of women, are among the hardest-hit. “Additionally, women are actively involved in peasant farming and agro-processing, contributing significantly to their local economies. Yet, much of this economic contribution goes unaccounted for due to a lack of comprehensive data.”

However, former Minister Rigobert noted that there is hope on the horizon. International organizations and development partners are working to rectify this issue by improving data capture in the informal sector, “especially focusing on documenting and corroborating information about the role and economic impact of women in these sectors. It is a crucial step in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and ensuring that vulnerable groups are not left behind”.

former Minister Rigobert stressed that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to build resilience in these sectors and protect the livelihoods of those affected by climate change.

The Transformative Power of Education for Sustainable Development

As we navigate the complex landscape of sustainable development and diplomacy, former Minister Rigobert emphasized the pivotal role of education. She underscored that education is not just a sector but a driving force behind ensuring that sustainable development and the various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) become integral parts of our daily conversations and policymaking.

former Minister Rigobert pointed to a conference she participated in, co-hosted by the World Association for Sustainable Development and Queen Mary, University of London, which aimed to encourage universities to integrate sustainable development into their curricula, particularly at the tertiary level. This initiative seeks to prepare the next generation to address the world’s most pressing challenges.

Furthermore, former Minister Rigobert highlighted the United Nations General Assembly’s Transforming Education Summit, convened by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. “One of the key concerns raised at the summit was the extent to which sustainable development has been integrated into the formal curriculum in schools.” This encompasses both the subject matter and the operational practices of educational institutions.

On the operational side, the focus is on embracing renewable energy and sustainable practices such as water harvesting to make schools climate-smart. “In the curriculum, the emphasis is on teaching the SDGs and infusing the spirit of sustainability into various subject areas, from hard sciences to social sciences, and even play.” former Minister Rigobert said.

former Minister Rigobert stressed that there is a significant role for education at all levels, from primary and secondary schools to post-secondary and tertiary institutions, “in integrating issues like climate change within the wider umbrella of SDGs. Education not only equips individuals with knowledge but also empowers them to become active participants in building a sustainable future.”

former Minister Gale Rigobert’s insights underscore the urgency of addressing climate change’s impact on vulnerable groups and the transformative potential of education in shaping a sustainable future. As COP 28 approaches, it is clear that inclusive climate action and education must be at the forefront of our efforts to tackle global challenges and create a more equitable and sustainable world.

Recommend for you:

From Words to Action: Global Leaders on the Verge of Transforming Climate Commitments at COP28

Net Zero Is A Key Part of The Solution to The Climate Crisis! Net Zero Expert, Enock Ebbah: 1.5°C Is The Range We Must Hold

The post Dr. Gale Rigobert, Dean of Academics, University of St. Martin: Awareness and Education Critical in Spurring Decisive Action Against Climate Change first appeared on The Icons.

With rankings in the top 100 global universities for over two-thirds of the 17 SDGs-aspects, NCKU has stood out, including ranking 5th worldwide for SDGs9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and 8th worldwide for SDGs7 Affordable and Clean Energy. Additionally, the university ranked first among Taiwan universities in four areas, including SDGs6 Clean Water and Sanitation and SDGs17 Partnerships for the Goals.

“Our efforts are focused on examining the standards in all aspects, both inside and outside the university, to determine whether we can provide solutions to the challenges encountered in human survival and development.”  Dr. Huey-Jen Su said, “These aspects include talent cultivation, academic research, technology research and development, and social influence. Each scene within all faculties  requires specific standards that can be concretely checked and have long-term effects.”

Dr. Huey-Jen Su recently spoke with《The Icons》in an interview about her ideas on how NCKU is making an effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of quality education.

“Today, I will be discussing positioning, which involves the placement of an object or idea for desired outcomes. Understanding this concept is crucial, particularly when taking on educational responsibility, as it has practical implications.”

According to Dr. Su, one of the critical points in promoting quality education is to inspire students to anchor their future scenarios. This means that students need to have a clear vision of their future goals and aspirations. By doing so, they can connect to the world and find out what they can do to contribute to society.

“In order to foster sustainable education, it is crucial for students to develop the ability to envision their role and contribution in the future world. They must ask themselves: What will the world be like? What roles will they play? How can they make a meaningful contribution?”

Dr. Su emphasized that promoting quality education relies on providing students with a holistic learning experience. This entails the development of not only academic, social, emotional, and ethical intelligence but also a comprehensive understanding of the world. Such an approach helps students position themselves better in the world and prepare for their future.

“When we look at students, what we are seeing is not just the present, but the long-term future. Similarly, we should view universities in the same manner.”

The post NCKU Tops THE Impact Rankings! Dr. Huey-Jen Su: Quality Education Is all About Positioning first appeared on The Icons.