Li Cheng-chieh and his family have faced devastating impacts on their oyster farming due to offshore wind energy projects in Changhua, Taiwan. The installation of cables and wind farms has disrupted local ecosystems, coating oyster shells in mud and reducing yields significantly. Despite Taiwan’s push for renewable energy to meet semiconductor industry demands, the consequences for fishing and farming communities have been severe. Fishermen like Lin Kuo-wen have seen their catches decline, leading to increased economic strain. While developers promise compensation, many local farmers and fishers report inadequate support. Protests and community backlash highlight the conflict between technological progress and the livelihoods of those who depend on traditional industries, raising concerns about the future viability of these communities.
| name | description | change | 10-year | driving-force | relevancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decline of oyster farming | Oyster farming is being severely impacted by offshore wind project disruptions in Taiwan. | Shifting from traditional oyster farming to reliance on wind energy for economic stability. | Oyster farming may disappear entirely, replaced by alternative economic activities or technology. | The aggressive growth of offshore wind energy to meet semiconductor industry’s increasing energy needs. | 4 |
| fishermen leaving the industry | Due to decreased fish catches and harsher working conditions, fishermen are quitting. | Transitioning from a vibrant fishing industry to a declining or abandoned sector. | Fishing communities may shrink and face economic hardships, disrupting local culture and heritage. | Environmental disruptions from wind farm projects are driving fish populations away and complicating fishing activities. | 5 |
| increased community protests | Local communities are staging protests against the impacts of wind energy developments. | From passive acceptance of projects to active resistance and activism. | Community engagement in energy development decisions may lead to more balanced and equitable solutions. | Rural communities demand recognition and compensation for their losses and rights. | 4 |
| shifts in marine governance | How the government manages marine resources may be changing due to wind energy projects. | From prioritizing traditional fishing rights to prioritizing renewable energy developments. | Potential conflicts over sea rights and usage may exacerbate tensions between industry and local fisheries. | Government policies favoring wind energy demonstrate a push towards modernization at the cost of traditional livelihoods. | 4 |
| decline in clam farming yields | Clam farming yields are significantly dropping due to environmental changes from wind turbine installation. | From high, sustainable clam production to drastically reduced yields and quality. | Clam farming may become economically unviable, leading to further displacement of rural communities. | Environmental impacts from onshore and offshore wind projects are leading to declining aquaculture productivity. | 4 |
| technology and agriculture conflict | The technological advancements in renewable energy are conflicting with traditional agricultural practices. | Shift from agriculture supporting local economies to reliance on modern technology and energy solutions. | Local agricultural practices may be replaced or diminished under the pressure of renewable energy projects. | The demand for renewable energy clashes with traditional farming and fishing practices. | 5 |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Loss of Livelihood for Local Fishermen and Farmers | The expansion of offshore wind farms is leading to diminished oyster farming and fishing yields, threatening local economies. |
| Environmental Degradation and Ecosystem Disruption | The installation of renewable energy infrastructure is causing silt buildup and habitat destruction, jeopardizing marine and coastal ecosystems. |
| Social Conflict and Community Resentment | Growing tensions between renewable energy developments and traditional livelihoods can lead to protests and social unrest. |
| Inadequate Compensation Mechanisms | Compensation for fishermen and farmers affected by renewable projects is often uneven and excludes non-licensed or non-traditional operations. |
| Noise Pollution and Health Issues | Prolonged exposure to noise and vibrations from wind turbines is causing health problems for local residents. |
| Limited Public Engagement in Development Decisions | A lack of effective communication and transparency regarding renewable energy projects can erode trust within communities. |
| Technological Progress vs. Traditional Livelihoods | The framing of offshore wind as progress may undermine the perceived value of traditional fishing and farming sectors. |
| Resource Allocation Conflict | Government prioritization of renewable energy over traditional industries may lead to resource disparities and economic instability. |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Transition from traditional livelihoods to renewable energy dependence | Communities are shifting from traditional oyster and fishing livelihoods to accommodate and support renewable energy projects, leading to economic and social disruptions. |
| Resilience and adaptation among local communities | Local farmers and fishers are finding ways to adapt to the challenges posed by offshore wind projects, including negotiating compensation and engaging in protests. |
| Community activism against renewable energy projects | Increased local organization and protests against the impacts of renewable energy development highlight community resistance to changes to their livelihoods. |
| Disproportionate impacts on small-scale fishers and farmers | Smaller operators face unique challenges with compensation and loss of access to traditional fishing grounds, differing from the larger players in the industry. |
| Government prioritization of renewable energy over traditional sectors | The Taiwanese government’s focus on renewable energy development over rural livelihoods is generating tension and conflict within communities. |
| Environmental consequences of industrial-scale energy projects | Direct environmental impacts, like noise, pollution, and habitat destruction, are exacerbated by the expansion of wind farms, affecting local ecosystems. |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Offshore Wind Energy | Expansion of offshore wind farms in Taiwan to generate renewable energy, mitigating dependency on fossil fuels. |
| Onshore Wind Energy | Development of dense clusters of onshore wind farms to meet increasing energy demands. |
| Renewable Energy Technologies | Innovations in renewable energy sources aimed at decarbonizing power generation, especially for energy-intensive industries. |
| Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing | Technology advancements in semiconductor production essential for AI, requiring substantial energy supply from renewable resources. |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Impact of Renewable Energy Expansion on Local Fisheries | The aggressive offshore wind project expansion threatens the livelihoods of local oyster farmers and fishermen, disrupting traditional fishing operations. |
| Community Displacement due to Industrial Development | Rural communities are facing displacement issues, as industrial expansion prioritizes energy projects over local agricultural and fishing practices. |
| Quality and Viability of Marine Life | The environmental impact of wind turbines on marine ecosystems is leading to declining fish populations and poor-quality seafood products. |
| Compensation Inequities for Affected Fishermen | Uneven compensation for fishermen and farmers affected by wind farm development raises social justice concerns. |
| Public Health Concerns from Noise and Vibration | Increased noise and vibrations from wind turbines may negatively affect the health and wellbeing of residents near these developments. |
| Conflict between Technological Progress and Traditional Livelihoods | The push for renewable energy exemplifies a conflict between modern technological development and traditional livelihoods in fishing and farming. |
| Resistance to Renewable Energy Projects | Growing protests against wind energy developments indicate rising tensions between developers and local communities. |
| Environmental Monitoring and Regulation Challenges | Challenges exist in effectively monitoring the environmental impacts of renewable energy projects on local ecosystems and communities. |