News Bites ICRT

Hello and welcome back to another episode of News Bites!
I’m Paz Bueno.
And I’m Nancy Sun.
In today's news:
Hotter summers and wilder typhoons, saving coral reefs, and introducing our favorite singers!
Stay tuned for more on those stories, coming up next.
________________________________
台灣的氣候未來
Taiwan’s Climate Future
Studying climate change is very important.
Climate change means the weather is changing in ways that can be dangerous for our planet.
By studying climate change, scientists can understand what is happening to our world.
This helps us find ways to protect our environment (保護環境) and keep our planet safe for the future (讓地球未來更安全).
Scientists in Taiwan are studying how our weather could change in the future if we don't do more to stop global warming.
A new report says that if we don't control greenhouse gases (溫室氣體), Taiwan could have summers that last seven months by the end of the century.
一份新的報告指出，如果我們不控制溫室氣體，到本世紀末，台灣的夏天可能會長達七個月。
This means hotter days for much longer.
In the worst case, temperatures in lowland areas (低窪地區) could reach 36 degrees Celsius for an extra 75 days a year.
The report also talks about typhoons (颱風).
There might be fewer typhoons hitting Taiwan in the future, but they could become stronger and more dangerous.
Right now, we have about four to five typhoons each year.
This could drop to (數字可能會降到) one or two by the end of the century.
But there are more changes coming.
We could see longer dry spells (更長的乾旱期), which means a higher risk of droughts (乾旱).
At the same time, heavy rains could become more common, leading to more floods (洪水).
If temperatures rise by 2 degrees Celsius, sea levels (海平面) could go up by 34.5 centimeters.
Climate change will also impact (影響) our health.
Diseases like dengue fever could become more common, and more people might suffer from respiratory diseases.
像登革熱這樣的疾病可能會變得更常見，患呼吸道疾病的人數可能也會增加。
The report was put together by 68 scientists and took 18 months to complete.
It was a big job!
They hope this report will help the government make good plans to deal with climate change.
Let’s all think about how we can help protect our planet!
________________________________
菲律賓的珊瑚英雄
The Philippines' Coral Heroes
Coral reefs (珊瑚礁) are very important to our planet.
They are like underwater cities where many fish and sea animals live.
Coral reefs protect our coastlines (海岸線) from big waves and storms.
Many people love to visit coral reefs to see the colorful fish and beautiful coral.
But coral reefs are in danger from pollution, climate change, and other problems.
It is also important to protect and help them so they can stay healthy and strong.
In the coastal town of Bauan in the Philippines, scuba diving experts (潛水專家) are helping to save damaged coral reefs.
They are setting up coral nurseries to help damaged corals grow and recover.
他們正在設立珊瑚苗圃，幫助受損的珊瑚生長和恢復。
Divers collect coral that has been damaged (受損) by natural disasters and human activities.
In 2020, a mass coral bleaching event (一場大規模的珊瑚白化) affected about 72 kilometers of coastline in Bauan.
Coral bleaching happens when high temperatures make corals lose their color and turn white.
This event inspired (激發) Carmela Sevilla, a scuba diving instructor and resort owner (潛水教練和度假村老闆) in Bauan, to start coral nurseries.
She invited other conservationists (保育人士) to join her in this important work.
They save the living parts of these corals and place them in special nurseries.
Coral nurseries not only provide a safe place for damaged corals to grow but also serve as a backup to reple

Hello and welcome back to another episode of News Bites!
I’m Paz Bueno.
And I’m Nancy Sun.
In today's news:
Hotter summers and wilder typhoons, saving coral reefs, and introducing our favorite singers!
Stay tuned for more on those stories, coming up next.
________________________________
台灣的氣候未來
Taiwan’s Climate Future
Studying climate change is very important.
Climate change means the weather is changing in ways that can be dangerous for our planet.
By studying climate change, scientists can understand what is happening to our world.
This helps us find ways to protect our environment (保護環境) and keep our planet safe for the future (讓地球未來更安全).
Scientists in Taiwan are studying how our weather could change in the future if we don't do more to stop global warming.
A new report says that if we don't control greenhouse gases (溫室氣體), Taiwan could have summers that last seven months by the end of the century.
一份新的報告指出，如果我們不控制溫室氣體，到本世紀末，台灣的夏天可能會長達七個月。
This means hotter days for much longer.
In the worst case, temperatures in lowland areas (低窪地區) could reach 36 degrees Celsius for an extra 75 days a year.
The report also talks about typhoons (颱風).
There might be fewer typhoons hitting Taiwan in the future, but they could become stronger and more dangerous.
Right now, we have about four to five typhoons each year.
This could drop to (數字可能會降到) one or two by the end of the century.
But there are more changes coming.
We could see longer dry spells (更長的乾旱期), which means a higher risk of droughts (乾旱).
At the same time, heavy rains could become more common, leading to more floods (洪水).
If temperatures rise by 2 degrees Celsius, sea levels (海平面) could go up by 34.5 centimeters.
Climate change will also impact (影響) our health.
Diseases like dengue fever could become more common, and more people might suffer from respiratory diseases.
像登革熱這樣的疾病可能會變得更常見，患呼吸道疾病的人數可能也會增加。
The report was put together by 68 scientists and took 18 months to complete.
It was a big job!
They hope this report will help the government make good plans to deal with climate change.
Let’s all think about how we can help protect our planet!
________________________________
菲律賓的珊瑚英雄
The Philippines' Coral Heroes
Coral reefs (珊瑚礁) are very important to our planet.
They are like underwater cities where many fish and sea animals live.
Coral reefs protect our coastlines (海岸線) from big waves and storms.
Many people love to visit coral reefs to see the colorful fish and beautiful coral.
But coral reefs are in danger from pollution, climate change, and other problems.
It is also important to protect and help them so they can stay healthy and strong.
In the coastal town of Bauan in the Philippines, scuba diving experts (潛水專家) are helping to save damaged coral reefs.
They are setting up coral nurseries to help damaged corals grow and recover.
他們正在設立珊瑚苗圃，幫助受損的珊瑚生長和恢復。
Divers collect coral that has been damaged (受損) by natural disasters and human activities.
In 2020, a mass coral bleaching event (一場大規模的珊瑚白化) affected about 72 kilometers of coastline in Bauan.
Coral bleaching happens when high temperatures make corals lose their color and turn white.
This event inspired (激發) Carmela Sevilla, a scuba diving instructor and resort owner (潛水教練和度假村老闆) in Bauan, to start coral nurseries.
She invited other conservationists (保育人士) to join her in this important work.
They save the living parts of these corals and place them in special nurseries.
Coral nurseries not only provide a safe place for damaged corals to grow but also serve as a backup to reple

Hello and welcome back to another episode of News Bites!
I’m Paz Bueno.
And I’m Nancy Sun.
In today's news:
Hotter summers and wilder typhoons, saving coral reefs, and introducing our favorite singers!
Stay tuned for more on those stories, coming up next.
________________________________
台灣的氣候未來
Taiwan’s Climate Future
Studying climate change is very important.
Climate change means the weather is changing in ways that can be dangerous for our planet.
By studying climate change, scientists can understand what is happening to our world.
This helps us find ways to protect our environment (保護環境) and keep our planet safe for the future (讓地球未來更安全).
Scientists in Taiwan are studying how our weather could change in the future if we don't do more to stop global warming.
A new report says that if we don't control greenhouse gases (溫室氣體), Taiwan could have summers that last seven months by the end of the century.
一份新的報告指出，如果我們不控制溫室氣體，到本世紀末，台灣的夏天可能會長達七個月。
This means hotter days for much longer.
In the worst case, temperatures in lowland areas (低窪地區) could reach 36 degrees Celsius for an extra 75 days a year.
The report also talks about typhoons (颱風).
There might be fewer typhoons hitting Taiwan in the future, but they could become stronger and more dangerous.
Right now, we have about four to five typhoons each year.
This could drop to (數字可能會降到) one or two by the end of the century.
But there are more changes coming.
We could see longer dry spells (更長的乾旱期), which means a higher risk of droughts (乾旱).
At the same time, heavy rains could become more common, leading to more floods (洪水).
If temperatures rise by 2 degrees Celsius, sea levels (海平面) could go up by 34.5 centimeters.
Climate change will also impact (影響) our health.
Diseases like dengue fever could become more common, and more people might suffer from respiratory diseases.
像登革熱這樣的疾病可能會變得更常見，患呼吸道疾病的人數可能也會增加。
The report was put together by 68 scientists and took 18 months to complete.
It was a big job!
They hope this report will help the government make good plans to deal with climate change.
Let’s all think about how we can help protect our planet!
________________________________
菲律賓的珊瑚英雄
The Philippines' Coral Heroes
Coral reefs (珊瑚礁) are very important to our planet.
They are like underwater cities where many fish and sea animals live.
Coral reefs protect our coastlines (海岸線) from big waves and storms.
Many people love to visit coral reefs to see the colorful fish and beautiful coral.
But coral reefs are in danger from pollution, climate change, and other problems.
It is also important to protect and help them so they can stay healthy and strong.
In the coastal town of Bauan in the Philippines, scuba diving experts (潛水專家) are helping to save damaged coral reefs.
They are setting up coral nurseries to help damaged corals grow and recover.
他們正在設立珊瑚苗圃，幫助受損的珊瑚生長和恢復。
Divers collect coral that has been damaged (受損) by natural disasters and human activities.
In 2020, a mass coral bleaching event (一場大規模的珊瑚白化) affected about 72 kilometers of coastline in Bauan.
Coral bleaching happens when high temperatures make corals lose their color and turn white.
This event inspired (激發) Carmela Sevilla, a scuba diving instructor and resort owner (潛水教練和度假村老闆) in Bauan, to start coral nurseries.
She invited other conservationists (保育人士) to join her in this important work.
They save the living parts of these corals and place them in special nurseries.
Coral nurseries not only provide a safe place for damaged corals to grow but also serve as a backup to reple

Hi everyone, welcome to a new episode of News Bites!

I'm Kelly Kimura…

And I'm Nancy Sun.

Coming up next in today's news: Taiwan's air is worse for you than a pack of cigarettes. And ice cream is saving Indian farmers!

And in today's Tasty Tidbit, these fish have lungs!

Stay tuned for more on these stories!
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台灣空汙引起肺癌的風險高於每日一包菸
Taiwan's Air Pollution More Likely to Cause Lung Cancer Than a Pack of Cigarettes a Day

Doctors always tell people not to smoke because they could get lung cancer (肺癌).

But recent studies show that people may get lung cancer even if they don't smoke.

This is more likely (可能) when they live in areas (區域) with air pollution (空氣污染).

National Taiwan University (國立臺灣大學) did a study.

Their researchers found that breathing in (吸入) air pollution increases the risk (風險) of lung cancer more than smoking a pack of cigarettes (香菸) every day!

In Taiwan, liver (肝) cancer was the most common cause of cancer-related deaths (肝癌是所有癌症死亡原因中最常見的) twenty years ago.

Lung cancer now causes the most cancer-related deaths, with over ten thousand deaths every year.

Let's look at air pollution.

PM, or particulate matter (懸浮微粒) means very, very small solid and liquid particles (固體和液體顆粒) in the air.

How small?
PM is measured in micrometers (以微米為單位).

A micrometer is one millionth of a meter.

PM 2.5 is particulate matter that is less than two and a half micrometers wide.
In comparison (相比之下), spider silk (蜘蛛絲) is about 4 micrometers wide (寬).

PM 2.5 increased in residential areas (住宅區) over 30 years.

The researchers analyzed (分析) Taiwan's lung cancer statistics (統計數據) from 1997 to 2020.

They compared statistics for lung cancer and air pollution.

The research results show long-term exposure (暴露) to PM 2.5 increased the risk of adenocarcinoma lung cancer (AdLC 肺腺癌) by 1.044 times more than that of people who smoked over a pack of cigarettes a day.

Reducing air pollution is very important to lower the risk of lung cancer.

政府必須致力於減少工業區及大眾運輸工具的空氣污染。

If air pollution gets worse, we'll need to wear a face mask every day in Taiwan!
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從沙漠到甜點, 冰淇淋拯救了印度遭受乾旱的農民
From Desert to Dessert: Ice Cream Saves Drought-Hit Farmers in India

As the climate crisis (氣候危機) gets worse every year, droughts (乾旱) are becoming more common (常見的).

Rajasthan (拉賈斯坦邦) is a state in India known for its forts (堡壘), desert safaris (狩獵旅行), palaces (宮殿) and temples.

But for the last 20 years, the drought in that state has been very bad.

Farmers have given up on farming.

They look for jobs in other states.

Luckily, ice cream has given farmers a chance to earn money.

Ice cream has changed their lives.

No one knows when farmers began selling ice cream.

But people told stories of the snack culture in richer states.

Families and friends in those states buy ice cream, popsicles (冰棒), and sodas from roadside food carts (路邊小吃攤) until late at night.

Farmers change their mini-trucks into ice cream trucks.

Around 50,000 mini-trucks are changed into ice cream trucks every year!

50,000!

Ice cream has also created new businesses and local jobs.

There are now many service and repair (服務和維修) shops for ice cream trucks and ice cream equipment and supply (設備和用品) shops.

From November to February, farmers get ready to sell ice cream.

They get their mini-trucks changed into ice cream trucks.

They get the trucks serviced.

They buy ice cream e

Hi there.

It's time for an all-new episode of News Bites.

I'm Nancy Sun.

And I'm Hope Ngo.

In today's news…

The new VP wants a better balance between men and women lawmakers, and countries around the world choose new leaders.

And in today's Tasty Tidbit

If you want to hear something more quickly, get in the water!

Stay tuned for all that and more, coming up next!
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副總統希望立委女性比例達到50%
Vice President Hsiao Wants 50% Women in Legislature

Who are the women leading Taiwan?

There are lots of female (女性) mayors and lawmakers.

And don’t forget, for the past eight years, the president (總統) has been a woman.

Tsai Ing-wen was the first woman to lead the country.

It was a big deal.

After all, many countries have never elected a female leader…

…even big countries like the United States and Japan.

甚至美國、日本等一些大國也從未選出女性領導人。

What about the new leader?

Tsai’s former Vice President Lai Ching-te is becoming the new president.

He’s a man, but his Vice President (副總統) Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) is a woman.

That means Hsiao is now the top representative (代表) for women in Taiwan.

What are her goals?

Hsiao wants to increase the number of lawmakers who are women.

蕭美琴希望增加女性立法委員的數量。

She says her goal is to reach 50% female representation in the Legislative Yuan (立法院).

That means she wants at least half of the lawmakers to be women.

There are 113 seats in the Legislative Yuan .

Let’s do the math… about half of 113 is 57…

So, her goal is to get that many women lawmakers.

Taiwan already has 47.

That’s more than 40% of lawmakers, which is the highest proportion in all of Asia (全亞洲比例最高).

Still, Vice President Hsiao thinks we can do better.

Why is it important to have women in government?

One reason is equality (平等).

Men and women should have equal chances to be leaders and decision-makers.

Another reason is different perspectives (視角不同).

Women might have different ideas than men because of their unique experiences (獨特的經歷).

So a government with more women will think about more viewpoints when it makes new laws.

A third reason is to have role models (榜樣).

When girls see women with power, it shows them that they can achieve anything.

These are three big reasons, but I’m sure you can think of some more.

Let’s hope the Vice President’s goal becomes a reality.
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2024全球大選年
2024 Big Election Year Worldwide

When is the big election (大選) this year?

That depends on where in the world you go.

Taiwan had elections in January, but other countries are voting (投票) throughout the year.

Let’s check the calendar.

我們來檢查一下世界選舉年曆。

On January 13th, Taiwan elected (選了) President Lai and Vice President Hsiao.

The same month, Taiwan’s ally (邦交國家) Tuvalu chose a new leader.

The leader said he would keep a good relationship with Taiwan, which is great for us.

In February, two of Asia’s most populous (人口最多) countries, Pakistan and Indonesia, both chose new leaders.

Russia had elections in March, but people question if they were fair…

…as the winner, Vladimir Putin, has already been leader for 25 years.

There was also a vote in India.

It’s the biggest election in the world, with nearly a billion voters joining in.

這是全世界最大的選舉，近十億選民參加。

Wow, it’s only spring and there have already been so many elections.

What about later this year?

Next month is the election in Mexico.

The two main candidates (候選人) are both women.

That’s Claudia Sheinbaum and Xochitl Galvez.

That m

Hey there! Let's chow down on this all new episode of News Bites…

I'm Paz Bueno.

And I'm Nancy Sun.

In today's news:
Descendants of last Dutch governor of Taiwan pay respects, an orangutan uses a medicinal plant, and…how many atoms does it take to make a person?

Stay tuned for more on these, coming up next.
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荷蘭台灣末代總督後代來台向鄭成功致敬
Descendants of last Dutch Governor in Taiwan Pay Respects

Our first story has to do with Taiwan's history.

From 1624 to 1662, the Dutch East India Company occupied Taiwan, which was called Formosa back then.

During the occupation, they built Fort Zeelandia (熱蘭遮堡) in Tainan, now known as Anping Fort (安平古堡).

Then in 1662, Koxinga (國姓爺，鄭成功) came and drove the Dutch away.

Fredrick Coyett was the Dutch governor who suffered defeat during the battle.

He was also the last governor of the Dutch occupation.

He led over a thousand soldiers and endured a siege (圍城) from Koxinga's forces for 9 months.

After the battle, Koxinga allowed the governor and his family to return to their country unharmed, and with all their possessions (財產).

For this, the governor praised Koxinga.

He told his family and descendants to never forget Koxinga's leniency (寬容).

2024 marks the 400 years since the Dutch founded Tainan.

The 14th and 15th generation descendants (後代) of the governor came to Taiwan to pay their respects at the Koxinga Shrine in Tainan.

They acknowledge that Koxinga's generosity (延平郡王祠) led to their family's prosperity (繁榮).

Cheng, a deputy secretary general (副秘書長) of the shrine and descendant of Koxinga, greeted them with a warm welcome.

The two parties shared a "historical handshake," given their family histories.

During the press conference, the 15th generation descendant shared some insights about his ancestor.

He said, "He was a very stubborn man who wanted to stand his ground and did not want to be defeated.

So, I can imagine that negotiation (談判) must have been quite difficult for him.

He had to let go of his stubbornness and show humility towards his opponent."

At that time, the Dutch East India Company never officially represented the Dutch Republic.

Therefore, both sides are happy to leave the past alone and maintain a good relationship.
往日的敵人，在四百年之後，兩邊再次締造了歷史佳話。

It looks like the legacy (遺產) will be passed on to future generations.
________________________________

科學家發現 紅毛猩猩會用自製草藥
Orangutan Discovered Using Medicinal Plant

Did you know that animals can heal themselves when they are ill?

For example, cats and dogs nibble (啃) on grass when they are sick.

Many animals also ingest (攝取) plants that have medicinal abilities.

They also rub insects or plants to relieve (舒緩) themselves of other symptoms.

However, researchers have observed a behavior that has never been seen in the animal world.

A Sumatran Orangutan (蘇門答臘紅毛猩猩) self-treated its injury using a medicinal plant!

Why is this special?

That's because the orangutan was doing the treatment (治療) like a human being!

The plant was not part of the orangutan's diet.

Usually, animals just eat or rub the plants on themselves.

But Rakus, the orangutan, chewed the plant and applied the juice to a wound on its face.

Scientist continued monitoring Rakus for a month and the wound showed no signs of infection (感染).

It repeated this process and the wound was healed.

Research on the plant shows that it has antibacterial (抗菌), anti-inflammatory (消炎) and pain-killing (止痛) properties.

Locals use the plant to treat conditions such as diabetes (糖尿病) and malaria (瘧疾).

It is still unclear how the orangutan learned to trea