Taiwan has the highest insurance penetration rate in the world, with a rate of 18.48% according to Swiss Re. This reflects the maturity of Taiwan's insurance market and its significant contribution to the economy. Taiwanese spend heavily on insurance, with a large portion going to savings-oriented policies rather than pure insurance. These policies are popular due to better interest rates compared to time deposits. The Financial Holding Company Act has also influenced the growth of savings-oriented insurance, with banks now selling more insurance products than traditional insurers. However, the focus on savings has led to a lack of adequate protection, with the average life insurance coverage in Taiwan being less than that in Europe, the US, and Japan. Experts suggest that insurance should primarily be a tool for risk management and protection, and that Taiwanese should consider adjusting their insurance holdings based on their income level and life stage.

Taiwan's picturesque rice-terrace landscapes, once common, have been vanishing due to rural depopulation and industrialization. Since 2009, the Forestry Bureau, in collaboration with civic organizations, has been restoring agricultural wetlands in various villages to revive these landscapes. The restoration efforts in Gongliao, for example, have led to the return of biodiversity and the re-adoption of environmentally friendly farming methods. The Environmental Ethics Foundation of Taiwan and local newspapers have played a significant role in these projects. The restoration has ecological benefits, such as water retention and flood prevention, and cultural and economic benefits, as demonstrated by the willingness of local businesses like Hai-shan Cake Shop to support the initiatives by purchasing rice at higher prices.