Taiwan's Pollution Reduction Efforts: Success Or Work In Progress?

Taiwan has made significant progress in reducing air pollution in recent decades, with decreases in the concentrations of common air pollutants such as CO, NOx, PM10, PM2.5, and SO2. However, the country continues to face environmental challenges, particularly from dirty industries like semiconductors and petrochemicals, which have led to soil, land, water, and air pollution. The complex formation process of ozone (O3), involving precursor reductions and meteorological influences, makes mitigating it extremely challenging.

Taiwan's rapid industrialization, economic growth, and urbanization have resulted in increased waste production, threatening human health and damaging natural resources. The country's topography, with cities surrounded by mountains, contributes to poor air dispersal and pollutant trapping. Taipei, for instance, has recorded high levels of PM10, placing it among the cities with the worst air quality globally.

To address these issues, Taiwan has implemented various measures, including promoting low-sulphur fuel and stricter emission regulations. The Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) plays a crucial role in monitoring and reducing pollution, but enforcement remains a challenge.

The country is also tackling waste management, with a focus on reducing solid wastes and raising environmental awareness. Additionally, there is a growing environmental movement in Taiwan, with activists successfully opposing the construction of polluting facilities.

While Taiwan has made strides in reducing pollution, it continues to grapple with the complex interplay of economic development and environmental protection, requiring collaboration between civil society and official institutions to effectively tackle the country's environmental challenges.

Fugitive dust and seasonal winds

Taiwan's rivers, particularly the Zhuoshui River, experience extreme seasonal drying during the winter months. This exposes large areas of the riverbed, leading to the generation of airborne aeolian river dust. Strong winds, such as the northeastern monsoon, can easily lift and transport these fine particles over long distances, affecting air quality in surrounding areas. The impact is more pronounced in central and western Taiwan, where the Zhuoshui River is located. The densely populated west coast of Taiwan, including cities like Taipei, bears the brunt of this windblown dust, leading to unhealthy air quality.

The impact of fugitive dust is further exacerbated by human activities and natural disasters. For instance, earthquakes can loosen soil on upstream slopes, which is then washed downstream by torrential rains, increasing the likelihood of land collapse, mudslides, and the creation of more dust on riverbanks. Additionally, typhoons and heavy rainfall can also contribute to the accumulation of dust and particulate matter.

Moreover, industrial activities and road traffic play a significant role in generating fugitive dust. The development of mountainous areas and river banks, along with traffic emissions and industrial particulate pollutants, are major sources of PM10 in Taiwan. Dust from road traffic is a primary contributor, especially in urban areas like Taipei.

Seasonal variations in wind patterns also influence the distribution of air pollutants. The northeastern monsoon, prevalent during the winter months, can stir up dust and particulate matter, leading to spikes in PM10 concentrations. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable in central and western Taiwan, where strong winds combine with dry conditions to worsen air quality.

To address the issue of fugitive dust and seasonal winds, Taiwan has implemented various measures. These include promoting low-sulphur fuel, adopting stricter emission regulations, and improving fuel economy standards for automobiles. Additionally, the government has taken steps to reduce emissions from major industrial sources, such as power plants and petrochemical companies. However, the complex formation processes of certain secondary pollutants, like ozone (O3), present significant challenges in mitigation efforts.

Industrial emissions

Taiwan's industrial emissions have been a significant contributor to the country's air pollution problem. The country's rapid industrialization, particularly in the semiconductor and petrochemical sectors, has led to increased pollution levels and negative impacts on human health and the environment.

To address these issues, Taiwan has implemented various measures and policies to reduce industrial emissions and improve air quality. Here are four to six paragraphs detailing Taiwan's efforts and the challenges faced:

Paragraph 1: Industrial Emissions and Air Pollution in Taiwan

Taiwan has a history of rapid industrialization, particularly in the semiconductor and petrochemical sectors, which has contributed to its air pollution problem. Industrial activities, along with domestic combustion and transportation, are major sources of air pollutants in the country. The dense concentration of industrial centers along Taiwan's northern and western coasts, surrounded by high mountains, further exacerbates the issue by trapping pollutants and hindering their dispersal.

Paragraph 2: Health and Environmental Impacts

The high levels of industrial emissions in Taiwan have had significant impacts on both human health and the environment. According to a 2014 report, Taiwan had the worst air quality out of the Four Asian Tigers, with annual mean PM10 levels exceeding the European Union's limit value. Fine particles (PM2.5) and larger pollutants (PM10) have been linked to respiratory diseases, and Taiwan's levels often trigger health alerts. Additionally, industrial emissions contribute to soil, water, and air pollution, posing threats to human health and the natural environment.

Paragraph 3: Government Action and Policies

The Taiwanese government has recognized the urgency of addressing industrial emissions and air pollution. In 2013, the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) examined the country's air pollution and identified stations in Yunlin, Chiayi, and Greater Tainan as having the worst pollution concentrations. To mitigate this, Taiwan implemented measures such as the Taiwan Healthy Air Action Alliance's "Anti-Air Pollution and Blue Sky Parade" campaign in 2017. The government also plans to phase out diesel trucks, replace them with electric trucks, and encourage the use of public transportation for transporting goods.

Paragraph 4: Carbon Emission Reduction Strategies

Taiwan has introduced strategies to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability. The establishment of the Taiwan Carbon Solution Exchange (TCX) aims to incentivize enterprises and the government to reduce carbon emissions by creating economic incentives and promoting low-carbon technology innovation. Additionally, Taiwan has set ambitious targets for carbon reduction, aiming for a 50% reduction in emissions by 2050 compared to 2005 levels. To achieve this, the country plans to implement a cap-and-trade scheme and is considering the introduction of an emissions trading scheme.

Paragraph 5: Challenges and Future Directions

While Taiwan has made strides in reducing industrial emissions and improving air quality, challenges remain. The complex formation processes of certain pollutants, such as ozone (O3), make mitigation measures extremely difficult. Additionally, cross-border pollution from China, particularly during winter months, significantly impacts Taiwan's air quality. Strong winds from China can increase the concentration of fine particles (PM2.5) and other pollutants, affecting most of Taiwan's monitoring stations.

Paragraph 6: International Cooperation and Global Impact

Taiwan's efforts to reduce industrial emissions and combat climate change are closely linked to global initiatives. The country has set specific greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction contributions as part of its commitments under the Paris Agreement. Additionally, Taiwan's carbon reduction strategies consider international negotiations and aim to ensure the country's industries remain competitive globally. Taiwan's experiences and challenges in reducing industrial emissions provide valuable insights for other countries facing similar issues.

In summary, Taiwan has been working diligently to reduce industrial emissions and improve air quality, with a focus on sustainability and global competitiveness. While challenges persist, the country's efforts demonstrate a commitment to environmental protection and public health.

Vehicle emissions

Sources of Vehicle Emissions

Fossil Fuel Burning

The burning of fossil fuels is a significant contributor to Taiwan's air pollution. In 2014, the Taiwan Healthy Air Action Alliance reported that the average reading of PM10 (particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less) in Taipei, the country's capital, was 47.1 µg/m³, ranking it 1,089th out of 1,600 cities worldwide. This figure has consistently exceeded the European Union's limit of 40 µg/m³ over the last decade.

Fugitive Dust

During the winter of 2013-2014, the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) identified "fugitive dust" as a primary source of pollution in certain areas, including Yunlin, Chiayi, and Greater Tainan. This dust, composed of ultra-fine particles of soil, is stirred up from exposed riverbanks during the low-flow season of winter by strong northeastern winds, a phenomenon also known as the northeastern monsoon.

Efforts to Reduce Vehicle Emissions

Recognising the impact of vehicle emissions on air quality, Taiwan has implemented several measures to reduce them:

• Stringent emission standards for gasoline-fuelled vehicles and diesel cars
• Ratification and approval program for new vehicle models
• Inspection and maintenance programs for in-use motorcycles
• Encouragement of the use of unleaded and low-sulphur fuels

Additionally, Taiwan has taken steps to regulate and control other sources of air pollution, such as factories and power plants, through inspections, fines, and the promotion of cleaner technologies.

Impact of Electric Vehicles on Air Quality

The potential impact of electric vehicles (EVs) on air quality in Taiwan has been evaluated, with simulations suggesting that full EV penetration could reduce CO, VOCs, NOx, and PM2.5 emissions significantly. However, electric sector NOx and SO2 emissions may increase if the electricity to power EVs is generated by thermal power plants. Overall, the net effect would be a reduction in annual mean surface concentrations of most pollutants, with larger reductions during high pollution events and in areas with higher ambient concentrations.

While EVs offer the potential for improved air quality, it is important to note that they do not eliminate all forms of environmental damage. For example, tyre dust and brake metal particulate pollution are still generated by EVs and can have harmful effects on the environment and human health.

Religious ceremonies

Taiwan has made efforts to reduce pollution by implementing new restrictions and promoting environmentally friendly forms of worship. While there is no official record of the number of religious establishments adopting green practices, some well-known temples have imposed bans on worshippers burning incense and paper money.

Burning incense and paper money is a common practice in Taiwan, where Taoism and Buddhism are the predominant faiths. However, these religious activities contribute to air pollution, as they release hazardous chemicals and particles into the air.

During a nine-day pilgrimage honouring the Taoist sea-goddess Mazu, government monitoring revealed harmful levels of microscopic PM2.5 particles that exceeded the World Health Organisation's recommended levels by more than 60 times. This was due to the extensive use of firecrackers during the celebrations.

Famous temples, such as the Taoist Nan Yao Temple in central Changhua City, have implemented alternative practices to reduce pollution. Instead of setting off firecrackers, the temple plays firecracker CDs and encourages followers to clap their hands to create noise without smoke.

The Hsing Tian Kong temple in Taipei has also banned worshippers from burning incense, requesting that they simply bring their hands together in prayer. Other temples are sending paper offerings to be burned at state incinerators, where the fumes can be treated.

While some devotees are reluctant to let go of traditional practices, environmental groups emphasise the potential harm to devotees' health and the environment caused by the dangerous levels of particles and chemicals in the air.

To address these concerns, Taiwan's Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) has adopted a scientific approach by posting real-time data on pollution levels during religious celebrations. The EPA has also promised to implement new restrictions on the amount, location, and timings for setting off firecrackers within the next year.

These efforts demonstrate Taiwan's commitment to reducing pollution by encouraging green practices in religious ceremonies while respecting the cultural and spiritual significance of these traditions for the community.

Cross-border pollution from China

During periods of cross-border haze, the pollution standards index (PSI) readings, which are based on the concentration of five major air pollutants, reach unhealthy levels at most stations. Some stations in central and southern Taiwan even reach hazardous levels. The PSI readings include the highest concentration value of particulate matter 10 micrometres or less in diameter (PM10), sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ground-level ozone.

The impact of China's pollution on Taiwan is not limited to air quality issues. An explosion at a chemical plant in northeastern China in 2005 spilled benzene into the Songhua River, contaminating the drinking water of Russian cities downstream. This incident highlights how cross-border pollution can have serious environmental and economic consequences for other countries.

To address the issue of cross-border pollution from China, the environmental ministers of China, Japan, and South Korea agreed in 2007 to work together to develop a treaty on cross-border air pollution. However, progress has been slow, and political differences between the countries have further slowed down the process.

In addition to the efforts at the diplomatic level, Taiwan has also taken steps to reduce its own domestic pollution. The country has implemented emission reduction management for the top 20 factories in state-owned enterprises and plans to phase out diesel trucks and replace them with electric trucks.

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