Taiwan's Pollution Crisis: A Dire Situation

Taiwan, an island nation off the east coast of China, has been facing issues with air pollution. In 2014, a report revealed that Taiwan's air quality was worse than that of Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea, otherwise known as the Four Asian Tigers. The main sources of air pollution in Taiwan are domestic combustion, primarily the burning of fossil fuels, and traffic, with the annual mean PM10 level exceeding the European Union limit value. The topography of Taiwan, characterized by high mountains, also contributes to poor air dispersal and the trapping of pollutants. While the air quality in Taiwan is generally acceptable, sensitive groups may experience adverse health effects, and there are ongoing efforts to improve air quality through the implementation of new technologies.

Taiwan's topography traps pollutants

Taiwan's air quality has been a significant concern, with the island nation facing high levels of pollution. The primary sources of air pollution in Taiwan are domestic combustion and the burning of fossil fuels. The topography of Taiwan, characterised by high mountains, plays a crucial role in trapping pollutants. The capital city, Taipei, surrounded by mountains, often experiences poor air circulation, leading to trapped air and increased pollution levels.

Taiwan's unique topography, with its high mountain ranges, creates a natural barrier to the free flow of air. This results in the trapping of pollutants, particularly in industrial centres located along the northern and western coasts, such as Taipei. The lack of air circulation exacerbates the pollution problem, as fresh air is unable to disperse the pollutants effectively. This topographic effect has been identified as a significant contributor to Taiwan's air quality issues.

In March 2014, reports by the World Health Organization (WHO) indicated that Taiwan's air quality was worse than that of Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea, collectively known as the Four Asian Tigers. The annual mean PM10 level in Taiwan's air was 54 micrograms per cubic meter, significantly higher than the acceptable limit. Taipei's annual mean of 47.1 micrograms per cubic meter ranked it 1089th out of 1600 cities worldwide for air quality.

Traffic and thermal power plants are also major contributors to Taiwan's air pollution. Research by National Taiwan University in 2015 attributed traffic as the primary source of pollution in Taipei, while central Taiwan's pollution was linked to thermal power plants. The Taichung Power Plant and the Sixth Naphtha Cracking Plant were identified as responsible for around 70% of central Taiwan's air pollution. The high number of motorbikes and older vehicles, operating on two-stroke engines, further exacerbate the pollution levels in Taiwanese cities.

During winter, Taiwan's air quality is further compromised by polluted air blown in from China. Strong northeastern winds carry particulate matter and haze, leading to increased pollution levels across Taiwan. This regional phenomenon significantly impacts the country's air quality, as observed by the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA).

Domestic combustion and fossil fuels

Taiwan's air pollution is largely attributed to the domestic combustion of organic matter and the burning of fossil fuels, which are a major source of air pollution worldwide. The combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas, releases carbon dioxide (CO2), the most dominant greenhouse gas, as well as other harmful gases like methane, nitrous oxide, and trace gases. In 2024, 83.2% of Taiwan's electricity generation came from fossil fuels, with natural gas and coal accounting for 42.4% and 39.3%, respectively. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels contributes significantly to air pollution.

The topography of Taiwan also plays a significant role in exacerbating the effects of domestic combustion and fossil fuel usage. The country's high mountains, especially those surrounding Taipei and other industrial centres, hinder the circulation and dispersal of air pollutants, trapping them in certain areas. This geographical feature contributes to the concentration of pollutants in specific regions, leading to poor air quality.

In addition to the combustion of fossil fuels, Taiwan's air pollution is influenced by other factors such as traffic pollution and industrial emissions. Two-stroke motorbikes, a common form of transport in Taiwan, are significant contributors to air pollution in cities. Additionally, thermal power plants, particularly those in central Taiwan, have been identified as major producers of fine particulate matter.

To address the issue of domestic combustion and fossil fuel usage, Taiwan has taken steps towards transitioning to low-carbon energy sources. The government has promoted energy research and invested in the development of renewable energy sectors, aiming for renewable energy to account for a larger share of the nation's energy mix. Efforts to reduce reliance on imported oil and promote energy efficiency are also underway, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality in Taiwan.

While Taiwan has made progress in addressing domestic combustion and fossil fuel usage, the country continues to face challenges in reducing air pollution and improving overall air quality, particularly in highly industrialised areas surrounded by mountains.

Traffic pollution

Taiwan is an island nation off the east coast of China, with a population of 23.5 million in 2020. The country's air quality has been a cause for concern, with a particular focus on traffic pollution.

Traffic is considered the main source of pollution in Taiwan's cities, with the National Taiwan University identifying the issue in a 2015 report. The report highlighted the presence of microscopic particles of PM2.5, largely produced by the country's thermal power plants. The annual average of PM2.5 in Taipei was 20 µg/m3, exceeding the acceptable limit of 15 µg/m3. This issue is exacerbated by the country's topography, with high mountains hindering the circulation and dispersal of pollutants.

Motorcycles, a primary mode of transport for many Taiwanese adults, have been identified as a significant contributor to air pollution. Older two-stroke engines are particularly problematic, and efforts are being made to phase them out in favour of newer, more environmentally friendly models. In 2015, it was reported that there were almost 9 million motorcycles and 5 million cars on Taiwan's roads, with numbers increasing annually.

The impact of traffic pollution is evident in the country's air quality readings. In 2014, Taiwan's air quality was reported to be worse than that of Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea, collectively known as the Four Asian Tigers. The annual average levels of fine particulate matter PM10 exceeded 50 µg/m³, with Taipei recording 47.1 µg/m³. This issue persists, with Taiwan's annual mean PM10 level remaining above the European Union's limit of 40 µg/m³.

To address these concerns, Taiwan is working to improve air quality. The country's Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) plays a crucial role in monitoring and managing air pollution. While Taiwan faces challenges due to its topography and the impact of regional pollution from neighbouring countries, efforts are being made to reduce traffic pollution and transition to cleaner technologies.

Poor air quality in Taipei

Taiwan's air quality has been a significant concern, with a 2015 report by the National Taiwan University identifying traffic as the primary source of pollution in its cities. The annual average of PM2.5 in Taipei was 20 µg/m3, exceeding the acceptable limit of 15 µg/m3. The air quality in Taipei is influenced by various factors, resulting in poor air quality that can impact the health and well-being of its residents.

One of the critical factors contributing to Taipei's poor air quality is domestic combustion, particularly the burning of fossil fuels. The topography of Taiwan, including the surrounding mountains, hinders the dispersal of pollutants, trapping them and leading to increased levels of air pollution. The capital city's geographical location makes it especially susceptible to this issue. Additionally, the annual mean PM10 level in Taipei, at 47.1 µg/m3, exceeds the limit set for European countries, further highlighting the city's air quality challenges.

Traffic and transportation also play a significant role in Taipei's air pollution. The high number of motorbikes and cars on Taiwan's roads, with many older vehicles operating on two-stroke engines, contributes to the city's air pollution levels. The expansion of the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system since 1996 has helped mitigate urban air pollution in Taipei by offering a cleaner alternative to private and public vehicles, resulting in reduced emissions. However, the increase in ozone (O3) concentration following the MRT expansion presents a new challenge that needs to be addressed.

Furthermore, industrial activities and power plants in central Taiwan contribute to the fine particulate matter in Taipei's air. The Taichung Power Plant and the Sixth Naphtha Cracking Plant of the Formosa Plastics Group were identified as significant sources of air pollution, releasing large volumes of sulfur oxides (SOx) into the atmosphere. During the winter months, polluted air blown in from China further exacerbates Taipei's air quality issues.

The poor air quality in Taipei can have adverse effects on the health of its residents. Sensitive groups, such as those with respiratory conditions, may experience symptoms like difficulty breathing and throat irritation, even with short-term exposure. In some cases, healthy individuals may also experience similar symptoms with prolonged exposure to polluted air. It is recommended that individuals limit their time spent outdoors during periods of high air pollution to minimise potential health risks.

Air pollution solutions

Air pollution in Taiwan is a pressing issue, with the country's air quality being deemed worse than that of Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea, otherwise known as the Four Asian Tigers. The primary sources of air pollution in Taiwan are domestic combustion and the burning of fossil fuels, with traffic and thermal power plants also contributing significantly. The unique topography of the island, characterized by high mountains, further exacerbates the problem by trapping pollutants.

To address these issues, Taiwan has implemented several solutions:

• Promoting Cleaner Transportation: Taiwan has been encouraging the use of cleaner transportation alternatives, such as the expansion of the MRT system, which has helped reduce carbon monoxide (CO) and NO₂ levels.
• Phasing Out Older Vehicles: There is a suggestion to phase out older two-stroke motorbikes and cars, which are major contributors to air pollution, and replace them with vehicles that have cleaner technology.
• Vertical Greening: Taiwan has explored vertical greening initiatives, such as green walls and roof greening, to improve urban environments sustainably.
• Addressing Industrial Pollution: In 2015, it was found that the Taichung Power Plant and the Sixth Naphtha Cracking Plant of the Formosa Plastics Group contributed to around 70% of air pollution in central Taiwan. Addressing emissions from these industrial sources is crucial.
• Real-time Air Quality Monitoring: Taiwan has implemented real-time air pollution maps, providing accessible information on air quality across the country.
• Policy and Regulation: Taiwan's Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) plays a key role in monitoring and managing air pollution. Policies and regulations that limit emissions, set standards, and enforce compliance are essential tools in the fight against air pollution.

While these solutions offer a starting point, continued innovation, research, and collaboration are necessary to effectively tackle air pollution in Taiwan and improve the health and well-being of its citizens.

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