Helena Joyce
Taiwan, an island nation off the east coast of China, has been facing serious air pollution issues, especially in its central and southern regions. The main sources of air pollution in Taiwan are the domestic incineration of organic matter, the combustion of fossil fuels, and traffic. The country's topography, with its high mountains, also plays a role in trapping air pollutants. In addition, Taiwan has seen an increase in waste production due to its rapid economic growth and urbanization, leading to the pollution of soil, water bodies, and the atmosphere. While there has been a surge in environmental organizations in Taiwan over the past two decades, and some success in fighting polluting industries, several issues remain, including global concerns such as acid rain and the increase of greenhouse gases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air pollution caused by China | Air pollutants brought in from China by strong winds |
| Air pollution in winter | Air quality is compromised by polluted air blown in by China |
| Air pollution in central Taiwan | Caused by the Taichung Power Plant and the Sixth Naphtha Cracking Plant of the Formosa Plastics Group |
| Air pollution in Taipei | Caused by traffic and thermal power plants |
| Air pollution in Yunlin County's Lunbei Township | Caused by heavy rainfall and mudslides during Typhoon Morakot |
| Air pollution in Chiayi County's Puzih City | Caused by the 6.2 Mw June 2013 Nantou earthquake |
| Air pollution in Kaohsiung | Caused by thermal power plants |
| Air pollution in Taiwan's cities | Caused by motorcycles with two-stroke engines |
| Air pollution in Taiwan's rural areas | Caused by agricultural activities and industrial pollution |
| Air pollution in Taiwan's southern regions | Caused by industrial activities and traffic |
| Air pollution in Taiwan's coastal areas | Caused by marine activities and port operations |
| Air quality in Taiwan | Ranked 1,089 out of 1,600 when compared to other cities |
| Air quality standards | The normative limit value of PM2.5 is set at 15 μg/m3 |
| Air quality monitoring | Taiwan employs AirBoxes to track local air quality |
| Air quality improvement efforts | Aim to reduce annual average of fine particulate matter by over 18% and decrease number of "red alerts" |
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What You'll Learn
Air pollution from China and other countries
Taiwan is an island nation situated off the east coast of China. Taiwan has experienced serious issues with air pollution, particularly in its central and southern regions. The main sources of air pollution in Taiwan are the domestic incineration of organic matter and the combustion of fossil fuels. The topography of Taiwan, characterised by high mountains, also plays a role in trapping air pollution. During a survey conducted in 2013-2014, Taiwan's Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) reported extremely high concentrations of "fugitive dust", particularly in Yunlin, Chiayi, and Greater Tainan. This dust consists of dry earth that is stirred up by strong northeastern winds during the winter low-flow season for rivers, when large areas of riverbanks become exposed.
In addition to domestic sources of air pollution, Taiwan is also affected by air pollution from neighbouring countries, including mainland China, Japan, and South Korea. This is particularly true during the winter, when strong winds bring air pollutants from China, significantly deteriorating Taiwan's air quality. Taiwan's air quality is also impacted by biomass burning in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries.
Transportation is a significant contributor to air pollution in Taiwan. Research has shown that traffic is the major source of air pollutants in Taipei, with motorcycles being the primary means of transport for most adults in Taiwan. Motorcycles with two-stroke engines, in particular, have been identified as the biggest single source of vehicular pollution in the country. In 1996, there were approximately 8.8 million motorcycles and 4.8 million cars on Taiwan's roads, and the number of vehicles continues to increase annually.
Industrial facilities and power plants also play a role in Taiwan's air pollution. In December 2015, it was revealed that the Taichung Power Plant and the Sixth Naphtha Cracking Plant of the Formosa Plastics Group were responsible for around 70% of the air pollution in central Taiwan, emitting large quantities of sulfur oxides.
To address these issues, Taiwan has implemented various measures. The country employs AirBoxes, affordable sensors that track local air quality data, enhancing the precision of its pollution assessments. In 2017, the Taiwan Healthy Air Action Alliance launched the "Anti-Air Pollution and Blue Sky Parade" to raise awareness and advocate for improved air quality. Taiwan has also set targets to reduce the annual average of fine particulate matter and the number of "Red Alert" periods when air quality deteriorates significantly. Over 6,000 companies have been instructed to update their boilers to reduce pollution, and restrictions will be enforced for non-compliance.
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The impact of topography on air pollution
Taiwan has been facing serious air pollution issues for several years. The main sources of air pollution in Taiwan are the domestic incineration of organic matter and the combustion of fossil fuels. In 2014, the air quality in Taiwan was deemed to be the worst out of Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea, collectively known as the Four Asian Tigers. The annual mean PM10 level of Taiwan's air was 54 micrograms per cubic meter, exceeding the European Union's limit value of 40 micrograms per cubic meter.
Taiwan's topography, characterized by a range of high mountains, significantly impacts its air pollution problem. The mountains impede the circulation of air, leading to poor dispersal and the trapping of pollutants. This results in high concentrations of particulate matter, such as PM2.5 and PM10, and hazardous pollutants like silicon and iron, particularly at ground level. Taipei, Taiwan's capital, is surrounded by mountains, exacerbating the issue.
Additionally, the topography of Taiwan's riverbanks contributes to air pollution during the low-flow season of winter. Strong northeastern winds stir up fugitive dust, which is dry earth picked up and carried by the wind. This dust is propelled towards cities, leading to extremely high concentrations that impact air quality.
While Taiwan has taken steps to address air pollution, such as investing in environmental protection and implementing the AirBox monitoring system, it continues to face challenges. The country's rapid economic growth, urbanization, and industrialization have led to increased waste production and emissions from vehicles and power plants. Regional cooperation and the implementation of stricter emission standards are key to tackling air quality issues effectively in Taiwan.
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The prevalence of lung cancer and other diseases
Taiwan has been facing serious air pollution issues, especially in its central and southern regions. The country's topography, with its range of high mountains, traps air pollutants, preventing them from circulating easily. The main sources of air pollution in Taiwan are the domestic incineration of organic matter, combustion of fossil fuels, and traffic. The annual mean PM10 level in Taiwan has exceeded the European Union limit value for over a decade.
The prevalence of lung cancer in Taiwan has been a growing concern, with research indicating a possible link to air pollution. Lung cancer is the second or third most common cancer in Taiwan, with incidence rates varying by region and gender. In 2017, the age-standardized incidence rate was 43.5 per 100,000 in men and 31.6 per 100,000 in women. Notably, more than half of lung cancer patients in Taiwan have never smoked, suggesting that environmental factors may play a significant role.
The Taichung Power Plant and the Sixth Naphtha Cracking Plant of the Formosa Plastics Group have been identified as major contributors to air pollution in central Taiwan, emitting large quantities of sulfur oxides. The impact of these plants on air quality has led to concerns about their effect on the health of local residents. In addition to lung cancer, other noncommunicable diseases influenced by air pollution include liver cancer and organ system dysfunction.
Taiwan has taken steps to address air pollution and its health impacts. The Taiwan Healthy Air Action Alliance launched the "Anti-Air Pollution and Blue Sky Parade" in 2017 to raise awareness and advocate for change. Additionally, Taiwan utilizes AirBoxes and government monitoring stations to track local air quality and identify localized pollution patterns. These efforts aim to reduce particulate matter and the number of "Red Alert" periods, during which air quality deteriorates due to factors beyond the country's control, such as wind direction bringing polluted air from neighbouring countries.
While Taiwan has made progress in tackling air pollution, the country continues to face challenges. The increasing prevalence of lung cancer and other diseases associated with air pollution highlights the urgency of implementing effective environmental policies and transitioning to cleaner technologies.
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The role of transportation and industry in pollution
Taiwan has been facing serious issues with air pollution, particularly in its central and southern regions. The country's topography, with its high mountains, traps air pollutants, and its wind patterns carry dust from exposed riverbeds during the dry season. In addition, Taiwan is affected by air pollution from mainland China, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asian countries, which further exacerbates the problem.
Transportation and industry play a significant role in Taiwan's air pollution. In 1996, it was reported that there were approximately 8.8 million motorcycles and 4.8 million cars on Taiwan's roads, with motorcycles being the primary means of transport for most adults. Motorcycles with two-stroke engines have been identified as the biggest single source of vehicular pollution in the country. More recent data from 2020 suggests that the number of motorcycles and cars has increased annually.
The impact of transportation on air quality in Taiwan is also evident in the findings of research conducted on PM2.5 particles. National Taiwan University claimed that traffic is the major source of air pollutants in Taipei, the country's capital. However, in central Taiwan, fine particles are primarily produced by thermal power plants.
In addition to transportation, industrial activities contribute significantly to air pollution in Taiwan. The Taichung Power Plant and the Sixth Naphtha Cracking Plant of the Formosa Plastics Group were found to account for approximately 70% of air pollution in central Taiwan, emitting large quantities of sulfur oxides.
To address these issues, Taiwan has implemented various measures. The country utilizes AirBoxes, affordable sensors that track local air quality, in conjunction with government monitoring station data to enhance the precision of pollution assessments. Additionally, Taiwan has set goals to reduce annual average fine particulate matter and the number of "Red Alert" days when air quality deteriorates significantly. Over 6,000 companies have been instructed to update their boilers to reduce pollution, and there are plans to phase out older vehicles with cleaner technology.
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Environmental activism and policy changes
Taiwan has experienced a surge in environmental organisations over the past two decades, which have been successful in fighting polluting industries and influencing environmental policies. Environmental activism in Taiwan is driven by a combination of ecological engagement and the rejection of authoritarianism, with a strong sense of Taiwanese nationalism.
Taiwan's environmental movement is relatively new and constantly evolving, with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) playing a crucial role in shaping pollution control and conservation policies. These NGOs have frequently clashed with the government and industries, leading protests and watchdog activities. One notable example is the controversy sparked when Greenpeace mapped Taiwan as part of China, highlighting the intersection of environmental and political concerns in Taiwanese activism.
The country has introduced numerous policies to address plastic pollution, with environmental non-governmental organisations (ENGOs), the media, and the government working together to reduce plastic use and marine plastic pollution. Taiwan's Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) plays a key role in monitoring and managing environmental issues, including air pollution, which has been a significant concern in the central and southern regions.
To address air pollution, Taiwan employs AirBoxes, affordable sensors that track local air quality, in addition to the Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring Network (TAQMN). The EPA has acknowledged the impact of air pollutants from China, which are carried by strong winds and contribute to the high concentration of particles under 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5).
While Taiwan has made progress in tackling environmental issues, challenges remain. There is a perceived lack of transparency in policymaking and decision-making processes, and old clientele networks can hamper the enforcement of environmental protection measures. However, with increased cooperation among different groups in the environmental movement, activists have achieved successes, such as stopping the construction of polluting facilities.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Taiwan has a lot of pollution. The country has seen a surge in environmental organizations in the past twenty years, which have enjoyed success in fighting polluting industries and affecting environmental policies. However, issues such as acid rain, greenhouse gases, watercourse pollution, and soil pollution remain.
The main sources of pollution in Taiwan are the domestic incineration of organic matter and the combustion of fossil fuels. Taiwan's topography, with its range of high mountains, prevents the easy circulation of air, causing it to become trapped. Coal-fired power plants, two-stroke engine motorcycles, and cars are also major sources of pollution.
Exposure to air pollutants in Taiwan has been linked to an increased risk of chronic rhinosinusitis, advanced hepatic fibrosis, lung cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Studies have also shown a higher standardized mortality ratio for cancers of the lung, kidney, and urinary bladder, as well as leukemia, among inhabitants near petrochemical complexes.
Taiwan has implemented various measures to address pollution, including the use of AirBoxes to track local air quality and the Taiwan Healthy Air Action Alliance's "Anti-Air Pollution and Blue Sky Parade" campaign. Over 6,000 companies have been instructed to update their boilers to reduce pollution, and restrictions will be imposed if they fail to comply.
