TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2023 saw a decline of 4.64% compared to levels recorded in 2005, the Ministry of Environment said Thursday.

Greenhouse gases trap heat from solar radiation within the Earth’s atmosphere. When concentrations rise, they are significant contributors to global warming, according to the Taipei City Department of Environmental Protection.

Preliminary data for 2023 also reveal total carbon emissions of roughly 257 billion kg, a 3.02% drop from 2022. The official national greenhouse gas emissions inventory for 2023 is expected to be released in June, per CNA.

These reductions support Taiwan’s commitment to its nationally determined contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. Taiwan aims to reduce emissions by 23%-25% by 2030, 32% ±2 percentage points by 2032, and 38% ±2 percentage points by 2035.

The Paris Agreement seeks to limit the global average temperature rise to below 2 C above pre-industrial levels, with an aspiration to keep the increase within 1.5 C, according to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The NDCs submitted by each country outline specific emissions reduction targets and actions, forming the foundation of collective global climate efforts, Greenpeace said.

The ministry noted that despite US President Donald Trump's 2021 announcement to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, global momentum for climate action remains strong. Taiwan has upheld its climate goals, while 19 other countries have also submitted updated targets.

Looking ahead, the ministry plans to intensify decarbonization efforts in key high-emission industries, including technology, steel, cement, and petrochemicals. Among the strategies to achieve these reductions are the adoption of carbon capture technologies, increased electrification, and the use of alternative fuels.

In collaboration with the National Science and Technology Council, the ministry will also work to advance energy-efficient processes, promote low-carbon technologies, and establish digital transformation demonstration zones and industry clusters.

To further these objectives, the ministry will also partner with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Financial Supervisory Commission to create cross-sector platforms that promote resource integration and foster public-private dialogue. Additionally, the ministry will work with the FSC to support green finance initiatives, such as the development of green credit systems and green bond markets.

Taiwan’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act currently regulates seven types of GHGs, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3).