TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) chaired the fifth National Climate Change Response Committee meeting on Thursday and unveiled Taiwan’s first air quality policy white paper.
Nownews reported the policy emphasizes a “dual transformation” focused on digital innovation and net-zero emissions, and pioneers integrating climate and health co-benefits.
The white paper highlights research linking air quality improvements to substantial reductions in public health burdens. It also underscores the connection between climate change and health.
The president wrote on X, “During today’s Climate Change Committee meeting, we discussed #Taiwan’s great strides on forging a resilient low-carbon future. We are redoubling efforts on promoting a circular economy & near-zero carbon buildings, & picking up the pace toward a prosperous — and sustainable — future.”
Environmental Minister Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) also introduced a report on a net-zero pathway, outlining four priorities:
- Promoting sustainable health for all citizens
- Enhancing pollution controls
- Achieving net-zero emission co-benefits
- Encouraging technological applications with active civic participation
Taiwan’s approach aligns with global trends, as over 130 countries have committed to net-zero emissions by 2050. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s latest report indicates that carbon reduction efforts also deliver economic and health benefits that may outweigh mitigation costs.
Taiwan’s Comprehensive Carbon Reduction Action Plan identifies 20 mitigation actions, focusing on solar and wind energy deployment, breakthroughs in geothermal and small hydropower, carbon capture technologies, industry self-mitigation, green finance, and sustainable lifestyles.
