TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Environment Ministry is preparing a 10-year urban forest plan aimed at expanding shade in cities as summer heat becomes more severe.

Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) said the proposal will be reported to President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) at the National Climate Change Committee on April 30, with a national plan expected by the end of the year, per CNA.

Peng said the long-term goal in Taipei and New Taipei is for commuters to be able to leave an MRT station and reach their workplace without walking through long stretches of exposed pavement. He said trees should be treated as climate infrastructure, not only as landscaping.

The plan would prioritize native species and avoid planting trees where they are poorly suited to local conditions. Peng said a dedicated unit may be created to coordinate planting work with local governments, while organizations and individuals could be allowed to adopt trees, per UDN.

Tree management would also be digitized. Peng said each tree could be given a profile similar to an ID card so officials can track its condition and care for it over time, according to CNA.

The ministry is also working with the Central Weather Administration on a system to estimate where street trees are most likely to fall during typhoons. Peng said the system will not be ready for this year’s typhoon season, but he hopes it can be completed by the end of 2026.

Taipei Deputy Mayor Chang Wen-te (張溫德) said the city has already planned more street trees in four heat hot spots: Shilin, Neihu, Wanhua, and the East District, per CNA.

The remarks were made Sunday at an Earth Day event at Daan Forest Park, organized by the ministry, Taipei City Government, and Tzu Chi Foundation.