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Air pollution

Taiwan's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Fall by 3.02% in 2023, Ministry Reports

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Taiwan's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have shown progress, with a 3.02% decrease in emissions in 2023 compared to the previous year. According to official data, gross emissions totaled 278.63 million metric tons, with carbon sinks accounting for 21.73 million tonnes, resulting in net emissions of 256.9 million tonnes. The energy sector, which accounts for approximately 90% of Taiwan's total emissions, saw a significant reduction of 2.94% from 2022, attributed to lower fuel consumption and a cleaner power mix. Meanwhile, the waste sector experienced the steepest decline, with a 5.7% drop due to reduced landfill and wastewater emissions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Taiwan's greenhouse gas emissions fell by 3.02% in 2023, totaling 278.63 million metric tons of gross emissions and 256.9 million tonnes of net emissions.
  • The energy sector, which contributes 90% of Taiwan's total emissions, saw a 2.94% reduction from 2022, attributed to lower fuel consumption and a cleaner power mix.
  • The waste sector posted a 5.7% drop in emissions, driven by decreased landfill and wastewater emissions.
  • Carbon intensity, or CO2 emissions per GDP unit, fell to NT$0.0114 per kilogram, representing a 4.14% year-on-year decline and 44.62% below 2005 levels.
  • Wen Yu-yung, head of the Ministry of Environment's net-zero promotion division, emphasized the importance of reducing emissions from fuel combustion in industry and transportation, as well as methane emissions linked to livestock and waste.
  • Taiwan's emissions data is published annually, in line with Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines, and is cited by international institutions, including the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research.

Statistics:

  • 3.02% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023 compared to the previous year.
  • 278.63 million metric tons: total gross emissions in 2023.
  • 21.73 million tonnes: carbon sinks accounted for in 2023.
  • 256.9 million tonnes: net emissions in 2023.
  • 95.86%: percentage of carbon dioxide in total emissions.
  • 5.7%: percentage drop in waste sector emissions.
  • 2.94%: percentage reduction in energy sector emissions.
  • NT$0.0114 per kilogram: carbon intensity, or CO2 emissions per GDP unit.
  • 4.14%: year-on-year decline in carbon intensity.
  • 44.62%: reduction in carbon intensity compared to 2005 levels.
  • 90%: percentage of emissions contributed by the energy sector.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Environment, press release.
  • CNA.
  • Wen Yu-yung, head of the Ministry of Environment's net-zero promotion division.
  • Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines.
  • Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research.

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