Taiwan has set an ambitious target [1] to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030, up from the previous goal of 23-25%. The Environment Ministry announced this upgraded target, aiming for a reduction range of 26-30% from 2005 levels.
Taiwan’s Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming addressed the wider margin of error stating that it was due to several uncertainties on the horizon, including international political and economic developments, which could affect progress on climate change issues differently across countries. Adding that, it also reflected changes in domestic electricity consumption due to the needs of artificial intelligence applications, and funding available for carbon reduction investment.
Compared to Taiwan’s neighboring countries, Taiwan is among the top countries in Asia for emissions reduction commitments, second only to Japan’s 41% target. Based on Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment statistics, Taiwan’s net carbon emissions in 2022 were down by 4.67 MtCO2e since 2005. Taiwan is one of 13 nations rated “very low” in the “Greenhouse Gas Emissions” category, which focuses on GHG per capita, according to the Germanwatch’s latest Climate Change Performance Index [2].
Taiwan is also planning to impose carbon fees on entities emitting over 25,000 metric tons of carbon annually, expanding the initiative to businesses emitting more than 10,000 metric tons a year. Taiwan’s move aligns with recent changes made by the UK and USA in their emissions reduction commitments, made in anticipation of the February deadline for countries to submit updated climate targets under the Paris Agreement.
Despite facing challenges in expanding renewable energy generation, Taiwan is determined to achieve this goal. The government has acknowledged delays in infrastructure and offshore wind projects but remains committed to its climate objectives. The decision to shut down the last nuclear reactor next year adds pressure to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The new target aligns with global efforts to enhance climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. Taiwan’s Environment Minister emphasized the importance of this goal in contributing to global sustainability and addressing climate change.
Sources:
[1] Taiwan revises 2030 carbon reduction target upwards
https://ocacnews.net/article/387747
[2] CCPI 2025: Ranking and Results
