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This research examines the persistent constraints faced by Taiwan's government in its departure from a high carbon economic pathway, resulting in a climate governance lag, despite robust international climate regulations, decarbonization value drivers, a global market, and civil society influences. This research in the study investigates Taiwan's national carbon reduction targets across various stages of climate proposals (1998, 2005, 2010,2015, and 2022), focusing on symbolic formalism rather than genuine efforts to curb carbon emissions. Additionally, this research contends that green energy policies linked with carbon reduction targets have evolved into primary objectives competing for the forthcoming wave of technological industries. Consequently, national carbon reduction strategies have succumbed to the logic of economic competition rather than tangible carbon reduction initiatives; namely, they portray the typical approach of East Asian developmental environmentalism. Owing to geopolitical and economic competition, the Taiwanese government did not declare net zero carbon emissions until April 2021, later than South Korea, China, and Japan. Furthermore, the government presented only a vague 2050 net zero roadmap, limited carbon fee, and scaled back 2030 carbon reduction objectives. When combined with nontransparent energy reviews for new investment in Taiwan, a conservative Climate Change Act, and limited civil society participation, these factors demonstrate the continuing influence of the government's authoritarian, centralized, and bureaucratic policy-making model. This research coins the term "developmental netzeroism" to describe the transformational thresholds and structural impediments that a society characterized by a high carbon emissions regime encounters, resulting in transitional delays and governance deficiencies that necessitate bold breakthroughs. [Display omitted] • This research focuses on the net zero emissions transition from a high carbon economic pathway. • National carbon reduction targets have succumbed to the logic of economic competition logic. • The current centralized, bureaucratic policy-making model significantly impacts sustainable transition. • This research critically investigates transitional lag and governance deficiencies. • "Developmental netzeroism" emphasizes the transition predicament of a carbon-intensive manufacturing country in East Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a holistic picture of the factors that affect green port policies through the use of both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitatively, fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) method with 25 questionnaires was used to identify key factors. Questionnaire participants included 13 ocean carriers and 12 governmental officials, all of whom were senior port experts with a minimum of 10 years working experience. Qualitatively, in-depth interviews based on grounded theory with ocean carriers (5) and governmental officials (4) in three ports were conducted in Taiwan. The quantitative FAHP analysis found the key factors to be environmental policy and regulation, followed by economic leverage, human and technical leverage. The qualitative interviews contextualise and enhance these FAHP results by illustrating the complexities and subtleties of these key factors for different stakeholders. Theoretical and practical implications are considered and suggestions are made for future policy approaches and to help develop green port approaches. • This paper investigates factors affecting green port policies • Quantitative fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process is used • Qualitative in-depth interviews approaches are also used • This combined approach reveals subtleties and complexities for policy makers • Environmental regulation and economic leverage are the top two key factors [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyses the sustainability transitions of technological innovation systems (TISs) in the context of multi-level governance frameworks. TISs which are spatially embedded in both international and national arenas are simultaneously governed by the governance frameworks in different layers, i.e. international institutions on a macro level, national institutions on a meso level and domestic dynamics of novel technologies on a micro level. Through the investigation of the biodiesel innovation system in Taiwan, this study concludes that international institutions could appropriately play a role in the guidance of search, while national governments should ensure policies are consistent and generate appropriateness on the domestic TISs' functions. If the domestic TISs’ functions are appropriately guided by the institutions on the above levels, novel technologies that sustainably transit the systems would then emerge on a micro level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to provide economical and environmentally friendly solutions for a microgrid system with distributed energy resources in the design stage, considering multiple uncertainties during operation and conflicting interests among diverse microgrid stakeholders. For the purpose, we develop a multi-objective optimization model for robust microgrid planning, on the basis of an economic robustness measure, i.e. the worst-case cost among possible scenarios, to reduce the variability among scenario costs caused by uncertainties. The efficacy of the model is successfully demonstrated by applying it to Taichung Industrial Park in Taiwan, an industrial complex, where significant amount of greenhouse gases are emitted. Our findings show that the most robust solution, but the highest cost, mainly includes 45% (26.8 MW) of gas engine and 47% (28 MW) of photovoltaic panel with the highest system capacity (59 MW). Further analyses reveal the environmental benefits from the significant reduction of the expected annual CO 2 emission and carbon tax by about half of the current utility facilities in the region. In conclusion, the developed model provides an efficient decision-making tool for robust microgrid planning at the preliminary stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transport is the lifeblood of a nation’s economy. Because fossil fuels are being gradually depleted and global warming phenomena are becoming more and more serious, the aim of this article is to study a low-carbon transport infrastructure based on existing energy efficiency indices and green transport policy formulated by Taiwanese Department of Transportation. First, via data collection and analysis, we observed that small passenger cars and large trucks are the largest energy users in the transport sector due to their high energy intensities and large transport volumes. Therefore, the energy-conserving potentials of these vehicles are the focus of this study. According to “Top-Down” methodology, the most effective and economical energy-saving strategies for Taiwan׳s transport sector are the significant adoption of rail transport and electrification mode. With a maximum energy-saving scenario, including the adoption of Best Available Technologies (BAT) and the comprehensive expansion of public transport infrastructure, the energy savings potential in the land transport sector of Taiwan is 2931 million liters of oil equivalent (MLOEs). This savings is equivalent to a greenhouse gas emissions reduction of approximately 5.91 Mt CO 2e with a scale of 16.73% or crediting 2.40% reduction in national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Finally, we suggest that the green transport infrastructure of Taiwan should primarily include railway, mass rapid transit (MRT), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taiwan is a nation densely concentrated with industrial properties, causing a high level of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, poor air quality and environmental pollution in Taiwan are severe societal problems. Although Taiwan has formulated severe environmental protection-related penalties, the excessive use of energy and high level of pollution remain a persisting environmental problem in Taiwan. Because communities are collective groups beneficial for the promotion of local policies, several subsidy policies for environmental quality improvement are currently promoted through community development in Taiwan. These policies consider factors such as Taiwan’s long-day geographical environment and the increase in idle agricultural land after the process of economic transition. To explore the effectiveness of promoting these policies, this study applied the Delphi method and fuzzy logic theory to establish a quantified effectiveness assessment model. In addition, we determined that communities that encourage the participation of its residents and factors such as proenvironment, solar power, and plain afforestation enhanced the overall environmental protection of the community and reduced the emission of CO 2 . Furthermore, the core problems that hinder the improvement of current policies were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study uses four dimensions and twenty factors developed by Hsu and Hu [5] suitable for electrical and electronic industries in Taiwan to identify the critical dimensions and factors and then construct the digraphs to show causal relationships among dimensions and factors within each dimension in green supply chain management (GSCM). Ten major customers of this case group were invited from international semiconductor packaging plants to evaluate dimensions and factors by decision making trial and evaluation laboratory. The results show that both organization involvement and supplier management are causes, and organization involvement is the most critical dimension in GSCM. Moreover, top management support and environmental policy for GSCM are the two critical factors in organization involvement that should be placed in highest priority when GSCM is to be implemented. In addition, establish environmental requirements for purchasing items and implementing green purchasing are the two important factors in supplier management. The decision maker can take actions on causal dimensions/factors in high priority in GSCM since the implementation on these causal dimensions/factors will have impacts on receiving dimensions/factors in GSCM implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Between 1996 and 2006, CO2 emissions in Taiwan increased by approximately 60%, with the industrial sector accounting for 50% of that increase. Among all industrial sectors, iron and steel, petrochemicals, electronics, textiles, pulp and paper and cement accounted for approximately three-quarters of the total industrial CO2 emissions. Identifying the driving forces behind increased CO2 emissions in these six sectors could be valuable for the development of effective environmental policy. This study used two-tier KLEM input–output structural decomposition analysis (I-O SDA) to analyze the factors that lead to changes in CO2 emissions. Empirical results obtained in Taiwan reveal that increased exports level and elevated domestic autonomous final demand level were the main reasons for increases in CO2 emissions. Technological changes in materials and labor tended to decrease CO2 emissions, while the power generation mix contributed significantly to the increase. Relevant strategies for reducing CO2 emissions from energy-intensive sectors are also highlighted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper evaluates the effectiveness of strategies designed to reduce these pollutants in port areas, based on a newly developed assessment model to calculate emissions. The case study found that the strategy of reducing the ship’s speed to 12 knots is most effective in cutting fuel consumption and costs, as well as emissions. Adopting an onshore power supply system could reduce CO2 emission by 57.16% and PM by 39.4%. By adopting the strategies of both reduced speed and cold ironing emissions control, a reduction in emissions of 71% to 91% can be achieved with a 20 nautical mile reduced speed zone. Therefore, the goals of reductions in emissions to improve port areas air quality could be achieved through adopting a green port policy in the future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Copenhagen Accord in 2009 initiated new opportunities for international cooperation in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The purpose of this study was to review Taiwan''s current climate policy and, in response to the Copenhagen Accord, to deliberate this policy in the light of new strategic thinking. The study proposes a two-stage approach with a dividing line in 2020. In the first stage, from now until 2020, strategy should be based on cost constraints, with a suggested reduction cost below $60/t-CO2, and implementation of domestic GHG emissions trading scheme and reduction strategies. In the second stage, from 2020 and beyond, action by Taiwan should, accord with international cooperative actions to link its domestic emissions trading scheme with the international carbon market. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In 1995, Taiwan''s Environmental Protection Administration (EPA/TW) instituted a policy of levying emission taxes on polluters in order to combat the rampant national issue of pollution. Since that time, pollution control strategies, tightening exhaust emission standards for industry, improvements in fuel quality, and new stricter vehicle emission standards, etc., have been implemented. This study evaluates the effectiveness of these measures and examines the improvement of Taiwan''s air quality. In this paper, we conduct a detailed analysis of change in the concentrations of pollutants (SO2, NO x and particulate matter [PM]) between two three-year periods (from 1996 to1998 and from 2000 to 2002). The pollution levels were generally lower in the latter period. Concentrations at 14 EPA/TW stations in central Taiwan were simulated and source apportionment analyses in three of Central Taiwan''s largest cities were conducted using a trajectory transfer-coefficient air quality model. Correlation coefficients (r) between simulations and observations for the monthly means of the concentrations of SO2, NO x , PM2.5 and PM10 during the study periods at the 14 stations are 0.56, 0.63, 0.70 and 0.31, respectively. The sulfur control policy greatly reduced SO2 concentration island-wide, a stringent emission standard put into place for gasoline vehicles reduced NO x concentration along highways, and an emissions tax placed on construction sites, as well as a regular program for road-dust sweeping, reduced primary particulate matter. Among all of the pollution abatement policies implemented, the most effective method for reducing PM2.5 concentrations in the three largest cities involved the reduction of fine ammonium sulfate aerosols from point sources (56–63% of net PM2.5 reduction). The next largest reduction was attributed to a diminishment in primary PM2.5 emanating from point sources (27–56% of net PM2.5 reduction). Secondary particulate matter, especially sulfate, was reduced from distances up to 150 km leeward of major pollution point sources such as Taichung Power Plant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration (Taiwan EPA) launched a national Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system after integrating eight private recycling organizations in 1998. After that, the environmental performance of the EPR system brought a lot of attention to policy makers. Many studies show positive environmental effects of the EPR system in Taiwan. However, there are controversial questions remained, such as whether the performance indicators used are the right choice to estimate the environmental effects of the recycling policy? Can those estimated results really reflect the performance of the system? This paper would therefore like to more accurately evaluate the performance indicators of the EPR system based on data observed over the past decade in Taiwan. In the process of evaluating the performance indicators, we have found that the collection rates for durable goods are often ignored in countries that pursue a zero waste policy. This may affect the actual recycling outcome and resource direction targeted by producers. However, in order for the collection rate to be adopted as a policy indicator, how to estimate the amounts of retired or waste products during a period is critical. In this paper, we estimate the collection rate for electrical and electronic waste by using the survival analysis and ownership data analysis approaches. We also provide a comparison of both approaches and put forward suggestions for directions in the future in solid waste management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, we analyze the time distribution of inter-cluster earthquakes in Taiwan to infer correlation of earthquake occurrences. Our study based on the Diffusion Entropy Analysis (DEA) shows that there is positive correlation when the event time series is sampled by a time unit ranging from 120 to 1800 min. Also in the range of the time unit, two-slope feature in the determination of scaling exponent in DEA is observed, and the scenario is demonstrated by the simulations of synthetic earthquake sequence generated by the Copying Mistake Map model. Our simulation suggests that the earthquake sequence may consist of a randomness sequence and a correlated sequence, and the latter contributes to the correlation observed in our analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The management of food garbage is of great importance because of its high energy consumption, potential environmental hazards and public health risks. In Taiwan, through the competent authorities at all levels and the citizens’ participation in sorting household wastes, many recycling efforts have recently been implemented to further utilize it as available resources such as swine feeds and organic fertilizer by composting. As a result, a total of approximately 570 thousand metric tons was recycled with a recycling ratio of about 21.2% on a basis of food garbage generation in 2006, rising over 22% from a year earlier. These figures showed that compulsory garbage sorting has indeed dramatically increased the recycling of food garbage. The objective of this paper is to present and discuss some management considerations in turning food garbage into agricultural resources due to the compulsory garbage sorting directive in Taiwan. The description first aims at the current status in food garbage generation and its recycling, and at the regulatory polices which have become effective since 2000. It also centers on the environmental and agricultural measures on upgrading food garbage recycling. Based on the preliminary analysis of environmental benefit by the Revised 1996 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, it is obvious that composting food garbage is superior to that by traditional treatments (i.e., incineration and sanitary landfill) from the viewpoint of reducing greenhouse gases (i.e., CO2 and CH4) emissions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Taipei Municipal City (TMC) began implementing a policy of a plastic-bag-based disposal fee for household solid waste treatment in July 2000, while other counties kept their same charge of a disposal fee based on potable water consumption. Taiwan''s EPA has highly valued the outcome of TMC''s new policy and has thus required all counties to follow TMC in employing a policy of a plastic-bag-based disposal fee accompanied by a compulsory sorting system. We attempt to verify whether the new policy implemented by TMC is successful in the reduction of general waste collected and then we seek to identify what other factors contribute to such a successful result. This paper provides a general overview of household waste management practices employed in Taiwan and the changes of household waste collected over time through simple statistical analysis and management practices, including evaluating waste recovery and recycling initiatives. The authors employ statistical analysis to verify TMC''s new policy and to examine the factors that affect its success in addition to the policy changes through a test on the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC). We separate the data into three groups: TMC, non-TMC regions, and the pooled data (combination of TMC and non-TMC). The results show that: (1) the policy of a plastic-bag-based disposal fee is significantly effective in the reduction of general waste collected; and (2) the per capita household solid waste collected in both regions (TMC and non-TMC) is significantly related with household incomes in an EKC relationship. However, the test of EKC relationships on the pooled data is not significant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Health risk assessment (HRA) has been recognized as a useful tool for identifying health risks of human activities. In particular, this method has been well applied to spatially defined units, such as a production plant, a treatment facility, and a contaminated site. However, the management strategies based on the risk information will be more efficient if the comprehensive picture of total risks from all kinds of sources is depicted. In principle, the total risks can be obtained when all risk sources are assessed individually. Apparently, this approach demands huge amount of efforts. This study develops a methodology that combines substance flow and risk estimation to facilitate examination of risk in a systemic way and provide comprehensive understanding of risk generation and distribution corresponding to flows of substances in the anthroposphere and the environment. Substance flow analysis (SFA) and HRA method is integrated to produce a systemic risk assessment method, from which substance management schemes can be derived. In this study, the chromium cycle in Taiwan is used as an example to demonstrate the method, by which the associated substance flow in the economy and the risk caused by the substance in the environmental system is determined. The concentrations of pollutants in the environmental media, the resultant risks and hazard quotients are calculated with the widely-used CalTOX multimedia model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions are becoming significant energy and environmental issues relating to energy consumption in Taiwan. The nation, although not a party to the Montreal Protocol and Kyoto Protocol, has diligently strived to mitigate the emissions and phase out use of the responsible materials. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are now mostly used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, are the main GHGs associated with strong global warming potential. The objective of this paper is to present an overview of the industrial/commercial uses of HFCs in Taiwan. Because of their high impacts on climate change, the description is then centered on estimating the potential emissions of HFCs according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) method and the governmental organizations responses to the United Nations’ Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The regulatory systems relating to HFCs mitigation and energy conservation and energy policies and promotion measures for providing technological assistances and financial incentives in the energy management, resource recovery and HFCs reduction/recycling technologies are also addressed in the paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Taiwan is a high energy-dependent nation with about 97% of our energy needs supplied by imported fuels in 2002. Environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions are becoming significant environmental issues in the country. In this regard, renewable energy is thus becoming attractive in recent years based on the energy policy for the sustainable development and environmental pollution mitigation in Taiwan. In response to the balance between economic development, energy supply stability and environment protection, the Energy Commission under the Ministry of Economic Affairs has issued the Renewable Energy Development Plan in 2001. The objective of this paper is to present an updated overview of current utilization and future development on renewable energy, including biomass energy, solar energy (i.e., photovoltaic power and solar water heating), wind energy and geothermal energy. The description is first centered on energy production/consumption situation and greenhouse gas emissions status, and then concerned with renewable energy utilization in terms of environmental impacts, especially in air pollution. Finally, we present the promotion measures related to the renewable energy utilization under the government regulations, industrial policy, financial incentives and funding supports. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]