Air pollution has been a critical issue in Taiwan for several decades, and it continues to be a major concern for the country today. Taiwan's rapid industrialization and urbanization, coupled with its geography and weather patterns, have created a perfect storm for air pollution. The country is located in a region prone to typhoons and monsoons, which can exacerbate pollution levels by carrying pollutants from mainland China and other neighboring countries.

The history of air pollution in Taiwan dates back to the 1960s, when rapid industrialization brought about significant economic growth, but also resulted in severe environmental problems. The government began to take measures to address air pollution in the 1970s, including the establishment of the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) in 1987. However, despite these efforts, air pollution in Taiwan remains a major challenge.

In recent years, the focus of air pollution in Taiwan has shifted to PM2.5, a type of fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems. In 2019, the EPA reported that PM2.5 concentrations in Taiwan had reached an average of 24 micrograms per cubic meter, exceeding the World Health Organization's recommended limit of 10 micrograms per cubic meter.

Air pollution in Taiwan comes from various sources, including industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, power plants, and biomass burning. For instance, Taichung, the second-largest city in Taiwan, has been identified as one of the most polluted cities in the world, primarily due to its coal-fired power plants. The transportation sector is also a significant contributor to air pollution, accounting for approximately 30% of total emissions in Taiwan. The complexity of air pollution sources in Taiwan highlights the need for a multifaceted approach to addressing the problem. It is not enough to focus solely on one sector or source of pollution. Instead, comprehensive policies and measures must be implemented to reduce emissions across all sectors.

Air pollution in Taiwan has been linked to a range of health problems, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.  The health impacts of air pollution in Taiwan highlight the urgency of addressing this issue. Not only is air pollution a significant environmental problem, but it is also a public health crisis. It is essential to implement effective measures to reduce emissions and improve air quality to protect the health of the Taiwanese people.

The Taiwanese government has implemented several policies and regulations to reduce air pollution, including setting emission standards for vehicles and power plants, promoting clean energy sources, and establishing low emission zones in urban areas. Government policies and regulations have been essential in addressing air pollution in Taiwan. However, it is important to ensure that these policies are effectively implemented and enforced to achieve their intended goals.

Technological innovations, such as electric vehicles, solar energy, and carbon capture and storage, have the potential to significantly reduce air pollution in Taiwan. For instance, the Taiwanese government has set a target of having 20% of all vehicles on the road be electric by 2025.