We will enter the 21st century next year and can expect to see some very serious environmental problems.
Water pollution will worsen, because the amount of domestic and industrial waste water is on the rise, while the construction of underground water sewerages remains slow.
Air pollution will worsen, because the number of automobiles and motorcycles, the volume of traffic and the number of construction projects and factories will continue to increase.
Waste disposal and the illegal dumping of harmful industrial wastes will continue to worsen, because the amount of waste in general and toxic industrial waste produced will continue to increase, as a result of the increase in domestic consumption and industrial production.
The destruction of the ecosystem will worsen, because the amount of wilderness is decreasing as the sphere of development expands.
Although much progress has been made in the passage of environmental protection laws as a result of the increasing attention paid to environmental problems by the government and the general public, the enforcement of these laws has been less than effective. A primary reason for the inability to improve environmental problems is the government's economic-oriented policy and the priority given to money-making by the entire society.
The following is a summary of the major development projects or policies which will influence Taiwan's environment:
The expansion of the petro-chemical industry -- The numerous factories that make up Formosa Plastics' sixth naphtha cracker (
The expansion of the high-tech industry -- In the early years, high-tech manufacturers simply assembled imported parts so the pollution produced was low. The industry has gradually moved upstream with the establishment of wafer and component manufacturers. As the chemical production process used by the industry becomes increasingly sophisticated, the amount of harmful chemicals (such as toxic gases and solvents), resources and water increases as well. The risk of environmental pollution becomes increasingly high.
The increase of waste incineration -- The government's waste disposal policy focuses on incineration. Besides building large-size incinerators, the Environmental Protection Bureau also helps local governments and encourages the private sector to build small-size incinerators. Although burning reduces the volume of waste, it also produces ash management, air pollution and carbon dioxide discharge problems.
Ash must be buried under the earth. Air pollutants contain dioxide, which poses a severe threat to the health and fertility of the public. The discharge of carbon dioxide contributes to the global-warming effect. In addition, a certain amount of waste is necessary to keep the incinerators running. This runs counter to the policy of waste reduction and recycling.
The increase of resort-development -- To provide additional recreational space, more wilderness will be developed. Not only will the original ecosystem be destroyed but the changes will produce even more pollution.
The decline of agricultural industry -- To enter the WTO, the government has adopted a policy of allowing the agricultural industry to decline. Farm land is gradually being released from usage regulations. This will also change the ecosystem and the landscape.
The use of bio-tech products -- Biological technology from overseas will more than likely enter Taiwan's market under the pressure for free trade, despite health concerns.
Nuclear plants -- Whether the government halts construction of the fourth nuclear plant is key to the future direction of Taiwan's energy policy. In addition, existing nuclear plants are wearing out. The likelihood of break-downs and accidents is growing. Taiwan runs an increasing risk of nuclear disaster.
Although Taiwan faces many problems, we do not have the right to be pessimistic, as long as we wish to continue living on this land. Hopefully, all the friends who feel concerned about Taiwan's ecosystem will stand together and work hard to overcome the challenges of the 21st century.
Shih Hsin-min is a chemistry professor at National Taiwan University and the president of the Environmental Protection Alliance.
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