Following the third reading and passage of the Ministry of Environment Organization Act by the Legislative Yuan, and its official promulgation by the President on May 24, the Executive Yuan's Environmental Protection Administration was formally restructured as the Ministry of Environment on June 22. The inauguration ceremony included the official appointment of Minister Shieu Fuh-sheng. Under the witness of distinguished guests, Premier Chen Chien-jen presented the appointment order and official seal to Minister Shieu. President Tsai Ing-wen, Premier Chen Chien-jen, Assistant Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Jane Nishida, and other esteemed guests joined Minister Shieu for the unveiling of the ministry's plaque, marking the completion of the inauguration. On the same day, the heads of the departments under the Ministry of Environment were also officially appointed and sworn-in, leading Taiwan into a new epoch of environmental protection with a focus on sustainable development.
The establishment of the Ministry of Environment is in response to critical concerns such as achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, improving air quality, resource circulation, and chemical substance management. The official environmental strategy has shifted from controlling pollution to preventive management, integrating responsibilities and expanding operations, and systematically addressing the five major environmental issues.
The ministry stated that to accelerate Taiwan's response to climate change, a dedicated Climate Change Administration is established. The management of industrial waste recycling is consolidated and resource circulation strengthened with the establishment of the Resource Circulation Administration. Comprehensive chemical substance management in the country will be handled by the newly formed Chemicals Administration. Moreover, the Environmental Management Administration is designed to enhance waste treatment facility coordination and environmental quality management. Additionally, the National Environmental Research Academy is established to bolster environmental research capabilities and elevate the expertise for reaching net-zero targets. The ministry's primary aim is to "actively address global environmental challenges and create transitional opportunities for Taiwan."
The inception of the ministry reflects the government's increased effectiveness in promoting green economy and sustainable development policies. With continuing environmental education and campaigns, the ministry aims to raise the public’s environmental awareness . Moving steadfastly towards the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, the ministry pledges to ensure that future generations would have a clean and healthy environment.
Sources: Ministry of Environment
