Report: 9.1 million in Taiwan live near petrochemical plants

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Nearly 40% of Taiwan's population faces heightened air pollution risks from living within 5 kilometers of petrochemical facilities, according to a comprehensive Greenpeace (綠色和平) report released Tuesday (Aug. 26). The environmental organization's analysis revealed that approximately 9.1 million residents are exposed to emissions from 191 petrochemical plants scattered across 13 counties and cities. The findings underscore the widespread industrial footprint threatening public health across the island nation.

The report's data reveals that high-risk zones encompass 1.15 million children and 1.59 million elderly residents, alongside 4,067 schools and care institutions. Petrochemical plants concentrate near densely populated areas, with Kaohsiung City hosting 50 facilities that expose approximately 1.6 million residents to pollution risks. Taoyuan City and Tainan City each accommodate 31 facilities, placing roughly 1.98 million and 1.58 million residents respectively within the dangerous 5-kilometer radius of industrial emissions.

Expanding the risk exposure zone to 10 kilometers would affect 15.72 million people, representing approximately 70% of Taiwan's total population. Chang Kai-ting (張凱婷), head of Greenpeace's plastic reduction project, noted that 99% of global plastics derive from fossil fuels, with every production step generating significant greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. The report emphasizes urgent regulatory needs to address health impacts from Taiwan's petrochemical industry, a crucial export sector for the island's economy. ◼