Taiwan's environmental movement has developed alongside the process of democratization. Beginning with anti-pollution protests in the early 1980s, it has gradually formed a diversified network of environmental actions. These movements are not merely about simple environmental protection; they reflect deeper reflections within Taiwanese society regarding development models, quality of life, and intergenerational justice.
The Incubation Period: Anti-Pollution Protests (1s 1980s–1990s)
The origins of Taiwan's environmental movement can be traced back to several major pollution incidents in the 1980s. In 1982, students from National Taiwan University protested against a DuPont plant in Lukang, becoming an early symbol of the environmental movement. This was followed by the Houjin light oil protests and the Meinong anti-reservoir movement, both demonstrating direct public backlash against heavy industrial pollution.
Environmental movements during this period were heavily characterized by "anti-development" sentiments. The public faced direct health threats: air pollution, deteriorating water quality, and heavy metal contamination of soil. In 1986, the "Green Oyster" incident revealed heavy metal pollution along the coast of Tainan, drawing nationwide attention. At that time, Taiwan was in its phase of rapid economic takeoff; the mindset of "economic development first, environmental protection later" dominated policymaking, and environmental protests were often viewed as obstacles to progress.
The Environmental Defense Alliance was established in 1987, becoming Taiwan's first nationwide environmental organization. Its founding philosophy—"to preserve a clean Taiwan for our descendants"—reflected the era's societal reflection on the costs of development.
The Sustained Frontline of the Anti-Nuclear Movement
Taiwan's anti-nuclear movement began in the 1980s and has continued for over thirty years. Following the 1985 Chernobyl disaster, anti-nuclear sentiment in Taiwan intensified. In 1988, the "I Love Taiwan Anti-Nuclear Grand Parade" attracted tens of thousands of participants, becoming a major milestone in Taiwan's environmental history.
The controversy surrounding the Fourth Nuclear Power Plant (Nuke 4) became the core battlefield of the anti-nuclear movement. From its construction start in 1999 to its decommissioning in 2014, and later the 2021 referendum to restart it, the Nuke 4 issue has spanned different governments and generations. In 2000, the Chen Shui-bian administration announced the suspension of the plant's construction, but work resumed under pressure from the Legislative Yuan and opposition parties. In 2014, the Ma Ying-jeou administration decided to decommission Nuke 4, and in 2021, the "Nuke 4 Restart" referendum was defeated, temporarily bringing a period of closure to this controversy.
A characteristic of the anti-nuclear movement is intergenerational participation. From early scholars and experts to the later Alliance of Mothers and Professors, student clubs, and more recently, the youth generation, there are channels for involvement across different age groups. The annual anti-nuclear parade every March has become a major annual event in Taiwan's environmental movement.
The Long Battle Against Air Pollution
Taiwan's air pollution issues began receiving serious attention in the late 1990s. Petrochemical industrial zones, thermal power plants, and steel mills in central and southern Taiwan caused severe air quality problems. After the World Health Organization classified PM2.5 as a Group 1 carcinogen in 2015, public concern regarding air pollution reached new heights.
The Taichung Thermal Power Plant became a focal point of anti-pollution protests. As the world's largest coal-fired power plant, it emits approximately 55 million tons of carbon dioxide annually. Frequent conflicts between local and central governments over coal reduction policies reflect the complexity of energy transition.
Air pollution in the Kaohsiung area is even more complex. The Dalin-Pulin (大林蒲) area is surrounded by petrochemical industrial zones, leaving local residents facing long-scale health risks. In 2018, the Kaohsiung City Government launched a village relocation plan for Dalin-Pulin, but progress has been slow, demonstrating that resolving environmental justice issues requires greater political will.
In Changhua County, air quality is chronically poor due to its proximity to the Taichung Thermal Power Plant and its own local industrial pollution. Local environmental groups have promoted the "Changhua Coal Reduction Alliance," demanding that the government actively reduce coal-fired power generation.
The Rise of Marine Protection Awareness
Taiwan is surrounded by sea on all sides, but emphasis on marine protection arrived relatively late. Starting in the 1990s, marine pollution gradually gained attention. The 2000 Amoco Cadiz-style oil spill from a cargo ship caused severe pollution in the Kenting waters, serving as a turning point for marine protection in Taiwan.
Marine waste became a focal point in the 2010s. According to statistics from the Environmental Protection Administration, approximately 14,000 metric tons of trash are cleaned from Taiwan's coasts annually, with plastic products accounting for about 70%. This data led society to confront the "marine plastic" problem.
The coral reef ecosystems in Taiwanese waters also face threats. Coral reefs in Kenting, Green Island, and Lanyu are experiencing bleaching due to climate change, pollution, and overdevelopment. Marine conservation organizations have begun promoting coral restoration projects, though their effectiveness remains to be seen.
The protection of cetaceans is another important dimension. Taiwan's waters are home to 32 species of whales and dolphins, but fishing activities, vessel noise, and habitat destruction pose threats to them. Organizations such as the Formosan Whaledoes Association (中華鯨豚協會) promote the rescue and conservation of cetaceans and advocate for the establishment of marine protected areas.
Universal Participation in the Plastic Reduction Movement
In 201andum 2018, the government began implementing "plastic restrictions," with chain stores no longer providing plastic bags for free. This policy triggered a "plastic reduction movement," transforming from a government regulation into a nationwide movement.
The hallmark of the plastic reduction movement is its "lifestyle" integration. Unlike issues like anti-nuclear or anti-pollution protests that require specialized knowledge, plastic reduction is an environmental action everyone can participate in. Bringing one's own shopping bags, using reusable cups, and refusing single-use utensils have become new social trends.
Environmental groups promote the "Plastic-Free Ocean" project, combining beach cleanups, educational outreach, and policy advocacy. Organizations such as the Wild at Heart Wilderness Society (荒野保護協會) and the Black Tide Marine Conservation Foundation (黑潮海洋文教基金會) regularly organize beach cleaning activities. These events attract a large number of volunteers, including corporate employees, student clubs, and the general public.
Convenience stores and bubble tea shops have become key sites for implementing plastic reduction policies. Since 2021, many chain beverage shops have banned plastic straws, replacing them with paper or biodegradable materials. Although this initially caused consumer complaints, it has gradually gained acceptance.
New Characteristics of Contemporary Environmental Movements
Entering the 21st century, Taiwan's environmental movement exhibits several new characteristics:
Diversification of Issues: Expanding from single-issue pollution protests to dimensions such as climate change, biodiversity, and environmental justice. Emerging organizations like the Youth Climate Alliance and the Taiwan Environmental Planning Association focus on broader environmental issues.
Generational Succession: The younger generation participates in environmental movements through social media and street activism. On the 2019 Global Climate Action Day, students in Taiwan responded with "Climate Strikes," demonstrating the intergenerational transmission of environmental awareness.
Scientific Discourse: Environmental groups place greater importance on scientific evidence, collaborating with academia to conduct environmental monitoring and health risk assessments. The promotion of air pollution issues relies heavily on health data and epidemiological research.
Policy Engagement: Shifting from past protest models toward policy advocacy and oversight. Environmental groups actively participate in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and policy consultations, attempting to drive reform within the institutional framework.
International Connectivity: Taiwanese environmental groups have begun participating in international environmental networks, engaging in exchanges and cooperation with environmental organizations in the Asia-Pacific region. Global issues such as climate change and marine protection are driving local movements to align with international standards.
Challenges and Outlook
Taiwan's environmental movement faces several ongoing challenges:
Economic Development Pressure: In the context of global competition, balancing environmental protection with economic growth remains difficult. Energy transition and industrial restructuring both require long-term planning and social consensus.
Risk of Politicization: Environmental issues are susceptible to politicization, which affects policy continuity. Nuclear energy policy is a clear example, as political stances shift depending on which party is in power.
Generational Differences in Values: Differing perceptions of environmental values across generations affect the social foundation for promoting policies.
Resource Constraints: Compared to corporations and the government, environmental groups have limited resources, affecting the scale and sustainability of their actions.
Over forty years of development, Taiwan's environmental movement has evolved from protests against pollution into diverse actions seeking sustainable development. This process reflects a shift in Taiwanese societal values: from pursuing rapid growth to valuing quality of life; from individual interest to intergenerational responsibility. The next step for the environmental movement will be how to establish more effective environmental governance mechanisms within a democratic system.
Further Reading:
- Discussions on Taiwan and Nuclear Energy — How the anti-nuclear movement grew out of the environmental movement and was reshuffled by the climate generation: A complete debate history of forty years and three referendums.
- Taiwan's Climate Crisis and Net-Zero Transition — How environmental awareness transforms into national-level net-zero transition policies and energy structure restructuring.
References
- Taiwan Environmental and Land Research Center — Research on the history and development of Taiwan's environmental movement.
- Green Citizens' Action League — Anti-nuclear movement and environmental policy advocacy.
- Wild at Heart Wilderness Society — Nature conservation and environmental education.
- Culinary Women's Association Environmental Protection Foundation — Lifestyle environmentalism and policy oversight.
- Taiwan Environmental Information Network — Environmental news and issue reporting.
- Environmental Rights Protection Foundation — Environmental law and public interest litigation.
- Environmental Protection Administration, Executive Yuan Statistical Data — Official data on air quality, waste management, etc.
- An Introduction to Taiwan's Environmental Movement, by He Ming-hsiu, Qunxue Publishing, 2006.
- The Anti-Nuclear Movement and Taiwanese Society, by Fan Yun et al., Taiwan Social Research Press, 2014.