Reported 9 months ago
The Ministry of Environment recently published suggestions to avoid planting 15 tree species that produce isoprene, a precursor to ozone, sparking discussions across various sectors. As air quality regulations in Taiwan have been tightening, with ozone surpassing PM2.5 as a key air pollutant, the Ministry advised against planting these tree species. Discussions with experts and scholars will be held to examine suitable tree species for Taiwan's environment. However, some believe the focus should be on regulating coal-fired power plants and vehicle emissions of nitrogen oxides, warning about misplacing priorities. While trees can help improve air quality by trapping suspended particles, certain species may emit isoprene, a key precursor to ozone. The Ministry, though not enforcing tree planting, encourages planting trees that do not emit such chemicals. Discussions are also ongoing on improving guidelines for tree planting practices considering various factors such as landscape, air purification, and impact on air pollution, as the Ministry aims to positively contribute to air quality improvement.
Source: YAHOO