Sustainable Development Goals

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[Climate Change Administration, Ministry of Environment, June 5, 2026]


To address the energy and resource challenges arising from the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and to mark World Environment Day on June 5, the Ministry of Environment and National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) jointly hosted the National Sustainability Roundtable Forum: Sustainable Transformation of the Semiconductor Industry in the Age of AI today (June 5). The forum brought together experts from government, industry, and academia, as well as Chief Sustainability Officers from various government agencies, to discuss the semiconductor industry's growing energy demand, supply chain resilience, and circular economy strategies in the AI era. The event aimed to explore a sustainable development model that balances technological innovation with net-zero ambitions.

Advancing Twin Transitions on World Environment Day and Cultivating Sustainability Talent

In his opening remarks, Minister of Environment Peng Chi-Ming noted that, as a key player in the global semiconductor and AI supply chains, Taiwan faces dual challenges of soaring energy demand and waste management. He emphasized that circular economy principles are essential to supporting sustainable industrial growth.

Minister Peng highlighted that the recently enacted Resource Circulation Promotion Act is now fully aligned with European Union standards. At the same time, Taiwan's carbon fee system has entered the implementation stage, marking a new era of climate governance. He stressed that digital transformation and green transformation are inseparable, and that the Ministry is collaborating with European initiatives to promote the “Green and Digital Twin Transition.”

To strengthen interdisciplinary expertise and talent integration, the Ministry of Environment signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NTHU in 2024, launching sustainability professional training programs and a Global Carbon Pricing Diplomacy Framework. Going forward, the Ministry will continue to support industry through carbon pricing and resource circulation policies, while fostering collaboration among government, industry, and academia to advance Taiwan steadily toward its net-zero goals.

Bringing Together International Perspectives to Shape the “+Taiwan” Sustainability Brand

The Ministry explained that the morning session featured a keynote speech, “Sustainable Innovation Change: Past, Present, and Future,” delivered virtually by Professor Martin Charter of the University for the Creative Arts (UCA), providing participants with an international perspective on sustainability innovation.

During the expert discussions, Professor Chun-Li Hu of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University emphasized that Taiwan should evolve into a “creator of sustainable value” and position itself strategically as a “Trusted Global Sustainability Partner (+Taiwan).” Meanwhile, Chang Feng-Teng, Chairman of the Environment and Development Foundation, stressed that “without energy there is no computing power, and without resources there is no AI.” He called for the implementation of zero-waste practices and water recycling systems, and advocated for an “ecology-first” approach, citing the grass owl conservation platform at the Shalun Ecological Science Park as an example of achieving both economic and environmental benefits.

Aligning with Global Trends Through Innovative Technologies for Green Semiconductors

According to the Ministry of Environment, the afternoon session opened with remarks by Tsai Ling-Yi, Director General of the Climate Change Administration. She noted that the launch of Taiwan’s carbon fee system signifies the arrival of an era in which carbon emissions carry a tangible cost. The semiconductor industry accounts for more than 40% of total carbon fee payments, underscoring its critical role in Taiwan’s economy.

She further pointed out that the latest national greenhouse gas inventory indicates that while Taiwan has made progress in emissions reduction, significant challenges remain. In particular, emissions of fluorinated gases associated with semiconductor manufacturing processes continue to rise. Balancing increasing electricity demand, carbon reduction goals, and industrial competitiveness will therefore be a key challenge in the years ahead.

In the thematic discussions, Dr. Yi-Ching Cheng of the Sustainable Innovation Lab (SILAB), United Kingdom, observed that the world is currently facing a triple crisis of climate change, energy insecurity, and resource scarcity. Dr. Patrick Schröder of Chatham House argued that the circular economy should be elevated to a strategic level, serving not only environmental objectives but also ensuring critical material supply, addressing geopolitical risks, and strengthening supply chain security.

On the technological front, Dr. Chiu-Chu Lai from a domestic research institution presented innovative carbon reduction solutions at the source. These include low-energy hydrogen-rich plasma technologies capable of significantly reducing high-global-warming-potential gases generated during semiconductor manufacturing, as well as advanced resource recovery technologies such as divalent ion electrodialysis for reclaiming wastewater and chemicals. These innovations can help industries achieve green transformation directly from the production stage.

Strengthening Taiwan’s Resilience in Global Sustainable Supply Chains

The Ministry of Environment emphasized that it will continue to deepen sustainability governance, strengthen international and inter-agency collaboration, and promote technological innovation. By transforming resource pressures facing high-tech industries into green competitive advantages, Taiwan aims to enhance its resilience and leadership within the global sustainable supply chain.

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