The Ministry of Labour issued a warning on Tuesday, 22 October, that Taiwan could face 28,000 job losses by 2045 if carbon reduction efforts remain stagnant.
This prediction is based on a study analysing employment strategies in eight countries, including the US, Japan, and Germany, to assess potential labour impacts from Taiwan’s net-zero transition.
A ministry official, Lin Shih-teng, noted that the 2023 study assumed a carbon fee starting at NT$300. She said the net-zero policy’s impact on most industries would remain within a 5% margin, but energy-intensive sectors like gravel and petroleum could experience significant effects.
Lin emphasised that the study only considered carbon fees and renewable energy development, not other reduction measures such as carbon trading. She highlighted that additional measures could drive innovation and expand carbon reduction effects, fostering industry growth and job creation. Lin also observed a growing demand for personnel with carbon management and engineering expertise. Additionally, companies are upgrading equipment and improving high-temperature and high-pollution work environments.
More than 70% of businesses understand the government’s 2050 net-zero emissions policy, though preparation levels vary, with larger firms showing greater awareness. The survey revealed that 89% of companies maintained their human capital, while 10% reported an increase. Over half of the businesses identified a need for more technical expertise and insufficient funds as major challenges in achieving net-zero emissions. — TVBS
