National Land Greening Briefing Kicks Off in Chiayi, Ministry of Environment Invites Tree Planting

(Central News Agency, Chiayi City, June 29) The Ministry of Environment's first "National Land Greening Climate Adaptation Plan Briefing" was held today at National Chiayi University. Minister Peng Chi-ming stated that in the face of extreme high-temperature climate, we must unite the public consensus to build a resilient green network for the nation that cools and mitigates disasters, and invites everyone to plant trees together.

Peng Chi-ming told reporters that President Lai Ching-te sent him a document more than half a year ago asking to "plant trees together." He initially questioned, "Isn't this the job of the Ministry of Agriculture?" Later, President Lai said this should be handled from the perspective of climate change. Planting trees can increase shade, lower temperatures, and reduce air conditioner use. Therefore, the Ministry of Environment is collaborating with relevant ministries and agencies to promote increased national land greening across Taiwan.

Peng Chi-ming stated that after the Ministry of Environment reported to the Presidential Office's Climate Change Countermeasures Committee, the Executive Yuan established the "Urban Forest" Promotion Committee. Now, the Ministry of Environment is seeking cooperation from various county and city governments, as well as township and district offices, to promote "Urban Forests." The goal is to gather everyone's opinions within six months and launch a national-level "Urban Forest" plan by the end of the year, with implementation starting next year.

National Chiayi University President Lin Han-chien expressed his hope that through the Ministry of Environment's briefing, the public will gain a better understanding of tree planting. Forestry management is a strength of National Chiayi University, and the university hopes to join forces with the Ministry of Environment, the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, the Water Resources Agency, the National Park Service, county and city governments, and private enterprises to plant trees and contribute more effort.

Lin Han-chien gave an example, stating that 32 old trees and 2,000 mahogany trees on Shixian Road in Chiayi City are under the control of National Chiayi University. The university can assist various units in researching and promoting tree planting matters, and ensure the strong and sustainable survival of trees.

Chang Ken-mu, Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Environment's Climate Change Administration, stated that a recent 7-year comprehensive Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) monitoring analysis released by the research team of the Research Center for Environmental Changes at Academia Sinica shows that Chiayi has one of the highest heat stress risks in Taiwan. National Chiayi University itself is a forest, so the briefing started here. The next session will move to Kaohsiung, with an estimated 50 sessions to be held.

The first "National Land Greening Climate Adaptation Plan and Promotion of Woody Resource Recycling Briefing" featured presentations by Chang Ken-mu and others, attracting over a hundred attendees. The briefing also included an online live stream for the public to understand Taiwan's current climate challenges and the government's proposed countermeasures. (Editor: Kuan Chung-wei) 1150629

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