Difficult to Plant Trees at Intersections, Peng Chi-ming: Still Advocate for More Planting Long-Term

(Central News Agency Reporter Hong Hsueh-kuang Kaohsiung July 4) Unbearable heat has led Kaohsiung, New Taipei, and Taipei to successively install pedestrian sunshades. Minister of Environment Peng Chi-ming stated today that planting trees at urban intersections is difficult, and while installing sunshades is a way to care for the public, planting more trees is still better in the long run.

Taiwan's summers are hot, making it difficult for pedestrians and motorcyclists waiting at red lights. New Taipei City, Kaohsiung City, and Taipei City have recently chosen to pilot large sunshades on some road sections. Kaohsiung City uses a manual system that requires manual opening, costing approximately NT$275,000. New Taipei City and Taipei City opted for electric systems that can automatically open and close, with higher costs.

Peng Chi-ming, who was in Kaohsiung this morning to attend the opening press conference of the "2026 Taiwan-Japan Anti-High Temperature Alliance - Cool Comfort Carnival," told reporters after the event that many cities build canopies in intersections or places where trees cannot be planted, but planting trees is still the best solution.

He admitted that if a sunny area cannot have trees planted and has become concrete, efforts must be made to reduce it, as concrete cannot cool down. In the long term, planting more trees and improving air circulation are the ways to cool down and provide more shade.

Peng Chi-ming stated that planting trees at urban intersections is somewhat difficult, which is why many countries install sunshades. While this is a way to care for the public, planting more trees will still be better in the long run. (Editor: Lung Po-an) 1150704

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