Assessing CO₂ sources and sinks in and around Taiwan: Implication for achieving regional carbon neutrality by 2050

Abstract

Taiwan has pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, but the current extent of carbon sinks in Taiwan remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to first review the existing nature-based carbon sinks on land and in the oceans around Taiwan. Subsequently, we suggest potential strategies to reduce CO2 emissions and propose carbon dioxide removal methods (CDRs). The natural carbon sinks by forests, sediments, and oceans in and around Taiwan are approximately 21.5, 42.1, and 96.8 Mt-CO2 y(-1), respectively, which is significantly less than Taiwan's CO2 emissions (280 Mt-CO2 y(-1)). Taiwan must consider decarbonization strategies like using electric vehicles, renewable energy, and hydrogen energy by formulating enabling policies. Besides more precisely assessing both terrestrial and marine carbon sinks, Taiwan should develop novel CDRs such as bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, afforestation, reforestation, biochar, seaweed cultivation, and ocean alkalinity enhancement, to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.