Environment Minister criticizes roadside sunshades, advocates for trees

Taiwan's Minister of Environment, Peng Chi-ming, has publicly questioned the effectiveness of roadside sunshades installed in major cities like Taipei, New Taipei, and Kaohsiung, stating they do not solve the core problem of urban heat.

During a media event in Kaohsiung, Peng suggested that planting trees is the superior long-term strategy for mitigating rising temperatures in urban environments. He pointed out that while sunshades offer immediate relief, the extensive use of concrete in city infrastructure, particularly at intersections, traps heat and hinders natural cooling processes.

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Artificial shade has a lot of concrete, it cannot solve the problem.

Peng elaborated that if planting trees at intersections proves difficult due to space constraints, cities should focus on reducing the amount of concrete. He believes that increasing green spaces and improving air circulation through trees will provide more sustainable and effective cooling than artificial shade structures. The minister acknowledged that sunshades are a way to care for citizens but reiterated that a greater emphasis on afforestation is essential for future climate resilience.

The minister's comments come as several cities have invested in sunshades to combat the heat, sparking a debate about the best approaches to urban climate adaptation. Peng's stance highlights a preference for natural solutions over purely structural interventions.

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In the long run, planting more trees to improve air circulation is the way to cool down and have more shade.