The National Environmental Research Academy on Friday partnered with 28 universities and colleges across Taiwan to launch a net-zero “green collar” talent development program. As part of the initiative, four regional training centers will be established in northern, central, southern, and eastern Taiwan. These centers will offer a 48-hour intensive educational program aimed at rapidly narrowing the green talent gap.
To meet Taiwan’s 2050 net-zero emissions target, the government now requires all publicly listed companies to publish sustainability reports outlining their ESG performances. Starting next year, a carbon fee will be introduced for major emitters, including the power, gas, and manufacturing sectors. These measures are fueling strong demand for professionals skilled in carbon audits, emissions reduction, carbon footprinting, and carbon management.
According to the Environment Ministry, nearly 3,600 companies posted green job openings last year, with monthly demand reaching 22,000 – second only to the AI sector’s 29,000.
Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) notes that only 7% of companies currently offer green job positions. But with stricter regulations and mounting international carbon pressures, green job demand is expected to grow one to three-fold within five years and is poised to become Taiwan’s next trillion-dollar industry.