ABSTRACT
In the face of global warming and rapid climate changes, people around the world pay considerable attention to environmental protection issues. The primary cause of global warming is changes in the amount of greenhouse gases and particulate matters in the atmosphere. Since the Industrial Revolution, human beings have been cutting forests and using considerable fossil fuels to boost economic development. Deforestation devastates natural ecology, and burning fossil fuels increases the emissions of greenhouse gases. The harm of the greenhouse effect and air pollution to human health has garnered international attention. A fundamental factor causing air pollution is the chemical compounds in exhaust gas. Keelung in northeastern Taiwan features a natural terrain surrounded by mountains with an opening to the sea. The terrain makes Keelung an inherent commercial port for international businesses. Following prosperous and globalized economic development and transactions, air pollution of the Port of Keelung gradually exacerbates. West to the outer port lies the Hsieh-Ho Power Plant, which is the only power plant in Taiwan that runs on heavy fuel oil, and its annual emission of carbon dioxide reaches approximately 1.59 million tonne. Under the dual threats of pollutions from the port and the fossil fuel power plant, the health of residents in Keelung City demands imperative solutions. This study considered the unique natural and environmental conditions of Keelung City and investigated the effect of air pollution on the ecology and residents of Keelung. Research results were summarized and explained to provide a reference for relevant governmental departments to stipulate regulations and measures on air pollution, as well as plans to maintain residents’ health in Keelung City.
