In this paper we use the Divisia index approach to decompose emission changes of SO2, NOx and CO2 from major economic sectors in Taiwan during 1980 to 1992. The study highlights the interrelationships between energy use and environmental quality, and provides insights for policy making. The emission changes are decomposed into five components-pollution coefficient, fuel mix, energy intensity, economic growth and industrial structure. Of all components analyzed, economic growth had the largest positive effect on emission changes for Taiwan＇s major economic sectors. Emissions of SO2 in industry and other sectors showed a decreasing trend due to fuel quality improvements and pollution control. However, NOx and CO2 emissions increased sharply in all sectors. Comparisons were also made with Germany, Japan and USA. This study has shown that improvement in energy efficiency, pollution control and fuel substitution are major options to reduce SO2, NOx and CO2 emissions.