Taiwan is making significant efforts and is committed to addressing the urgent issue of climate change and achieving a net-zero future in collaboration with the international community. Taiwan is not just part of the solution; it is an innovative, reliable, and trustworthy partner. Taiwan can apply its expertise to programs in fields such as disaster relief, disaster prevention, the environment, medicine, public health, and green energy. In response to the impact of climate change, Taiwan, under the leadership of President Tsai Ing-wen, has taken concrete steps to combat this global challenge. Notably, in February of this year, President Tsai announced the Climate Change Response Act, which legally establishes Taiwan's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This underscores Taiwan's unwavering determination to reduce emissions and build a sustainable future. The government of Taiwan is actively implementing a range of strategies, including the establishment of a carbon pricing mechanism and financial incentives to guide businesses towards sustainable, low-carbon development.
The recently published "Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions in 2050" outlines 12 key strategies for the net-zero transition, focusing on areas such as sustainable energy, carbon reduction, circular economy, and humanities and social sciences.
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Taiwan has already made progress in energy transition, with a consistent annual improvement in energy intensity and a notable rise in energy efficiency, ranking eighth in the world. Furthermore, Taiwan's installed capacity of renewable energy has experienced significant growth, outperforming its neighbors. The government's commitment to maximizing the development of green power and future-oriented energy is driving Taiwan towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape. The recent restructuring of Taiwan's Environmental Protection Administration into the Ministry of Environment reflects the dedication to consolidating environmental authorities and enhancing administrative capacity. The formation of the Climate Change Administration is a coordinated effort to respond to climate change and reduce greenhouse gases. In addition to domestic efforts, Taiwan is proactively engaged with international trends, such as carbon border adjustment mechanisms and green supply chain requirements. The establishment of the Taiwan Carbon Solution Exchange in August further demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting low-carbon transition, green finance, and sustainable development. Despite facing obstacles on the international stage, Taiwan is committed to contributing to the global community. The call for Taiwan's inclusion in international cooperation mechanisms and negotiations related to the Paris Agreement reflects its aspiration to work collaboratively with the international community to address the pressing issue of climate change. Paul Chen is the director general of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Guam.
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