Supporting Taiwan’s professional, pragmatic, and constructive participation in the UNFCCC
1. Introduction
The dangerous impact of climate change on humanity is becoming increasingly apparent and urgent, as evidenced by such phenomena as the wildfires this year in Maui, Hawaii, and the record-high temperatures worldwide in July. As United Nations Secretary-General Antόnio Guterres stated, we have transitioned from an era of global warming to one of global boiling. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan has launched a series of actions this year to combat climate change.
2. Demonstrating Taiwan’s commitment
2.1. Enacting the Climate Change Response Act
President Tsai Ing-wen announced the amendment and renaming of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act, which became the Climate Change Response Act on February 15 of this year, making Taiwan the 18th country in the world to codify the 2050 net-zero emissions goal into law. This not only strengthens the foundation of Taiwan’s climate legislation, it also demonstrates our commitment to addressing global climate change and fulfilling our joint responsibility to protect the planet.
2.2. Enhancing climate governance capacity
In response to international net-zero emissions trends and environmental changes worldwide, Taiwan has accelerated its efforts to enhance government capacity. On August 22, 2023, the Environmental Protection Administration was restructured, becoming the Ministry of Environment. The Climate Change Administration and the Resource Circulation Administration were also established to integrate the handling of environmental issues, including climate change, resource circulation, chemical substance management, environmental quality management, and the strengthening of environmental technology research. This restructuring aims to more effectively promote policies related to the green transition and sustainable development.
2.3. Establishing the Taiwan Carbon Solution Exchange
Taiwan officially established the Taiwan Carbon Solution Exchange on August 7 of this year, joining the ranks of countries with carbon trading platforms. Through the trading and circulation of carbon credits in the market, this initiative aims to create incentives for businesses to reduce their carbon emissions. It assists industries in meeting international supply chain requirements and carbon reduction targets, accelerating the transition to net-zero emissions. It also encourages the development of low-carbon technologies and talent cultivation, creating a virtuous cycle for the green economy overall.
2.4. Bolstering cooperation on climate adaptation with island nations
On July 19, 2023, Taiwan hosted the first Pacific Climate Change Forum in Taipei, inviting representatives from Pacific island nations and like-minded countries to discuss climate adaptation issues. At the forum, Taiwan signed the first Joint Statement on Combating Climate Change with the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, and Tuvalu. Taiwan also plans to establish a just transition fund with these four countries to strengthen cooperation on climate adaptation with island nations.
2.5. Aligning with international climate governance
In response to the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and supply-chain decarbonization trends, Taiwan has accelerated efforts to implement carbon pricing and carbon inventory mechanisms. Moreover, as an important link in the global supply chain, Taiwan has incorporated environmental issues into negotiations with the United States under the Taiwan-US Initiative on 21st-Century Trade and with the United Kingdom for the Enhanced Trade Partnership. This will ensure that Taiwan and like-minded partners continue to further promote international trade and contribute to global environmental sustainability, thereby aligning with international climate governance.
3. Calling for Taiwan’s participation in the UNFCCC
Climate change does not discriminate, and mechanisms to address climate change such as the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement should not discriminate against Taiwan due to political reasons. Taiwan has never shirked its responsibilities. Like other countries, it should be given equal opportunities to participate in the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement. In the spirit of professionalism, pragmatism, and making contributions, we urge countries worldwide to back Taiwan’s participation in the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) of the UNFCCC, to be held in Dubai from November 30 to December 12. Support Taiwan in working with the international community toward a net-zero world.