Jakarta – indonesiatoday.co – Taiwan stands ready to work with international partners to jointly achieve a clean zero transition, mobilize global climate action, and ensure a sustainable environment for future generations. The statement was made by the Minister of the Environment of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Chang Tzi-chin, in a press release in Jakarta, Tuesday (8/11/2022).
Chang Tzi-chin said, as the 21st largest economy in the world, Taiwan has an important influence on the prosperity and economic stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
“In particular, the Taiwan semiconductor industry occupies an important position in the international supply chain. This industrial sector is actively reducing the use of energy resources in the production process by developing new technologies and methods,” he said.
He mentioned that the semiconductor innovation that continues to develop in Taiwan has offered many smart applications through electronic devices and promoted global energy saving.
“Taiwan is making substantial climate efforts and is actively advancing the energy transition. By May 2022, cumulative renewable energy capacity has reached 12.3 GW, a significant increase of 60 percent from 2016,” he explained.
“From 2005 to 2020, Taiwan’s GDP (gross domestic product) grew by 79 percent. During the same period, the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions fell 45 percent, indicating that economic growth has been separated from greenhouse gas emissions,” continued Chang Tzi- chin.
He revealed, during Earth Day on April 22, 2021, President Tsai Ing-wen announced, Taiwan aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. In March 2022, the government issued guidelines “Taiwan’s Steps Towards Net Zero Emissions by 2050”.
According to him, the guide outlines four main transition strategies in the energy, industry, lifestyle and society sectors, based on the two governances of “research and development (R&D)” and “climate law”.
“The strategy is complemented by 12 main sub-strategies, namely wind and solar power, hydrogen, innovative energy, power systems and energy storage, energy conservation and efficiency, carbon capture, utilization and storage, carbon-free vehicles and electricity, resource recycling. and zero waste, natural carbon sinks, green lifestyles, green finance and justice transitions.”
He said that by integrating intergovernmental resources, Taiwan would develop a step-by-step plan to achieve its targets.
“In building the technological R&D foundation needed to achieve a clean zero transition, Taiwan will focus on five areas, namely sustainable energy, low carbon, circularity, carbon negativity, and social knowledge,” he said.
“The Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act is being amended and will be renamed the Climate Change Management Act,” continued Chang Tzi-chin.
He also believes that the amendment will make net zero emissions by 2050 a long-term national target can increase the effectiveness of climate governance, improve climate change adaptation, strengthen information disclosure and public participation. In addition, it can introduce a carbon pricing mechanism.
“The law will provide economic incentives to reduce emissions, guide low-carbon green growth, and contribute to finalizing national climate governance laws,” he said.
Long Term Vision Chang Tzi-chin said, Taiwan’s long-term vision for 2050 is to make the transition to net zero emissions a new force for national development. “By creating a transition strategy and governance that is competitive, circular, sustainable, resilient and secure, Taiwan will stimulate economic growth, encourage private investment, create green jobs, promote energy independence, and improve social welfare,” he said.
However, due to political factors, Taiwan was excluded from international organizations and was unable to participate substantively in discussions on global climate issues. It is difficult for Taiwan to stay abreast of current developments and properly carry out related tasks. This will create gaps in global climate governance.
“Taiwan has limited independent energy sources and an economic system that is oriented towards foreign trade. If it can’t be seamlessly connected with the international cooperation mechanism under the Paris Agreement, this will not only affect Taiwan’s green industry process, but will also undermine the stability of the chain. international supply,” he said.
Chang Tzi-chin said that under the threat of carbon-limiting adjustment measures, Taiwan’s overall competitiveness would be badly hit if it could not participate equitably in the international emission reduction mechanism. This will also weaken the effectiveness of international cooperation and weaken the global economy.
“The transition to net zero emissions is an unavoidable shared responsibility of this generation. This target is only possible if the international community cooperates. With a pragmatic and professional spirit, Taiwan is willing to make a real contribution to addressing global climate change,” he said.
The COVID-19 pandemic, said Chang Tzi-chin, has shown that whatever the situation, Taiwan has great potential to contribute in a very helpful way. Taiwan should be given equal opportunities to join international cooperation mechanisms in responding to climate change.
“We hope that the international community can support Taiwan to participate quickly, fairly and meaningfully,” he hoped.
Retno Intani
