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Scientists inform us that modern
industrial development has caused
carbondioxideconcentrations around
the world to exceed the carrying capacity of
natural ecosystems.
This has however allowed
us to witness what Adam
Smith expounded in his
Theory of Moral Sentiments
that humans have a natural
tendency to be sympathetic
and do, in fact, care about
the sustainability of the
natural world.
On September 23, 2014, with the 2009
Copenhagen climate negotiations crisis and the
20th anniversary of the Rio Declaration behind
them, world leaders gathered at the United
Nations Climate Summit in New York hoping
to break the deadlock in climatenegotiations
and compel all parties to be more aggressivein
their actions.
International negotiations on climate change
have now entered a critical stage in the run up
to the signing of a new global agreement at
the Paris Climate Conference in December
2015.
Daunting task
Responding to climate change is a long and
daunting task replete with both challenges and
opportunities.
In the Republic of China (Taiwan), due
to the government’s ambitious policies to
promote energy conservation and carbon
reduction, carbon dioxide emissions from
fossil fuels posted negative growth in 2008,
for the first time since 1990, and have more or
less stabilized in recent years.
Although emissions totaled 250.3 million
tons in 2013, a slight increase of 0.67% over
2012, they remain lower than the historical
peak in 2007.
Similarly, Taiwan’s emissions intensity
continues to decline, dropping from 0.0197kg
CO2/dollar to 0.0163kg CO2/dollar in 2013.
15TH ANNIVERSARY
Indian Newslink November 15, 2014
Climate change challenges the wealth of nations
Kuo-Yen Wei
This underlines the positive effect that
government policies and education are having
on decoupling greenhouse gas emissions from
economic growth.
Focal point
Climate change stands as one of this
century’s most important political and
economic focal points, a core issue affecting
international politics, trade, and society.
Its impact is broad and complex, and
underpins all social, economic, and
environmental considerations as they relate
to sustainable development. However, given
that climate change has such a direct bearing
on the national development, competitiveness,
and intergenerational equity of all countries
around the world, the mitigating actions being
taken fall well short of what is required.
As far as Taiwan is concerned, there is no
escaping that we are all in the same boat and
should therefore be helping one another.
New Ministry
Taiwan is heavily energy dependent and has
a limited environmental carrying capacity, and
hence it is imperative that we receive guidance
on how best to fulfill our commitment to
reducing carbon emissions.
Through government restructuring,
Taiwan is currently setting up its Ministry of
Environment and Natural Resources to better
focus its efforts on pollution prevention,
climate change adjustment, river basin
management, disaster prevention, and nature
conservation, ushering in a new era for
environmental protection.
The aim is to reestablish environmental
sustainability values, conserve energy,
reduce carbon emissions and environmental
pollution, and create a low-risk environment
characterized by clean production, comfortable
living standards, and unspoiled ecosystems.
For instance, by applying the concept of
‘urban mining,’ waste is transformed into a
resource.
Besides promoting recycling and reuse, if
Taiwan can seize the opportunity to develop
a green economy, as well as integrate
government policy and legislation, public and
private sector involvement, market forces,
and technological innovation, it can reduce
its carbon emissions, make the transition
to a low-carbon economy, and achieve its
environmental protection objectives.
Energy Conference
After President Ma Ying-jeou announced
this year that Taiwan’s Lungmen Nuclear
Power Plant would be mothballed after safety
inspections, he promised to hold the Fourth
National Energy Conference.
This will allow different points of view on
a blueprint for future energy development
to be exchanged in a rational manner. As we
discuss energy supply and demand, we need to
let the public clearly understand that the real
potential for reducing emissions lies in our
future energy choices.
Shared responsibility
All stakeholders must share the
responsibility for carbon reduction and work
together on the compromises that a long-term
plan demands.
The experiences of UK, Germany, and the
European Union tell us that those in power
must make bold commitments and have the
courage to follow through with them.
Equally, there is also a price to pay if civil
society is to do its part in making the world a
better place. As we confront climate change,
we should be clear that it is not what ideals
we hold that matters, but rather what we are
together willing to accomplish.
For a long time now, Taiwan has quietly
yet diligently tried to fulfill its roleas a
responsible member of the global village by
signing bilateral agreements and engaging in
multilateral cooperation.
We have done our utmost to take practical
steps that reflect the initiatives and efforts of
the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Regrettably, our country remains excluded
from the UNFCCC even today, despite our
desire to become meaningfully involved in its
meetings and activities.
Our participation would enable us to receive
the much-needed support and assistance from
the international community.
It would also enable us to do our bit by
sharing our experience in environmental
protection with the international community
and other countries in need, thereby integrating
Taiwan’s strengths into global climate action.
Kuo-Yen Wei is Environmental Protection
Administration Executive Yuan, Republic
of China (Taiwan)
Susan Devoy
4
Big decisions
are mostly made
around tables,
but not necessarily
meeting ones.
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