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A Tale of Two
Green Cities:
Kaohsiung
and Katowice
Time
for
This is the reprint of The Warsaw Voice magazine special section, issue Autumn 2018
II COP24 Climate Summit in Katowice VOICE - CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate Change: Global Challenge
Requiring Global Response
Dr. Lee Ying-yuan, Minister of the
Environmental Protection Administration,
Executive Yuan, ROC (Taiwan)
C
ontinued growth in emissions of greenhouse
gases around the world has caused abnormal
and extreme weather events such as heatwaves,
droughts, and catastrophic torrential rains. These events
are no longer just abstract future scenarios; they are hap-
pening today in all corners of the globe.
Average temperatures in Taiwan in the past two years
have been the highest in 100 years. Since 2017, rainfall
has dropped markedly, affecting Taiwan’s hydroelectrici-
ty generation. Indeed, these recent developments are hav-
ing a considerable impact and pose a significant threat.
Other parts of the world have witnessed similar trends.
During the 2018 summer season, many countries across
the Northern Hemisphere in Europe, Asia, North
America, and North Africa have experienced record-
breaking heatwaves and deadly wildfires that seriously
jeopardize human health, agriculture, natural ecosys-
tems, and infrastructure.
To further implement the Paris Agreement on Climate
Change and achieve the goals outlined therein, the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change, in addition to faithfully conducting important
projects, consultations, and negotiations, has also invited
parties from various fields to join the Talanoa Dialogue,
so as to take full advantage of the collective wisdom of striving to increase the share of renewable sources in
humankind in formulating workable solutions to climate overall energy generation to 20% by 2025, and raise
change. the share of energy produced with natural gas up to
As a member of the global village, and in line with the 50%. At the same time, Taiwan is gradually reducing its
Paris Agreement, Taiwan has actively encouraged all reliance on coal, closing older coal facilities and
stakeholders to do their part and strengthen efforts equipping the remaining ones with high-efficiency ultra-
toward reducing carbon emissions. Taiwan has passed supercritical units that cause less pollution. The govern-
the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act, ment is also investing in other equipment and technolo-
under which five-year carbon reduction targets have gy that can help reduce pollution, offering subsidies to
been formulated. Taiwan has also created the National encourage people to replace older vehicles as well as
Climate Change Action Guidelines and implemented the promoting electric vehicles. Earlier in 2018, Taiwan’s
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Action Plan, which targets Air Pollution Control Act was amended, with stronger
six major sectors: energy, manufacturing, transportation, measures to curtail air pollution and accelerate Taiwan’s
residential and commercial development, agriculture, energy transition.
and environmental management. By setting emission Taiwan’s energy policies are being promoted in con-
caps, promoting green finance initiatives, cultivating sideration of four core aspects: energy security, green
local talent pools and education, encouraging coopera- economy, environmental sustainability, and social fair-
tion across central and local government agencies and ness. Furthermore, Taiwan is working on an energy trans-
across industries, and involving the general public, formation white paper and encouraging public partic-
Taiwan seeks to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by ipation and input during this process. It is also imple-
2050 to less than 50% of 2005 levels. menting key action plans under the Energy Development
Almost 90% of Taiwan’s annual greenhouse gas emis- Guidelines, so as to make a decisive shift towards sus-
sions come from fuel combustion. The government is tainable energy development.
This is the reprint of The Warsaw Voice magazine special section, issue Autumn 2018
VOICE - CLIMATE CHANGE COP24 Climate Summit in Katowice III
The pursuit of economic growth often comes at the recycled. Taiwan is more than willing to share its tech-
expense of environmental degradation and depletion of nology and experience with the international community.
natural resources. According to research by the Global By advancing environmental sustainability, we can
Footprint Network, human consumption of natural ensure that our planet remains as uniquely beautiful and
resources is outpacing the ability of the planet’s ecosys- habitable as it has been more for millions of years. All coun-
tems to regenerate resources by a factor of 1.7. In fact, tries and parties should take part in this common endeavor.
in 2018, Earth Overshoot Day fell on August 1, which Having benefited tremendously from industrialization,
was earlier than ever before. Taiwan is now fully committed to playing a key role in sav-
In order to find a proper balance between economic ing the planet and its precious ecosystems. Taiwan is ready
development and environmental protection, Taiwan is and willing to share its knowledge and experience in envi-
promoting the circular economy as part of the Five Plus ronmental management, disaster prevention and warning
Two Innovative Industries program. There is a wide- systems, energy efficiency enhancement technology, and
spread international consensus that the circular economy application of innovative technology.
plays a vital role in achieving the goals of the Paris Climate change is a matter of our planet’s survival, and
Agreement. should not be reduced to a political issue. Taiwan has
Taiwan has already made significant progress over the long been unfairly disregarded by and isolated from the
past two decades in recycling and reusing resources. In United Nations system. This has not discouraged us. On
fact, in 2017, Taiwan’s resource recovery rate was the contrary, we have doubled our efforts based on our
52.5%, a ratio surpassed only by Germany and Austria. belief in the Confucian saying that “a man of morality will
The recycling rate of plastic bottles in Taiwan in 2017 never live in solitude; he will always attract companions.”
was 95%. And during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, about In a professional, pragmatic, and constructive manner,
half of the 32 teams in the tournament wore jerseys pro- Taiwan will seek meaningful participation in international
duced with recycled bottles from Taiwan. organizations and events, and fulfill its responsibilities as
Looking to the future, Taiwan will continue to strength- a member of the international community. Let Taiwan join
en technological R&D and innovation, so as to bolster the world, and let the world embrace Taiwan.
recycling while building integrated industrial value
chains. The goal is to achieve a situation in which there For more information visit: www.epa.gov.tw
is zero waste and everything that can be recycled is
Special report on climate change for COP24 in Katowice, Poland
This is the reprint of The Warsaw Voice magazine special section, issue Autumn 2018
IV COP24 Climate Summit in Katowice VOICE - CLIMATE CHANGE
One of the World Leaders
of Climate Action
Henryk Kowalczyk, Minister of Environmental Protection,
talks to the Voice:
The COP19 summit was held in 2013 last 30 years, Poland reduced CO2
in Warsaw, COP24 will be held in emissions from all sectors by around 30
Katowice: what has been achieved in percent, accompanied by simultaneous
Poland in the field of environmental dynamic economic growth. Poland still
protection during the time between invests intensively in the improvement of
those meetings? energy efficiency and development of
Since the COP19 summit both Poland the renewable energy industry, remain-
and the global climate policy have ing also an active country on the EU
undergone a significant transformation forum where it works on the develop-
due to the adoption of the Paris ment of the EU climate and environmen- nous coal and lignite, where these fuels
Agreement at COP21 in Paris, where tal policies. constitute natural resources of the coun-
the mechanism of action against climate What programme do Poland’s repre- try and the guarantee of energy security
change was adopted - with actions sentatives intend to present at the summit and security of supply in the world
determined at the national level. in Katowice? which is becoming more and more ener-
[Governments of states participating in You should clearly differentiate gy-dependent. The share of coal in the
the summit decided to declare their con- between COP Presidency which will be energy mix is decreasing, however it still
tributions every 5 years, so that more held by Poland this year and the repre- provides over 80% of the generated
ambitious goals may be set - the Voice]. sentation of Poland’s interests. In order to energy. Poland is diversifying its energy
Poland as a European Union member ensure credibility and effectiveness of the mix, but this process is of long-term
state adopted commitments to partic- international climate negotiation process, nature.
ipate in the reduction of greenhouse the Presidency keeping neutrality is of The use of own resources for the pro-
gasses emitted to the atmosphere (40% key importance, as it offers all parties an duction of electricity also constitutes a
reduction by 2030), which is reflected in opportunity to reach a compromise and guarantor of Poland’s energy security.
the adopted EU legislation. Poland aims develop the Katowice package imple- This also means that renewable energy
to fulfil its undertakings through actions menting the Paris Agreement, which at sources are used appropriately (biomass,
pursued in different sectors. Moreover, it the same time will constitute the best geothermal energy, wind, water and
has unvaryingly upheld the position that reflection of the needs of all parties. solar power). Poland intends to continue
for an effective implementation of com- Poland aims to adopt a complex investing in RES, having certain develop-
mitments adopted in the Paris Katowice package which will allow for ment potential, mainly with regard to
Agreement, it is necessary for all coun- all sectors of greenhouse gas emissions, geothermal and water power. Polish
tries to undertake actions, and actions of as well as take the role of absorption of economy is developing, which leads to
the most developed countries should cor- greenhouse gases by forests and land an increased demand for electrical ener-
respond to the level of the EU’s ambi- into consideration. Poland wants to point gy and the need to cover this demand in
tions. It is worth emphasising that from out that it is necessary to conduct a fair a cost-effective way, while simultaneous-
December 2013 until June 2018 the transformation, protecting jobs in the ly ensuring the fulfilment of environmental
National Fund for Environmental adoption of climate change actions by goals, including the reduction of green-
Protection and Water Management paid all states. Moreover, Poland has empha- house gases.
out PLN 4.4 billion for climate and sised the need to face greenhouse gas Does Poland cooperate with countries
atmosphere protection. These funds were emissions in all sectors, thus sustainable from South-Eastern Asia with regard to
used to implement a significant number transport, and in particular electromobili- environmental protection?
of investments connected directly or indi- ty, will constitute one of the leading sub- The Ministry of Environmental Protection
rectly to climate protection. jects at COP24. is engaged in bilateral cooperation with
Poland is hosting COP for the third time The Polish economy is still based on selected countries from South-Eastern Asia,
- does this mean that it aspires to the coal as the basic energy resource; in the such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and
role of one of the leading global play- following decades, will this situation Singapore. The cooperation with partners
ers in the battle for a "green planet" change? Will Poland look for alternative from the region is also conducted under
Poland remains one of the world lead- solutions (renewable energy, nuclear tech- multilateral agreements and conventions
ers of climate action. The COP24 presi- nology), or focus on the implementation of which Poland is a party to.
dency will be Poland’s fourth, whereas “clean” technologies based on coal?
For more information visit:
the December summit in Katowice will Polish economy depends on energy
www.mos.gov.pl
be the third one hosted by Poland. In the generated with the use of hard bitumi-
This is the reprint of The Warsaw Voice magazine special section, issue Autumn 2018
VOICE - CLIMATE CHANGE COP24 Climate Summit in Katowice V
The plan for the COP24 is to adopt a full package imple-
COP24 in Katowice menting the Paris Agreement. The Agreement is the first interna-
tional agreement in history, which compels all countries in the
world to take action on climate protection. The implementation
The 24th session of the Conference of package will allow for the implementation of the Agreement in
practice. It will thus set global climate and energy policy for the
the Parties to the UN Framework coming years.
Convention on Climate Change (COP24), The Paris Agreement does not provide for decarbonisation,
the 14th session of the Meeting of the but for so-called climate neutrality. This is a return to climate pol-
icy which is expected to protect the climate and, at same time,
Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP14) enable the preservation of the specificity of national economies
and the 1st Conference of the Parties - this is particularly important for Poland.
Poland’s objective is to maintain the global character of the
serving as the meeting of the Parties to Paris Agreement, the voluntary choice of the method for limiting
the Paris Agreement will be held in emissions, as well as the shaping of climate and energy policies
depending on the possibilities and specific conditions in terms of
Katowice from 3 to 14 December. raw materials and geography (using own natural resources).
United Nations states must act together in order to halt the
The
capital of Silesia will be visited by nearly dangerous climate change. However, these efforts must be tai-
30,000 representatives of all the Parties to the lored to the capabilities of the individual countries. They should
Convention, namely, 196 countries and the EU ensure a balance in commitments between states in a different
to decide on further action to protect the climate and the opera- condition and at different stages of development.
tion of the Convention. COP24 will be attended by heads of Poland would like to be an ambassador of the sustainable
state, prime ministers, representatives of governments, diplomacy approach to climate change. It would like to represent not only
and non-governmental organisations, scientists, activists, busi- its own interests, but also those of the region and to defend the
ness representatives and other stakeholders interested in issues principle of voluntary action as the foundation of democracy and
related to the climate. The COP24 Conference will be accom- the European community.
panied by scientific, social, as well as commercial events serv-
ing as a forum for presentation and exchange of ideas, innova- For more information visit: www.cop24.gov.pl
tions, strategies and solutions to combat global warming.
Special report on climate change for COP24 in Katowice, Poland
This is the reprint of The Warsaw Voice magazine special section, issue Autumn 2018
VI COP24 Climate Summit in Katowice VOICE - CLIMATE CHANGE
Katowice – a City of Metamorphoses
Pond Valley (Dolina Trzech Stawów)
The landscape of Katowice which, from a post-industri- is a gem – active people can go
al city has become a dynamic centre of a metropolis rollerblading on a special track – one
of the first in the region. You can also
with a population of over two million enrapturing anyone go kayaking in Katowice, try
who has not seen it for a long time. The city is com- angling, or use the extensive sports
pletely different today than it was 10 years ago. facilities currently expanded to
include three swimming pools with
sports halls. Active leisure enthusiasts
In
the Culture Zone, on land Centre (MCK) was established – a may go running or cycling in parks,
previously occupied by a meeting place for business, science, forests and around lakes which occu-
coal mine, magnificent culture and sport. The extensive green py half of the city area.
Silesia Museum was established, areas of the city promote sports activ- At the same time, Katowice
with its historic Warszawa Mineshaft ity, and Spodek, MCK, or other facil- remembers about the provision of
from which you can admire the ities host many interesting games. jobs and the housing policy. Only
Katowice panorama, as well as the In Katowice first of all you should such actions may make the city the
National Symphonic Orchestra of the get on a bicycle, and anyone can do right place to live.
Polish Radio. Next to it, near this because the city has its own bicy- After the great metamorphosis,
Spodek, the famous event and sports cle rental chain. This way you can the time has come for districts to
hall, the International Congress see the varied cityscape. The Three change and for the transport system
International Congress Centre (MCK)
VOICE - CLIMATE CHANGE COP24 Climate Summit in Katowice VII
to undergo a great revolution. The developed support system. It is a
municipal authorities place great truly European city in which moder-
emphasis on the development of nity creatively refers to and merges
sustainable transport, one that is with tradition. This is appreciated
friendly for pedestrians, drivers, by entrepreneurs who are happy to
cyclists and people using public invest here. In its strategy, Katowice
transport alike. Four passenger placed strong emphasis on new
transfer centres are being built, and technologies and innovation both
a gigantic redevelopment of two as regards attracting investors and
junctions on national road No 81 is events. Thanks to 5 finals of the Intel
under way. Additionally, every few Extreme Masters tournament, the
months, new modern buses roll out city has become the global capital
onto the roads, and recently over of eSport.
47 million was allocated to create An intelligent city must be first and
an Intelligent Transport foremost attractive for its inhabi-
Management System. City bike sta- tants, improve the quality of life,
tions have appeared in many dis- and at the same time continue
tricts, and every year extra kilome- changing, following modern trends.
tres of cycle paths are built. As a In the recent years, Katowice has Marcin Krupa City Mayor of Katowice
result of all this, travel around been consistently becoming
Katowice will eventually be faster SMART. Katowice is the host of the United
and more comfortable. In practice, During the climate summit, Nations Climate Change Conference –
smoothly flowing traffic means time Katowice and the entire metropolis COP24 – the most important global
and fuel savings as well as reduced will play host to around 30,000 forum devoted to the global climate pol-
exhaust fumes and noise emissions. participants from nearly 200 coun- icy of key importance for the entire
In 2015-2018, a total of PLN 600 tries. The role of the host of COP24 world. The Climate Change
million was acquired for the invest- is an excellent opportunity for global Conference organised in Katowice, in
ments mentioned above. promotion of the city and to show the heart of the metropolis, will consti-
Business tourism has become a how much it has changed recently. tute an excellent opportunity to present
significant product offered by the The city will be visited by key glob- shared efforts undertaken for climate
city. Over 826,000 conference al decision-makers – presidents, protection and the successes already
and trade fair visitors came to prime ministers, diplomats and sci- achieved in this area. I am convinced
Katowice in 2017, 64,000 more entists, who will debate in the that the organisation of the summit will
than the year before. This means International Congress Centre, on the one had constitute a global pro-
tangible profits for the city and its Spodek and Culture Zone. It will be motion of the city, and on the other
inhabitants. The hotel and confer- Katowice’s task to ensure efficient hand – an opportunity to undertake
ence base is developing, catering transport. For this purpose among important ecological subjects with resi-
companies, restaurant owners, taxi other things a mobile phone appli- dents. We want to increase the resi-
drivers or local shopkeepers are all cation will be created. A website dents’ awareness with regard to cli-
generating income. On average, a devoted to COP24 has also been mate protection and ecologically
conference participant staying in prepared. The summit participants responsible environment management.
local accommodation leaves nearly will be able to take part in a number The UN Climate Summit is an excellent
PLN 628 in Katowice, and one that of accompanying events, organised opportunity to show how much our city
does not stay the night – PLN 141. in the debate zone and in the urban has changed in the recent years.
What is important, many people space, or use thematic excursions
coming to Katowice for business, on offer. They will have the hotel
return happily for example to take and restaurant base at their dispos- KATOWICE – FACT SHEET
the entire family to a concert at the al. Some of the restaurants will pre- Region: Silesia
National Symphonic Orchestra of pare a special menu for the duration Area: 164,7 sq km
the Polish Radio in one of the best of the conference. Delegates will Population: city – 297,000 • urban zone
concert halls in the world, or to see receive gifts created by pupils of – 2,700,000 • Silesian metropolitan area
one of the Katowice music festivals Katowice schools and gadgets pre- – 5,275,000
well known in Europe. pared for the conference. The whole metropolitan area is the 16th
Katowice is a strong brand in the most economically powerful city by GDP
eyes of entrepreneurs, composed of in the European Union with an output
For more information visit:
several factors: access to qualified amounting to USD114.5 billion
www.cop24.katowice.eu
personnel, excellent location and
Special report on climate change for COP24 in Katowice, Poland
This is the reprint of The Warsaw Voice magazine special section, issue Autumn 2018
VIII COP24 Climate Summit in Katowice VOICE - CLIMATE CHANGE
Kaohsiung – a Green City
Kaohsiung, a special municipality located in southern Taiwan, was once a center of heavy industry. But
as the nation’s economy shifted toward cleaner, potential-laden sectors of the 21st century and beyond,
the local government seized the opportunity to transform the metropolis into a hub of eco-friendly,
green and sustainable living. Energy-saving, carbon reduction and circular developments are the top
priorities in responding to global climate change and building a more livable and sustainable city.
Thinking Outside the Box, Green concerted efforts by the local government
Economy on the Rise and citizenry to advancing the green econ-
In order to achieve sustainability, the omy in the port metropolis.
citizenry and public and private sectors
were encouraged to get involved. Kaohsiung LOHAS Building
Kaohsiung City Government introduced Evolution
rolling-wave planning into its policymak- The Kaohsiung LOHAS Building policy
ing, and was the first local government in was initiated in 2011 by the local gov-
Taiwan to promote green financing for ernment. Over the past seven years, the
the photovoltaic industry. Such an initiative has expanded to include an
approach channeled investment into the array of measures like Certification
renewable-energy industry and increased System for Kaohsiung LOHAS Building,
the number of green rooftop installations. Regulations for Designing and Rewarding
Since the introduction of green financing Kaohsiung LOHAS Building and Self-
in 2013, emissions have fallen 3,840 met- Governance Articles for Kaohsiung’s
ric tons annually - equivalent to the amount Green Building.
of carbon dioxide absorbed by 10 Daan In 2015, Kaohsiung LOHAS Building
Forest Parks in Taipei City over 12 months. 2.0 gave rise to the trend of designing Hsu Li-ming, acting mayor of Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung is eliminating visually displeas- functional balconies for new architecture
ing cement rooftops and replacing them projects in the city. The following year, KAOHSIUNG – FACT SHEET
with colorful PV installations producing universal design principles were imple- Country: Taiwan
clean energy and helping mitigate climate mented in Kaohsiung LOHAS Building Region: Southern Taiwan
change. This achievement is testament to 2.5, featuring residences accessible to all Area: 2,952/sq km
Population: 2,77 million
Density: 940/sq km
GDP per capita: USD 24,000
VOICE - CLIMATE CHANGE COP24 Climate Summit in Katowice IX
age groups. The Kaohsiung LOHAS build- local government. The undertaking, which Solar Power Promotion Plan. Working
ing policy is a benchmark in designing provided residents with a viable personal with the Water Resources Agency under
sustainable architecture. transportation alternative to cars and the Ministry of Economic Affairs,
scooters, was seen as instrumental in Kaohsiung set about installing floating
Colorful, Dazzling Green Roofs improving air quality. Other efforts in this solar systems and maximizing use of pub-
Green roofs are one of the most dis- regard include building more rental sta- lic space. Cian Fengzi Flood Detention
tinctive characteristics of the Kaohsiung tions and paths, as well as increasing Pond, Dian-Bao-Chi Zone B Flood
LOHAS building policy. The total cover- space for bike parking. Kaohsiung’s more Detention Basin and Yongan Flood
age of green roofs in the city has reached than 926-kilometer cycle network, which Detention Pond were selected as appro-
the size of 40 football fields over the past complements light-rail and metro services, priate sites. All three generate 15 million
4 years on the back of strong incentives connects multifunctional lanes, recreation- kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, suffi-
offered by the local government. This al greenbelts and sightseeing routes. This cient to meet the demands of 4,200
number is growing by more than 33,058 helped the city win recognition eight households while reducing about 8,000
square meters each year. years ago as one of the most bike friend- tons of emissions - equivalent to the car-
ly in Asia by CNN Travel. bon reduction of growing 275,000 trees.
180,000 Square Meters of As of 2017, the system boasted 450 In the past, detention ponds were only
Vertical Forests stations with 3,800 bikes, while its annu- used for drainage system improvement
In mitigating the impact of the scorch- al ridership exceeded 4 million. In addi- and flood prevention. The facilities have
ing and long summer days in Kaohsiung, tion, air quality microsensing systems taken on a broader mission, serving as
the city government elected to set the were installed at 50 stations, recording ecological water parks, green power
depth of a balcony at 3 meters, 50 per- temperature and levels of humidity, car- plants and spaces for various outdoor
cent more than the minimum set down bon dioxide, and PM2.5 and PM10. recreational activities during nonstorm
under the national building regulations. seasons.
This is complemented by a program Building a Circular Kaohsiung joined Germany-based
rewarding those who help cool structures Light-Rail System ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability
and save energy by potting flowers, Last September, Kaohsiung took anoth- in December 2006, making it Taiwan’s
shrubs and trees on their balconies. To er step forward in the green stakes with first ICLEI member city. It has participated
date, applications for the establishment of launch of the 22.1-kilometer, 37-station in international events and conferences,
such green living spaces have been sub- circular light-rail system. First phase con- focusing on combating climate change. In
mitted by more than 100 buildings and struction covered of 8.7 kilometers and 2015, Kaohsiung reached full compli-
300 houses. One after another, so-called encompassed Stations C1-C14. The sec- ance with the Compact of Mayors, com-
vertical forests are springing up citywide. ond, which is in sync with progress on the mitting itself to reducing emissions and
city’s metro extension project, is expected promoting a climate adaptation plan. The
Kaohsiung LOHAS Building 3.0 - to be completed in 2019. city also vowed to advance policies in
Evolution to All-Age Residence response to the Paris Agreement.
Given Taiwan’s rapidly aging society, Adaptation Measures for Flood- Kaohsiung continues to evolve and is suc-
Kaohsiung City Government introduced Prone Areas cessfully transforming from a center of
an article to the Regulations for Designing As per central government policy, the heavy industry into a hub of eco-friendly,
and Rewarding Kaohsiung LOHAS local government adopted the 2-year green and sustainable living.
Building. The new addition required the
creation of a 200-square-meter public
lounge for seniors-related activities on
every ten floors of a structure.
This groundbreaking measure also
called for the space to be equipped with
bathrooms suitable for all ages. The idea
was inspired by traditional Taiwan three-
section compound building, allowing
seniors living near the space to congre-
gate and interact with neighbors in a
pleasant setting.
Expanding Bikeway Network
and Promoting Low-Carbon
Vehicles
Taiwan’s first bicycle-sharing system
was launched in March 2009 by the
Special report on climate change for COP24 in Katowice, Poland
This is the reprint of The Warsaw Voice magazine special section, issue Autumn 2018
X COP24 Climate Summit in Katowice VOICE - CLIMATE CHANGE
Combating Climate Change: Taiwan Can Help
Calling for Taiwan’s Professional, Pragmatic, and Constructive Participation in the UNFCCC
Foreword
The 24th Session of the Conference of the Parties II. Taiwan needs to participate in
(COP24) under the United Nations Framework Convention the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement.
on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will take place in Taiwan’s exclusion contradicts the spirit
Katowice, Poland this December. During the event, the of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.
participants are expected to work out and adopt a pack- The UNFCCC preamble acknowledges that the global nature
age of decisions to better ensure the full implementation of of climate change calls for the widest possible participation of all
the Paris Agreement. This will help focus international countries in order to achieve an effective and appropriate
efforts on mitigating and adapting to the impact of climate response. In addition, the Paris Agreement highlights the important
change. concept of climate justice, calling on all states to take action to
However, due to political constraints, Taiwan can only address climate change. It is unjust to keep Taiwan excluded from
attend the COP sessions as an NGO observer. Being a the UNFCCC and leave the government to deal with the impact
responsible stakeholder in the international community, of climate change on its own. Taiwan’s inclusion in UNFCCC ini-
Taiwan will never let its exclusion become an excuse for tiatives would conform to the aims and spirit of the convention, as
not partaking in global efforts to combat climate change. well as to the principles embodied in the UN Charter.
Taiwan has set ambitious reduction targets Taiwan is vulnerable to climate change.
for its greenhouse gas emissions. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events and rising
In June 2015, Taiwan passed the Greenhouse Gas sea levels caused by global warming endanger Taiwan’s envi-
Reduction and Management Act, setting five-year regula- ronment and survival. Taiwan’s average temperature in the past
tory carbon reduction targets in the hope of reducing two years has been the highest in 100 years. Atypical heat waves
Taiwan’s greenhouse gas emissions to 50 percent of have been causing water shortages, damaging the economy,
2005 (base year) levels by 2050. It seeks to reduce threatening the people’s welfare, and restricting the generation of
greenhouse gas emissions by two percent by 2020, 10 hydroelectric power. To make matters worse, just this August, sud-
percent by 2025, and 20 percent by 2030. den torrential rains from a tropical depression caused severe
To better control and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, flooding across southern Taiwan, seriously impacting people’s
Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Administration created lives and damaging infrastructure and property.
the National Climate Change Action Guidelines, Taiwan’s lack of access to UNFCCC meetings and mecha-
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Action Plan, and Greenhouse nisms and exclusion from the international response framework
Gas Emissions Control Action Program targeting six major have weakened its ability to formulate adaptation strategies in
fields: energy, manufacturing, transportation, residential response to the challenges posed by global warming and climate
and commercial buildings, agriculture, and environment change. There is an urgent need for Taiwan to be included in
management. The initiatives, which are to be reviewed early warning systems for disasters, gain access to real-time infor-
once every five years, facilitate cross-ministerial coopera- mation, and contribute more to global climate change adaptation
tion within government. mechanisms.
Taiwan has set the goal of having 20 percent of its
energy come from renewable sources and 50 percent from Taiwan needs to mitigate the negative impact on
low-carbon natural gas by 2025, thus lowering its energy its economy and trade.
from coal-burning power plants to 30 percent of the total. One of the key elements to the implementation of the Paris
Taiwan will continue to promote its energy restructuring in Agreement is the realization of both economic development and
order to realize sustainable development. environment protection. Taiwan’s 5+2 Industrial Innovation plan
In August 2018, Taiwan amended its Air Pollution includes measures to create a sustainable homeland through the
Control Act to reduce air pollution and accelerate promotion of green energy and a circular economy for waste man-
Taiwan’s energy transformation. It also seeks to further agement. The plan will help shift Taiwan’s industrial base from tra-
restrict vehicle and factory emissions, improve air quality, ditional contract manufacturing to foster a high valued-added and
and enhance the management of pollution sources and environmentally friendly economy.
treatment of pollution. Taiwan’s exclusion from access to the UNFCCC climate
Taiwan understands that the issues associated with cli- finance mechanism will make it difficult for Taiwan to offset the
mate change are inextricably linked to the UN 2030 high economic costs of carbon reduction measures. This could
Agenda for Sustainable Development, and is committed to seriously harm the competitive edge of Taiwan’s industries and dis-
helping achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. courage them from helping the government develop a green
In September 2017, Taiwan released its first Voluntary industrial structure, in order to aid the transformation of Taiwan
National Review to document the concrete progress it has into a low-carbon society. Almost all World Trade Organization
made to this end. (WTO) members are contracting parties to the UNFCCC and the
This is the reprint of The Warsaw Voice magazine special section, issue Autumn 2018VOICE - CLIMATE CHANGE COP24 Climate Summit in Katowice XI
Paris Agreement. However, Taiwan, a WTO member, remains Moreover, starting next year, Taiwan and Belize will launch
excluded. As WTO trade rules permit countries to impose tariffs the Urban Resilience and Disaster Prevention Project to help min-
on imports due to environmental protection considerations, imize the impact of extreme weather by introducing modern
Taiwan’s industries might be targeted as a result. Geographic Information System technologies that enhance
Belize’s disaster management capabilities.
As an important world economy, Taiwan should Taiwan, a leader in the field of seismic and maritime weath-
contribute to the UNFCCC. er monitoring, has the highest concentration of monitoring sta-
As the world’s 22nd largest economy, Taiwan plays a major tions of any nation, with around 800 currently in operation.
role in both the stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region, Given the vulnerability of Pacific Island states to climate change,
as well as the global economic and trade system. Like other coun- Taiwan offers training to their meteorological personnel and dis-
tries, Taiwan has a responsibility to help mitigate the effects of cli- patches experts to improve their weather forecasting systems.
mate change and, therefore, should not be excluded from the For example, Taiwan develop an early warning system for
UNFCCC. Taiwan calls on the international community to support extreme weather events and earthquakes in Solomon Islands.
the participation of its Environmental Protection Administration as The weather data collected through the system will also help
a non-member government observer in the upcoming COP24 in Solomon Islands issue dengue fever alerts, which has drawn the
Poland. attention from internationally community.
III. Taiwan is ready to contribute to global efforts Multilateral cooperation helps promote green
to combat climate change. technology and energy efficiency.
Taiwan can be a constructive partner For instance, in cooperation with the European Bank for
in addressing climate change. Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Taiwan’s International
Taiwan is competitive on green technology. Many of our Cooperation and Development Fund (Taiwan ICDF) has con-
advanced renewable energy products are exported to other coun- tributed US$80 million to the Green Energy Special Fund. It is
tries. Taiwan has much to offer the UNFCCC, not just in terms of used to cofinance EBRD investment projects containing green
technology, but also in ways of financial support and capacity energy components, such as LED street lights, smart meters,
building. Taiwan’s experience with rapid economic development, solar-powered technologies, and public transportation and elec-
industrialization, and environmental management would be tric systems.
extremely valuable to other island states and developing countries Through such cooperation, Taiwan has supported the
facing similar challenges associated with climate change. By Moldova Chisinau Urban Road Project to modernize Chisinau’s
drawing on Taiwan’s advanced technologies and experience, street lighting system. It will replace traditional mercury lamps
these countries could modernize their economies, which minimiz- with modern LED ones, improving energy efficiency by up to 70
ing harm to the environment. percent.
TaiwanICDF’s contributions have also supported the Bosnia
Taiwanese is willing to share its experience and and Herzegovina Elektrokrajina Power Distribution Upgrade
technology with other countries. Project. This initiative should reduce their carbon dioxide emis-
Over the decades, Taiwan has undertaken a wide array of pro- sions by 63,000 tons and save 80 GWh of electricity per year
jects in helping developing countries mitigate and adapt to the by introducing smart metering technology and upgrading the
impacts of climate change. These include food and energy secu- electricity distribution system.
rity, renewable energy, green technology, LED street lighting, bio- Another cofinanced project is the Jordan Greater Amman
diversity conservation, natural disaster management, post-disaster Municipality Solid Waste Project, which has introduced gas col-
reconstruction, reforestation, environmental protection, water lection technology to Jordan. The landfill gas-generated power
resource management, drought relief, and etc. will be connected to the national grid, helping the country
For example, Taiwan has sponsored the Enhancing Home reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 150,000 tons annually,
Energy Efficiency and Promoting Renewable Energy Project in the as well as its reliance on fossil fuel imports.
Marshall Islands. This significant climate change mitigation project
is anticipated to help the Marshall Islands reduce its carbon diox- Conclusion
ide emissions by 992 tons annually. In May 2017, United Nations Secretary-General António
In the Caribbean, Taiwan’s modern agricultural techniques Guterres said, “The sustainability train has left the station. Get
have helped countries adapt to climate change. For instance, on board or get left behind,” urging the world to rally behind
Taiwan has worked with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the landmark Paris Agreement. Taiwan, like other countries,
implement the Strengthening Farmers’ Organizations and should be afforded the opportunity to participate in global
Improving Fruit and Vegetable Production Technology projects. mechanisms, negotiations, and activities that promote the imple-
With Saint Christopher and Nevis, we have worked on the mentation of the Paris Agreement. Therefore, we call on all par-
Enhancing Agriculture Adaptive Capacity to Climate Variability ties to look beyond political considerations and support
Project. Both partner countries have been able to strengthen their Taiwan’s professional, pragmatic and constructive participation
ability to respond to natural disasters and improve the sustainabil- in the UNFCCC. Let Taiwan help in global efforts to combat cli-
ity of natural resources. mate change.
The Warsaw Voice extends a special thanks to Taipei Representative Office in Poland for its assistance
in preparing of the climate change section.
This is the reprint of The Warsaw Voice magazine special section, issue Autumn 2018COP24 ok.pdf 1 2018/11/1 上午10:46
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