Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun attended a forum on net zero emissions and industry transition Jan. 10 in Taipei City, highlighting the government’s commitment to decelerating carbon emissions.
Cheng said that the United Nations Climate Change Conference Baku COP 29 concluded last Nov., adding that in 2025 countries worldwide would set their respective goals for nationally determined carbon emission contributions. The vice premier emphasized that Taiwan is aligned with other nations working towards 2025 net zero emission targets.
Cheng noted that in August 2024, President Lai Ching-te vowed to set new emissions reduction goals for 2032 and 2035 during a National Climate Change Committee meeting.
The vice premier said during her time in post a climate change and net-zero transition panel from the National Council for Sustainable Development has convened several times. The panel, in collaboration with experts from the National Science and Technology Council, devised an emissions reduction initiative targeting the six major sectors of agriculture, energy, environment, lifestyle, manufacturing and transportation.
To implement the initiative in agriculture the government will support low carbon production methods while accelerating resource recycling to meet environmental targets for carbon reduction. Renewable energy sources will be further developed, including solar power, offshore wind power, geothermal heat and hydrogen.
Net-zero architecture is one lifestyle-related target and state-owned enterprises will set their own goals to reduce carbon emissions in industry. The government will encourage implementation of green manufacturing, circular economy and low-carbon transition through the five innovative pillars of technological innovation, financial support, carbon fees, legal adaptations, and nurturing green collar personnel.
All vehicles will be decarbonized and sustainable aviation fuels will be developed.
Cheng said that new carbon reduction goals would be announced Jan. 23 and the following month the Ministry of Environment would organize a public briefing on the targets. The vice premier anticipated that with collaboration between central and local governments, together with civil society, net-zero transformation could be implemented. (POC-E)
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