The global climate change lobby finally started getting some respect in 2007. Former US Vice President Al Gore has been trying to draw attention to climate change for years, but last year, large-scale audiences finally warmed to Gore's PowerPoint presentation on global warming once it was acclaimed as the film An Inconvenient Truth (2006). Scientists have been providing evidence, much of it cited in An Inconvenient Truth, on climate change for decades, but for the first time in 2007, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stated unambiguously that the phenomenon exists and is transforming life on Earth. Gore and the IPCC aptly share the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts.
Recognition that there is a problem is the first step to changing the behavior that caused it. With 2007 as the year during which climate change became universally recognized as a manmade problem, 2008 could be the year when nations start really trying to avert its perils. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the mechanism in the best position to serve as a catalyst in addressing the problem globally. Most of the world's countries are parties to the UNFCCC. Their participation is not legally binding; mostly, it is an indication of their concern about global warming. The best-known part of the UNFCCC is the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, which US President George W. Bush famously withdrew his country from after he took office. The Kyoto Protocol commits signatories to legally binding commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. So far, 175 countries have ratified the Kyoto Protocol. Taiwan is neither a party to the UNFCCC nor a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol. This is because China has applied systematic pressure to exclude Taiwan from UN-related organizations and activities.
Critics say Taiwan should think outside the box on greenhouse gas emissions. Local government action is a good start. Taiwan's second-largest city, Kaohsiung, is taking the lead on setting realistic emission targets (see article in this issue). Other cities should follow suit. Meanwhile, it is hoped that the Legislative Yuan will pass a draft law on greenhouse gas emissions that the Executive Yuan approved in 2006. Without it, enforcement of compliance in industry will be difficult. As an APEC member, Taiwan was a party to the Sydney APEC Leaders' Declaration on Climate Change, Energy Security and Clean Development in September last year. The declaration is essentially an affirmation of UNFCCC principles.
One of the headings in the declaration is "flexibility." The UN needs to be more flexible when it comes to Taiwan. There are no good reasons for Taiwan to be left out in the cold when it comes to global warming, but at least two arguments for inclusion. First, Taiwan should not be exempted from repercussions should it remain part of the problem. As a responsible stakeholder, Taiwan should be held accountable for controlling its greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, it should have direct access to carbon trading schemes and other measures provided for under the Kyoto Protocol.
Second, Taiwan can be a more effective part of the solution if it is allowed to be a full partner in the global effort to stop climate change. Many Taiwanese companies already play leadership roles in the development of clean energy products. Once firmly ensconced in the fraternity of (united) nations, Taiwanese could come to play an even more important role.
Change is the operative word. We hope that beginning this year, more of the world changes its stance toward Taiwan. If this happens, Taiwan can be a better partner in effecting positive change and, among other things, averting a global warming catastrophe.