The adverse effects of climate change are being felt around the world and threaten our planet and its people. Taiwan is no exception. As a nation of islands, Taiwan is especially vulnerable to climate change and could face serious challenges.
Rising temperatures and sea levels, increased severity and frequency of droughts, storms and floods, unpredictable weather patterns, water shortages and loss of biodiversity are all threats to Taiwan, as they are to other parts of the world.
The EU has been at the forefront of the global fight against climate change. It has led the way by investing in realistic technological solutions, empowering citizens and aligning action in key areas such as industrial policy, finance and research, while ensuring social equity.
Within the EU, all sectors of society and the economy are playing a role — from the power sector to industry, mobility, buildings, agriculture and forestry. Achieving climate neutrality is fundamental to securing a healthy planet for generations to come.
However, climate change is a global threat and can only be addressed by a global response. The EU is therefore stepping up its engagement on climate action across the world, including in the Indo-Pacific region. The region’s growing economic, demographic and political weight makes it a key player in shaping the rules-based international order and in addressing global challenges.
In September last year, the EU announced its Indo-Pacific Strategy — a long-term plan to work with partners in the region, including Taiwan.
One of the key priorities is to fight, mitigate and adapt to climate change, to reduce climate and disaster risks, and counter biodiversity loss, pollution and other forms of environmental degradation.
Despite not being a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Taiwan has indicated that it would join global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The EU welcomes Taiwan’s efforts to commit to net zero emissions by 2050.
The transition to a climate-neutral society is an urgent challenge, but also an opportunity to build a better future. The EU supports its international partners in climate action. Together with Taiwan, it wants to shape a more sustainable future. This is why the EU is promoting alternative renewable energy sources and green technologies in Taiwan, such as investing in and building competitive regional supply chains in the offshore wind industry.
The EU is at the forefront of international efforts to fight climate change. Its expertise in low-carbon best practices and solutions across a wide range of industries and sectors can help Taiwan reduce its carbon emissions. It is good to see that the EU model is being used as a source of inspiration to shape a sustainable economy in Taiwan. The EU is looking forward to working with Taiwan to promote and implement ambitious climate and energy policies.
This year’s EU Climate Action Week starts today. The European Economic and Trade Office in Taiwan wants to focus on the significant role of young people in building a better and greener future. With opportunities to learn, share your vision, meet people and engage in activities, now is a moment for us to move forward together with confidence and hope for the future.
Our office is to organize several events to raise awareness and discuss how the EU and Taiwan can collaborate to limit the effects of climate change.
The choices we make define our future. We need to encourage and empower younger generations to find new ways to tackle this collective challenge. This is not an idealistic or naive pursuit. We must stay true to our values, listen to science, strengthen our economies and build a better future for all of us.
Filip Grzegorzewski is the director of the European Economic and Trade Office in Taipei.
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