Taiwan and the US should cooperate further in the “green” industry amid growing concerns about climate change and global warming, Vice Minister of Economic Affairs Cho Shih-chao (卓士昭) said yesterday.
Both Taiwan and the US have advanced technology in the field and can work together in developing green solutions to global warming, including clean energy and green buildings, Cho said in opening remarks at a forum in Taipei aimed at promoting sustainable development.
The forum brought together nearly 100 people from the public, private and academic sectors of Taiwan and the US to share their insights on environmental issues, said one of the organizers, the Bureau of Energy at the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Developing the green industry not only helps the environment, but also drives economic growth and creates jobs, Cho said, adding that the government has passed several acts and implemented various energy-saving programs over the past few years toward this end.
American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Director Christopher Marut told the forum that the US has stepped up its scientific research and development in the field.
Since 2008, the US has doubled the amount of energy it uses from renewable resources and become the world’s leader in clean energy investment, Marut said.
Citing the new AIT office under construction in Taipei’s Neihu District (內湖) as an example of a green building, Marut said the compound is to have several modern green features, such as rainwater harvesting systems, solar cells, LED perimeter lighting and energy-efficient elevators.
“It’s really imperative that we take personal responsibility for protecting the environment,” he said. “Working together, we can build pathways to a better, cleaner and more sustainable future.”
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