The two-week United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) has recently concluded in Dubai, with global discussions focused on energy transition and a landmark decision to commit to "transition away from all fossil fuels". To align Taiwan with the latest international net-zero trends and developments, the Taiwan Carbon Solution Exchange (TCX), Center for Carbon Research and Solution (CCRS) at National Sun Yat-sen University, International Climate Development Institute, Taiwan Smart City Solutions Alliance (TSSA), ICLEI East Asia Region Kaohsiung Capacity Center (ICLEI KCC), jointly organized the event "Post-COP28 Sharing: Moving Toward a Net-Zero Future". This event drew over 100 participants to hear from the climate leaders' experiences at the international summit, and to learn from Taiwan's efforts and contributions to global carbon reduction.

COP28 is the first ever global stocktake under the Paris Agreement, where the UN assesses each country's progress on emission reduction, climate adaptation, and NDC targets. The assessment brought about the resolution in text named "UAE Consensus". This global climate "report card" clearly stated that, in order to successfully limit global warming to 1.5°C, the world must reduce emissions by 43% within the next 7 years. This underscores the urgent need for all countries to set more ambitious carbon reduction targets and accelerate net-zero transitions.

Chi-Mai Chen, Mayor of Kaohsiung, remarked in his speech that Kaohsiung is the largest industrial city in Taiwan, accounting for approximately 20% of the nation's total carbon emissions, with the industrial sector contributing 83%, making it the key city for carbon reduction to achieve net-zero goals. Kaohsiung has adopted a dual transformation strategy focusing on net-zero and digitalization, integrating multiple policies and practical action plans, to proactively tackle the challenges. In terms of talent cultivation, Kaohsiung City has encouraged senior municipal officials to obtain relevant certifications, in order to apply the knowledge into policy making for net-zero transition. Furthermore, the city has partnered with the TCX and NSYSU to jointly support Kaohsiung in net-zero transformation. Chi-Mai Chen encouraged major enterprises to pursue carbon reduction with greater ambition and imagination, and to embrace the opportunities from the global net-zero movements.
 

In response to the global climate change challenges, NSYSU has been making continuous efforts across various fields in recent years. Ying-Yao Cheng, President of NSYSU, mentioned that the CCRS established in July this year, has been working closely with TCX. Starting next year, research projects will be launched across NSYSU colleges, topics include net-zero and just transition, negative emission technologies, hydrogen energy, blue carbon and carbon pricing programs. NSYSU will also introduce micro-certificate programs on net-zero and carbon credits, ensuring that the undergraduate curriculum keeps pace with the latest national and international net-zero trends.

TCX General Manager Joshua Tien pointed out that the TCX is leading Taiwan toward the beginning of the carbon credit trading era starting from Kaohsiung, and will officially launch the International Carbon Credit Trading Platform on December 22nd, with domestic GHG allowance tradings and auctions available in the future. Taiwanese enterprises can play as buyers as well as sellers of carbon credits by implementing ambitious GHG reduction projects. This approach will help drive Taiwan toward the 2050 net-zero emissions goal.

COP28 is the first time a host country organized a "Local Climate Action Summit" centered on subnational leaders. During the conference, the Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP) was established, emphasizing the importance of aligning local and national carbon reduction targets within the framework of National Determined Contributions (NDCs). This is the first time in COP history where the role and involvement of local actions in achieving NDCs was formally acknowledged.
 

Yisheng Yang, Executive Director of ICLEI KCC provided an analysis of the urban net-zero trends, noting that leading net-zero cities around the globe recognize net-zero as an opportunity rather than just a challenge. She encouraged the participants not to underestimate themselves, emphasizing that while the path to net-zero is complex and challenging, it is achievable. She also mentioned that with the leadership of Mayor Chen, Kaohsiung has elevated the ambition toward carbon reduction and the technologies on smart city solutions, affirming that these approaches are in line with international standards.

Sophia Cheng, Chief Investment Officer of Cathay Financial Holdings, shared insights from a financial perspective on "How Private Sectors Can Advance Climate Actions Through Climate Finance". During the discussion, she reminded the participants that many countries have excess capital, driving investors to actively seeking for strong and impactful projects. If those who are seeking for fundings can present their projects with clarity, rationality and their ability to deliver, it increases the possibility of pragmatic collaboration with investors. Cheng encourages both sides to proactively seek for viable solutions through engaging conversation.

Dora Yen, Chief Operating Officer of YC Holdings Inc. shared her perspective on the development of the carbon market following COP28, pointing out that corporate net-zero strategies should provide more grounded carbon reduction plans and financial resources. The acquisition of carbon credits should be seen as added value, their verifiability, measurability and sustainability must be ensured through rigorous methodological evaluation.

During the panel discussion, Cam Chao, CEO of the International Climate Development Institute (ICDI), shared his experience attending COP28 in Dubai. He emphasized that Taiwan cannot achieve the 2050 net-zero emissions target alone; many climate leaders from various sectors including local government, green finance, carbon market development, offered their insights and experiences on global consensus in contributing to deeper, faster, and more sustainable ways to reduce GHG emissions.
 

Net-zero emission is no longer merely an environmental issue, it is also a critical concern across economy, society and intergenerational justice. Achieving a net-zero future by 2050 is a shared responsibility for everyone, regardless of individuals, central or local governments, it is rather a promise to future generations. The TCX and CCRS will continue to stand alongside enterprises, to tackle global climate crises with international policies and enhance the sustainable competitiveness of Taiwanese enterprises.
 

🔗Article Source：NSYSU NEWS