OC gears up to shoulder expanded PPACC role

2015/12/08

Taiwan is seeking a bigger role in the proposed Pan Pacific Adaption on Climate Change, underscoring the government’s commitment to tackling global warming and ensuring sustainable development for all.

The goal, which is expected to be reached through capitalizing on Taiwan’s successful environmental management policies and technologies, was announced by Environmental Protection Administration Minister Wei Kuo-yen during a promotional event on the sidelines of the 21st Conference of the Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change Dec. 6 in Paris.

“We view the initiative as opening the door for the country to lead regional efforts going forward,” Wei said.

PPACC is a nongovernmental organization coordinating efforts among regional partners in addressing climate change. Nine other countries have pledged to take part in the initiative, including Australia, France, Indonesia, South Korea and the U.S.

Although Taiwan is not a member of the UNFCCC, it strongly supports the body’s principles and ongoing efforts to tackle global warming. As part of this undertaking, Wei is leading a delegation comprising senior Cabinet officials to the event for in-depth exchanges with participants.

The annual gathering is important for Taiwan as it offers the country a highly visible platform for spotlighting green policymaking and related developments.

One example is the signing the same day of a memorandum of understanding with Massachusetts Institute of Technology Center for Collective Intelligence on organizing a series of related competitions, beginning with one in Taiwan. Another is a booth showcasing Taiwan’s progress in cutting carbon emissions operated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and state-run Industrial Technology Research Institute.

Other activities of note include the screening of a film jointly produced by the MOFA and National Geographic Channel on Taiwan’s world-leading e-waste management capabilities, as well as the staging of a green building exhibition by local high-tech firm Delta Electronics Inc.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=239886&ctNode=2194&mp=9)