TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan climate advocates organized a forum Tuesday (Sept. 23) on the sidelines of Climate Week NYC to discuss carbon reduction pledges across Asia-Pacific nations. The Taiwan Climate Action Network (TCAN, 台灣氣候行動網絡) hosted the event featuring representatives from Taiwan, South Korea, and Australia. The forum focused on developing stronger Nationally Determined Contributions climate pledges for enhanced national resilience.
Taiwan pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 38% from 2005 levels by 2035, but advocates call for stronger action. TCAN Research Director Chia-Wei Chao (趙家緯) identified shortcomings in aligning goals with net-zero pathways and ensuring just transitions. Chao recommended raising the 2035 reduction target to 52% while focusing on energy self-sufficiency and grid resilience.
U.S. President Donald Trump called climate change a hoax during his UN General Assembly speech while Climate Week proceeded elsewhere in New York City. Chao noted Trump's anti-renewable rhetoric echoed in Taiwanese media but said public support for net-zero emissions remains strong. South Korean advocate Gahee Han reported climate litigation drove policies raising 2030 renewable energy targets from 72 GW to 100 GW.
TCAN participated in Climate Week for the second consecutive year alongside other Taiwanese environmental organizations. The Taiwan Green Energy for Charity Association (台灣綠能公益發展協會) held forums on gender-responsive solutions Tuesday (Sept. 23) and heat adaptation Friday (Sept. 25). Climate Week featured nearly 1,000 events drawing over 100,000 participants this year.