TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) acknowledged the nation's position as a "follower" in the international climate movement Wednesday (Nov. 26), emphasizing renewable energy as Taiwan's sole transformation path. Peng commented on the conclusion of this year's U.N. climate talks, held at the COP30 conference in Brazil, noting Taiwan's heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. The minister outlined Taiwan's strategy of following Japan's carbon reduction model in Asia.
Minister Peng noted in a media interview that despite this year marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, an international climate accord, no significant political declarations or conclusions emerged from COP30. He highlighted Taiwan's dependency on imported fossil fuels, making renewable energy the only viable option for the nation's energy transformation. Peng explained that Taiwan must accelerate its renewable energy development to reduce carbon emissions.
Peng pointed out the absence of the U.S. from the COP30 climate negotiations and China's low-key presence, which could create obstacles in the global push for net-zero emissions. He noted Taiwan's inability to donate directly to the international adaptation fund, a climate financing mechanism, due to its non-member status in the United Nations. Peng stressed that Taiwan can participate in international carbon credit projects through Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement.
Peng stressed the urgency for Taiwan to keep pace with South Korea, Japan, and Singapore as the 2028 implementation date of Article 6.4 approaches. He remarked on Taiwan's role in the global net-zero process, identifying it as a "follower" rather than a "leader" in climate action. The strategy involves being a "follower of the pacemakers" to ease pressure and ensure stable development, Peng said. ◼