Climate change

Climate change is the greatest environmental challenge facing the world today. Increasing amounts of carbon emissions in the atmosphere are contributing towards an unprecedented rise in average global temperature. Rises temperatures will bring changes in weather patterns, rising sea levels and increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather.

The scientific and economic evidence is now overwhelmingly in favour of early and decisive action to tackle this issue. The Stern Review of the Economics of Climate Change, published in October 2006, highlighted that the costs of tackling climate change were significantly lower than the costs of inaction, which could be as high as 20% of global GDP. The Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change has repeatedly highlighted the significant impact that climate change will have on our environment and the subsequent impacts on migration, health and levels of conflict. The most recent research suggests that these changes are happening quicker than expected.

This is a global problem with local causes and local impacts. Taiwan is responsible for 1% of global carbon emissions and these emissions have doubled since 1990. Taiwan will be affected. Research shows that typhoon activity and the prevalence of diseases such as dengue fever could both be affected by global warming. Rising sea levels are also an issue for parts of western Taiwan. This is more than just an environmental issue; it is an economic and security issue as well.

2009 is a critical year for global action on climate change. The Copenhagen Summit will take place in December 2009 and will set out how the world will tackle this issue in the future. The UK government believes that we need an ambitious and effective deal that drives a real global transition. Developed countries must show leadership and commitment. There will also need to be financial assistance for those developing countries that are not able to finance the actions needed to reduce their emissions and adapt to climate change.

Domestically, the UK government has taken a number of steps to promote carbon emissions reduction. These include setting a target of reducing emissions by 80% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels with legally binding intermediate targets every five years. To achieve these targets we need action across all sectors: business, household, government and the transport network. Please see the short guide of UK domestic actions to tackle climate change.

We see action in this area as not only necessary but also economically desirable. A low carbon future will help open the doors to new jobs, new industries and new international trading opportunities for the United Kingdom. We have already cut emissions by 21% compared to 1990 levels at a time when our economy has generally been growing and have 800,000 people employed in low carbon industries.

The BTCO is working with a number of different actors here in Taiwan to promote action. We continue to see a need for early action to establish a legal framework that will define the authorities’ overall strategy. A firm target for emission reduction would help businesses to make the necessary investment plans to achieve real cuts in emissions. Energy efficiency, green infrastructure and efficient energy pricing are all part of the solution.

The BTCO has undertaken a number of joint events with partners here in Taiwan in this area. In 2009, we are working with the Ministry of Economic Affairs to support a seminar on carbon management at both the company and community level and with the Taiwan Environmental Action Network to bring together a new generation to tackle climate change to promote practical actions at university and local level. We continue to have a joint scholarship with the Delta Electronics Foundation to support a candidate working on environmental issues to go to the UK to study a Masters level course.

In the run-up to the Copenhagen Summit in December, we are also publishing a regular newsletter – the Road to Copenhagen – highlighting the key issues for the Summit and actions and events taking place in the UK and Taiwan.

What can you do? There are many actions that individuals can take to reduce their own emissions, including adjusting your air conditioning and using low energy light bulbs. Further information on what the UK is doing to tackle climate change and tips for playing your part can be found on climate change and the UK page. We are also looking for new and innovative ways to further our work here in Taiwan and welcome ideas for projects that fit with our objectives.

Please see the suggestions from the BTCO about how we can do something to tackle climate change: