Environmental protection issues such as climate change and greenhouse gases have become of great concern worldwide, including in Taiwan. Abnormal climate events have been disrupting the lives of people globally in recent years. No single country can reduce greenhouse gases worldwide. Article 11 of the 1976 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights stipulates that “the States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to an adequate standard of living for himself and his family… and to the continuous improvement of living conditions. The States Parties will take appropriate steps to ensure the realization of this right, recognizing to this effect the essential importance of international co-operation based on free consent.” Article 12 stipulates that they “recognize the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.” Taiwan has actively taken measures to abide by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and cooperate with the international community on environmental protection issues.
From its efforts, the international community has discovered that efforts to mitigate climate change must go hand and hand with sustainable development. Thus, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development on September 25, 2015. The agenda comprises 17 Sustainable Development Goals that require 169 targets be realized. The goals concern social, economic, and environmental issues, covering such concerns as climate change and clean energy.
As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan has been helping allies and friendly countries in their sustainable development initiatives. For instance, since 2008, Taiwan has been assisting in the project Action for the Development of Marshall Islands Renewable Energy, helping the Marshall Islands implement its policy to promote clean energy development and install household solar energy systems and solar-powered street lights. In 2016, Taiwan helped the Marshall Islands Development Bank implement a project on household energy efficiency and renewable energy. Such examples demonstrate how Taiwan has long promoted sustainable development and stood on the frontline with the international community in combating climate change and seeking sustainable development.
#abnormal climate
#Articles 11 and 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
#United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
#reduction of greenhouse gases
#2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
#renewable energy