Madam, – At the end of 2009, climate change caught everyone’s eye as world leaders converged on Copenhagen for the COP15 summit. It has now emerged as an issue of critical importance: one that is truly global in scope.
However, the world’s 26th largest economic entity, Taiwan is not involved in the worldwide efforts, due to political reasons.
I believe Taiwan’s exclusion constitutes a significant breach in the global mechanism. In order to redress this, Taiwan is bidding for Observership at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), with the hope that through this agency it can meaningfully participate and contribute.
There are a number of persuasive reasons for bringing Taiwan into the fold: 1. Taiwan’s government and people have voluntarily shown their commitment to creating a better and more sustainable future by introducing a wide array of environmental protection legislation.
2. Taiwan has met international standards for air quality improvement, river restoration, waste treatment and toxic substance management. Its proper garbage disposal rate stands at 99 per cent and over 40 per cent of refuse is recycled.
3. Most importantly, Taiwan is exposed and susceptible to the increasingly unstable weather and rising sea levels that climate change threatens to bring.
In 2009, Taiwan was devastated by the Morakot Typhoon, the worst storm to hit the island in recorded history. More than 600 people lost their lives, in excess of 40,000 were displaced, and immeasurable material damage was done. Taiwan needs to be able to use UNFCCC resources and have access to new information. Most crucially of all, Taiwan needs to be included in the early warning system so that lives may be saved.
Taiwan is ready to make a valuable contribution to the efforts to stem the tide of climate change. Its government and people deserve recognition for their commitment and initiative.
When the country itself stands on the frontline, it seems only fair that it be included in the chain. – Yours, etc,