Taiwanese unaware of carbon reduction policies: survey

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The head of the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy discussed on Wednesday (Jan. 31) the potential benefits and challenges of Taiwan's planned carbon fee, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. 

Eugene Chien, a former environmental minister, shared insights from a survey on Taiwanese attitudes toward climate change with TVBS World Taiwan. He revealed that a significant majority are unaware of the nation's major electricity sources or the government's carbon reduction goals for 2030 and 2050. 

Chien also expressed concern over public dissatisfaction with Taiwan's climate change efforts, citing dissatisfaction rates of over 60% toward the government, businesses, and individuals themselves.

Chien emphasized the need for Taiwan, as an export-driven economy, to align with global carbon taxation trends and enhance its industries' understanding of international carbon tax mechanisms. 

He stressed the importance of data in addressing climate change and the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) with artificial intelligence as a focus for his foundation and society at large. 

With major global companies demanding green energy in their supply chains, Taiwan, a key player in the global market, must improve its adaptability and resilience to meet the challenges of climate change.