DUBAI (TVBS News) — A civilian group from Taiwan unveiled the "Songshan Declaration" in a call for fair transition strategies to combat climate change on Wednesday evening (Dec. 6) at a side event related to the upcoming 28th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai.
At the meeting, Gina Lee, a representative from the Taiwan Youth Climate Coalition (TWYCC), spotlighted the controversial solar energy development in Tainan's Qigu area. She discussed how the government's policy of promoting co-existence of fishing and solar energy, along with the Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff, adversely affected the livelihoods of local aquaculture fishers.
The TWYCC also explored examples of just transition, such as the solar development in Cigu and the electrification of scooters, voicing their concern about the government's lack of two-way dialogue with the youth at such forums.
Chao Kung-yueh, Executive Director of the International Climate Development Institute (ICDI), stated that stakeholders from Taiwan's industries, government, academia, and civil society have jointly initiated the "Songshan Declaration."
Chao added that they have pledged to enforce the Climate Change Response Act and engage in the global stocktake, a regular assessment of collective efforts toward mitigating climate change.
Chen Hui-ping, Chairperson of the Taiwan Green Energy for Charity Association, shared experiences of enabling social change through the "Green Well (GW) 100+" initiative.
By means of donations, the group has installed solar power systems for underprivileged communities, completing 30 projects to date since 2022.
The Association also addressed the energy disadvantages faced by people with disabilities, conducting energy audits and equipment replacements in social welfare institutions.
They emphasized that their model of green charity fosters wider stakeholder participation and contributes positively to the energy transition.
