TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan advanced to 60th place in the Climate Change Performance Index, rising one spot from last year, as Germanwatch (德國看守協會) and Climate Action Network Europe (歐洲氣候行動網) released the results on Tuesday (Nov. 18) during the UNFCCC COP30. The Ministry of Environment, however, criticized the index's methodology, pointing to Taiwan's ongoing reduction in carbon emissions.
The Climate Change Administration (氣候變遷署) called the CCPI results unreasonable and unrepresentative, citing the Global Carbon Budget report's forecast of a 2.1% decrease in Taiwan's carbon emissions in 2025 compared to 2024. The European Commission's Joint Research Centre data showed a 30% increase in global emissions from 2005 to 2024, yet Taiwan and Japan bucked the trend with reductions of 9.6% and 23.5%, respectively.
The Ministry of Environment highlighted the CCPI's controversial method, which sets reduction paths and targets for per capita emissions in 2030. Taiwan's emissions stood at 2.26 metric tons per person, compared to South Korea's 2.18 metric tons and Japan's 3.30 metric tons. The ministry reiterated Taiwan's commitment to net-zero transformation, with a comprehensive carbon fee system and adherence to the Paris Agreement through NDC 3.0.
Looking ahead, the ministry plans to enhance inter-ministerial cooperation and industry collaboration to improve carbon reduction systems and technological innovation. This strategy aims to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, underscoring Taiwan's resolve in achieving a net-zero transition.
