Taiwan Intensifies Climate Action with New Goals and Key Forums

Intermediate | July 19, 2025

✨ 혼자서 기사를 소리 내어 읽거나 튜터를 따라 각 단락을 반복해서 읽으세요. 레벨...

Taiwan has been increasingly active in global climate change discussions, demonstrating a strong commitment to addressing environmental challenges. While a specific large “Climate Change Forum” on July 13, 2025, wasn’t the main headline, the island has, in fact, been buzzing with multiple related events and significant policy updates throughout July 2025 and over the past year. These activities highlight Taiwan climate action and the island’s dedicated push towards a greener future.

Taiwan’s Strengthening Climate Framework

Taiwan climate action is becoming more structured and ambitious thanks to several key reforms and leadership initiatives.

Legally Binding Net-Zero Target

One of Taiwan’s most ambitious steps is its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This goal is now legally binding, integrated into the Climate Change Response Act, which was updated in February 2023. This new law significantly strengthens Taiwan’s ability to govern and manage its climate policies. President Lai Ching-te further cemented this commitment on January 23, 2025, by announcing even more ambitious carbon reduction targets: aiming for a 32±2% cut by 2032 and a 38±2% cut by 2035, both compared to 2005 levels.

Financial Measures and Carbon Trading

To help reach these goals, Taiwan is implementing a carbon fee system in 2025. This fee is a crucial first step in its carbon pricing strategy. The government also plans to launch three major funds—the Green Growth Fund, Green Finance Innovation Fund, and Taiwan Net-Zero Fund—to encourage green industries and investments. Furthermore, regulations for domestic carbon credit trading began in August 2024, creating a clear path for a local carbon credit exchange platform.

Oversight by the National Climate Change Committee

To oversee these vital changes, the Presidential Office established the “National Climate Change Committee” in June 2024. This committee brings together leaders from business, government, academia, and research. By June 2025, it had already held four meetings, showing its active role in guiding policy and speeding up implementation, as well as encouraging public and international cooperation.

Recent Forums and Ongoing Progress

Taiwan Climate Action in July 2025

Recent events in July 2025 further illustrate Taiwan’s proactive approach. On July 10, the Asia Investor Group on Climate Change (AIGCC) hosted an investor briefing in Taipei. According to the group, 90% of Taiwanese investors see climate change as financially important. The Ministry of Environment held a “Green Diet Forum” on sustainable food on July 16, and the “Taiwan International Ocean Forum” on July 2 brought together over 100 experts to discuss regional sustainability. These forums, along with earlier ones like the Ministry of Environment’s climate action discussions in November 2024, show continuous engagement across various sectors.

Ongoing National Progress

Despite ranking 60th on the 2025 Climate Change Performance Index due to high energy use and emissions, Taiwan is making steady progress. Its “Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions in 2050,” published in March 2022, outlines comprehensive strategies covering energy, industry, lifestyle, and society. With a significant number of Taiwanese investors actively setting climate goals and reporting on their efforts, the nation is clearly building momentum towards its environmental targets.

Vocabulary

Net-zero emissions (noun phrase): A state where the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere is balanced by the amount removed.
- Example: “Taiwan aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 to combat climate change.”
Act (noun): A law passed by a legislative body.
- Example: “The Climate Change Response Act strengthens the nation’s environmental policies.”
Baseline (noun): A starting point or standard against which future measurements or comparisons are made.
- Example: “The group compared the new carbon reduction targets to a 2005 baseline.”
Mitigation (noun): Actions taken to reduce the severity or impact of something, especially climate change.
- Example: “Implementing a carbon fee is a key mitigation measure.”
Funds (noun): Sums of money collected and managed for a specific purpose.
- Example: “Government plans to launch three major funds to stimulate green industries.”
Framework (noun): A basic structure underlying a system, concept, or text.
- Example: “The new legal framework supports domestic carbon credit trading.”
Convene (verb): To come or bring together for a meeting or activity; assemble.
- Example: “The National Climate Change Committee has convened four meetings.”
Materiality (noun): The quality or state of being important or significant.
- Example: “Many investors recognize the financial materiality of climate change.”
Stewardship (noun): The responsible overseeing and protection of something considered worth caring for and preserving.
- Example: “Investors are reporting on their climate stewardship activities.”
Pathway (noun): A plan or course of action that is followed to achieve something.
- Example: “Taiwan’s Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions in 2050 outlines its strategic plan.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What is Taiwan’s main long-term goal regarding carbon emissions, and what legal document supports this?
How have Taiwan’s carbon reduction targets changed recently, and what is the new target for 2035?
Can you explain the purpose of the new carbon fee system and the three major funds being launched?
What role does the National Climate Change Committee play, and when was it established?
Based on the article, what are two examples of specific forums or briefings that took place in July 2025 related to climate change?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Why do you think it’s important for countries to set ambitious net-zero emission targets?
How might a carbon fee system encourage companies to reduce their emissions?
What are some ways individuals can contribute to climate action in their daily lives?
Why do you think investor groups are increasingly focusing on climate change?
Besides the areas mentioned in the article (energy, industry, lifestyle), what other areas do you think are important for a successful transition to net-zero?

Related Idiom

Turn over a new leaf

Meaning: To change your behavior or attitude for the better; to make a fresh start.
Example: “With its new laws and ambitious targets, Taiwan is truly turning over a new leaf in its approach to climate action.”

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This article was inspired by: July 13, 2025 – Yahoo News