TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) on Friday (Nov. 8) said Donald Trump's election will disrupt global climate change efforts, though Taiwan will remain steadfast in net-zero commitments.
Peng also addressed the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will be held in Azerbaijan from Nov. 11-22. Azerbaijan is closely allied with China, making it unlikely Taiwan will receive an invitation to this international event, per CNA.
Due to this exclusion, Peng said his ministry would form a "COP29 War Room” to follow the events at COP29. Starting Friday (Nov. 15), six online workshops will allow the public to watch COP29 meetings online.
International media has followed President-elect Donald Trump's frequent denial of climate change. Peng admitted Trump’s actions could impact climate change policy like his presidency eight years ago.
Peng said Trump’s first term caused panic among attendees at COP22 in Marrakech, Morocco. Under Trump, the global response to climate change experienced setbacks, but in the past four years under Joe Biden’s administration, climate-change cooperation returned to normal.
According to Peng, the outlook for upcoming climate change conferences may experience similar challenges due to the Trump administration. However, Peng said that the global net-zero initiative will continue to progress in the long run.
Peng said that during his previous term, Trump had changed the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Before his election, Trump had also promised to suspend green energy projects in the US and fully support fossil fuels.
Trump’s policies are in stark contrast to the Taiwan government, which is encouraging manufacturers to promote net-zero transformation. In recent months, this initiative has progressed through the Green Growth Fund.
Peng said that despite being sidelined from COP29, he will continue to be active in ensuring Taiwan's rights and interests. Although Trump may alter climate change initiatives, Taiwan will continue to work to reduce carbon emissions and domestic net-zero goals will not change.
