English
English 繁體中文 简体中文

News

News

加入會員

即可檢索環保時事

Become a member

to search for 

environmental news

Article classification

Latest Articles

Search results: 1707 articles

The U.S. Clean Competition Act and its Impact on my country

Abstract: This article collects and analyzes the promotion and practice of the Clean Competition Act (CCA) in the United States. It mainly investigates and collects information about the U.S. regulations on the Act and its impact on Taiwanese companies, and provides suggestions on how companies can respond. Secondly, this article also summarizes the comparison between the European Union (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, CBAM) and the US CCA to help small and medium-sized enterprises respond to the carbon tariff policies released by Europe and the United States as soon as possible. 1. Overview of the bill: In June 2022, the U.S. Senate proposed the Clean Competition Act to implement carbon border adjustments on energy-intensive imported products. It is expected to impose carbon tariffs on U.S.-made products and U.S. importers starting in 2024, including Refining, petrochemicals, fertilizers, cement, steel and aluminum. What is different from the EU CBAM is the baseline for carbon tariff calculation and the objects to be levied. The US CCA Act charges carbon fees for importers and domestic manufacturers, but domestic manufacturers can obtain tax rebates when exporting to other countries; the calculation method is based on the US Department of the Treasury. The reported information is used to calculate the average carbon content of each category of U.S. products as the baseline for levying carbon taxes. If the manufacturer's carbon intensity exceeds the carbon intensity baseline applicable to the U.S. industry, it must pay carbon tax on the excess. . In addition, the baseline will be adjusted downward by 2.5% every year starting from 2025, and by 5% every year after 2029. It is worth noting that exports to the United States are taxable

2023-12-20

The impact of net zero on SMEs and their response models

Abstract: Based on policy trends and industry developments, this article identifies the impact currently faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the face of net-zero emissions, primarily stemming from the EU's carbon border management mechanism and supply chain decarbonization efforts. The second section explains three steps SMEs can take to address the various challenges arising from this issue. The third section, taking into account the limited human and financial resources of SMEs and the need for easy implementation of carbon reduction strategies, proposes recommendations for achieving carbon reduction through energy conservation. I. The Impact of Net-Zero Emissions on SMEs: Excluding SMEs that have voluntarily promoted carbon reduction or committed to net-zero emissions targets, the impact on SMEs primarily comes from two sources: First, regulatory measures imposed by relevant domestic and international regulations; and second, pressure from brand owners to commit to supply chain decarbonization. I. Regulatory Measures from Relevant Domestic and International Regulations First, regarding regulatory measures from relevant domestic and international regulations, the Ministry of Environment previously only required enterprises with direct carbon emissions exceeding 25,000 tons to conduct annual greenhouse gas inventories and verifications, and to submit the results to the "Business Greenhouse Gas Emissions Information Platform." Regulated enterprises include 287 companies in the power, cement, steel, oil, semiconductor, and panel manufacturing sectors. However, starting from 2023, the Ministry of Environment will amend the "Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Registration and Inspection Management Measures" and expand the scope of control, requiring enterprises whose direct and indirect carbon emissions total more than 25,000 tons of CO2e to "

2023-12-19

Gower's "Climate Tracker" leaked carbon emission data, Long Steel ranked among Taiwan's top ten pollution sources

In the second episode of Gower's Climate Mirror, the world's dirtiest pollution source has been replaced? Among the major carbon emitters named in 2022, who has improved? Who's worse off? Climate TRACE is currently the world's most detailed independent global greenhouse gas emissions database. Among the 500 dirtiest carbon emission sources in the world in 2022, 7 are from Taiwan. Image source: Taken from the official website of Climate TRACE. Do you still remember that at COP27 last year, former US Vice President Al Gore opened the climate mirror "Climate TRACE"? It integrates data from satellites, remote sensing and other public and commercial data, and uses AI to calculate the carbon emissions of the world's 72,612 dirtiest power plants, refineries, oil fields, steel plants, cement plants, airports and other 20 major industries. Spread out on a world map, it claims to be the most detailed independent global greenhouse gas emissions database available. Gall is back in 2023. This time it was even more violent. The number of pollution sources exposed exploded from more than 70,000 to 352 million, an annual increase of 4,400 times. It included cities, fishing ports, road traffic, rice fields, field burning, etc., and the time span of national-level carbon emission data was It has also been extended to 2015. The closest thing to a true global carbon emissions database "It's really powerful," Gower said. “We are participating in this COP specifically for this year’s global stocktake,” he pointed out. “Climate TRACE is currently the only independent, comprehensive source of accurate data that can be used to take stocktakes.” In fact, Climate TRACE also

2023-12-18

UK plans to impose carbon tax on imported goods from 2027

The British government announced that it expects to impose a carbon tax on imported products such as aluminum, steel and cement from 2027 to improve the carbon leakage problem and prevent local companies from being harmed by overseas manufacturers. The British Treasury said that the upcoming carbon tax will help improve carbon leakage, that is, companies shift production to countries with environmental regulations or lower production costs. Specifically, this carbon tax policy will create a level playing field for British domestic manufacturers, allowing local British companies that value environmental protection to compete fairly with overseas companies that have higher carbon emissions but lower production costs. British Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt pointed out that "a carbon tax will ensure that high-carbon products from overseas (such as steel and ceramics) have a consistent carbon emission cost with products produced in the UK, while promoting the reduction of global carbon emissions." However, British Steel (British Steel) criticized the government for its slow pace of policy promotion, which is one year slower than the European Union's CBAM. However, Gareth Stace, director general of UK Steel, pointed out that the newly formulated carbon tax policy is correct and will help create a level playing field for the British steel industry. Source: euronews.green

2023-12-18

Carbon reduction trends in the steel and metal industry supply chain

Abstract: To understand the carbon reduction trends within the steel and metals industry supply chain and the feasible carbon reduction practices of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in this sector, this article summarizes the latest developments in the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, an overview of steel and metal product exports to the EU, and the trends of major steel manufacturers in promoting carbon reduction in their supply chains. Drawing on the carbon reduction experiences, spirit, and practices of small and medium-sized metal fastener manufacturers in countries such as the UK and Sweden, this article offers three key recommendations to serve as a reference for policy implementation and program improvement. 1. EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism: After years of discussion, the EU finally reached agreement on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on May 10, 2023, completing the legislative process. According to information released by the European Commission, the CBAM will enter a transitional phase starting October 1, 2023, and will officially take effect in January 2026. The Commission also stated that after the CBAM enters its transitional phase, EU importers must complete the first wave of returns by January 31, 2024. After the CBAM enters the transition period, cement, steel, aluminum, fertilizers, electricity, hydrogen and other products will need to submit carbon content data when imported into the EU. However, during the transition period, importers only need to submit carbon content data for the above products and do not need to pay any additional fees. The EU hopes that CBAM stakeholders (importers)

2023-12-18

Carbon reduction trends in the machinery industry supply chain

Abstract: This article analyzes the measures taken by international machinery equipment manufacturers to respond to environmental sustainability issues such as carbon reduction and net zero emissions. It also investigates the measures taken by small and medium-sized enterprises in the international machinery industry to implement corporate carbon reduction and respond to the expectations of stakeholders, which serves as a reference for the development of carbon reduction strategies and measures in the machinery industry. Referring to the experience of international manufacturers and small and medium-sized enterprises, this article suggests that small and medium-sized enterprises in Taiwan's machinery industry can promote carbon reduction and respond to environmental sustainability issues through three major strategies: (1) sustainable product design, (2) process optimization and upgrading, and (3) waste recycling and reuse. 1. Overview of Taiwan's machinery product exports: The machinery industry has officially become one of the important industries in Taiwan with product exports exceeding one trillion yuan in 2022. In fact, the export performance of the machinery industry has shown an upward trend in the past three years, indicating that Taiwan's machinery products are widely favored by the international market. Statistics show that the total export value of the machinery industry in 2020 was US$26.08 billion, exceeding US$30 billion for the first time in 2021, reaching US$33.138 billion. The total export value in 2022 was US$34.813 billion, equivalent to approximately NT$1.03 trillion. The export value from January to May 2023 was US$11.989 billion. Taking 2022 exports as an example, the top three export products of the machinery industry were electronic machinery and equipment (US$5.084 billion, accounting for 14.6%), testing and measurement machinery and equipment (US$4.919 billion, accounting for 14.1%), and machine tools (US$3.023 billion, accounting for 8.7%).

2023-12-15

Carbon reduction trends in the automotive industry supply chain

Abstract: This article analyzes the strategies used by major international automakers to address the net-zero emissions issue. It also investigates the measures used by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the international automotive industry to promote carbon reduction, thereby addressing the carbon reduction needs of automakers. This study serves as a reference for carbon reduction strategies and missed opportunities for SMEs in the machinery industry. Drawing on the experiences of major international automakers and SMEs, this article suggests that in addition to promoting carbon reduction through strategies such as energy conservation and low-carbon product design, product/raw material recycling and reuse, process upgrades, and the introduction of renewable energy, SMEs in the Taiwanese automotive industry can also strive for credible international certification to enhance communication on their carbon reduction efforts. 1. Background: According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), over one-third of global carbon emissions come from transportation, with road transport accounting for over 70%. This phenomenon has not only driven the rapid development of new products such as electric vehicles, motorcycles, and trucks, but has also focused the focus on carbon reduction efforts on major automakers. Furthermore, the massive export volume of Taiwanese auto parts necessitates research on carbon reduction trends within the automotive industry supply chain. This will help us understand the carbon reduction strategies of representative automakers and clarify the main measures taken by small and medium-sized suppliers in the automotive industry to respond to the automakers' carbon reduction strategies. According to statistics from the Taiwan Automotive Industry Association, Taiwan's auto parts exports exceeded US$200 billion in 2014 and are expected to reach US$253 billion in 2022.

2023-12-14

COP28 achieves historic results – the beginning of the transition away from fossil fuels

Sultan Al Jaber, President of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), struck the gavel, to thunderous applause. It was a historic moment. Nearly 200 countries unanimously adopted the resolution "transitioning away from fossil fuels." The end of fossil fuels began from this moment. "We should be proud of this historic achievement," Jaber said. The joy of this moment was in stark contrast to the anger, frustration, and disappointment of two days prior. Although the climate conference, originally scheduled to close on the 12th, was postponed by a day, it marked a new chapter in history for the first global stocktake. On the morning of the 13th, Dubai time, the final resolution of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) was released, with Sultan Al Jaber, President of the conference, striking the gavel. Image credit: UNclimatechange (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0). Fossil fuels are included in a climate resolution for the first time. The Paris Agreement commits countries to limiting global average temperature rise to well below 2°C, and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. To assess the carbon reduction gap, a stocktake will be conducted every five years. The COP28 conference must decide on a clear action plan as the basis for global climate action. The draft resolution on the 11th stated that it would "reduce fossil fuel consumption and production in a fair, orderly and equitable manner", but did not mention the United States, Europe and small island states' desire for

2023-12-13

TCAN: Hou and Ko failed to meet 2030 carbon reduction targets, while Lai lacks ambition

With one month left before the presidential election, the Taiwan Climate Action Network (TCAN), composed of multiple environmental groups, held a press conference yesterday (12th) to evaluate the climate policies of the three party candidates. TCAN pointed out that none of the three candidates proposed an ambitious 2030 carbon reduction target, and Hou Youyi and Ko Wen-je even submitted a blank paper. In terms of energy allocation, the feasibility of Hou and Ko incorporating nuclear power is low, and the draft agreement of the COP28 United Nations Climate Conference did not include nuclear power. TCAN said that the climate policies of the three groups of candidates will be compiled on the "2024 Presidential Climate Policy Magnifier" website for voters to refer to. The Taiwan Climate Action Network released the "2024 Presidential Climate Policy Magnifier" yesterday. Image source: Taken from the 2024 Presidential Climate Policy Magnifier website Hou and Ko submitted a blank paper on the 2030 carbon reduction target, and Lai is not ambitious enough. The United Nations Climate Conference (COP28) is coming to an end, and the Taiwan presidential election is also in the countdown for one month. At the press conference for the launch of the "2024 Presidential Climate Policy Magnifier" website yesterday, TCAN reviewed seven types of climate policies of the candidates, including carbon reduction targets, carbon pricing, power structure, renewable energy, industrial transformation, citizen participation, and just transition. Lin Yanting, a researcher at the Environmental Rights Protection Foundation, said that none of the three candidates proposed an ambitious carbon reduction target for 2030. Hou Youyi has not yet expressed his position. Ko Wen-je's deputy Wu Xinying mentioned a 40% carbon reduction by 2030 in an interview, but whether it will be included in the political platform remains to be confirmed; Lai Ching-te, the only one who proposed a 2030 target, maintained 24±1% of the existing policy, which is too negative. According to

2023-12-13

Green financial tools to assist SMEs in their low-carbon transition

Abstract: As the challenge of global climate change grows more severe, global attention to environmental protection and sustainable development is growing, and this is gaining momentum across various industries. This has led to the emergence of green finance tools, which play a key role in helping businesses achieve net zero targets, creating tools and opportunities for governments, businesses, and investors to jointly achieve environmental sustainability. However, compared to large enterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face significant shortages in resources and support. Governments are therefore urged to cultivate more relevant talent, lowering the barrier to entry for SMEs to achieve net zero transformation, and providing them with targeted green financial services to address the impact of climate change and pave the way towards achieving the 2050 net zero emissions target. I. Background: As the challenge of global climate change grows more severe, global attention to environmental protection and sustainable development is growing. Furthermore, this issue of sustainable development is gaining momentum across various industries, leading to the emergence of green finance tools, which play a key role in helping businesses achieve net zero targets, further enabling them to balance operational growth with environmental protection. Furthermore, more and more investors are beginning to pay attention to the performance of companies in terms of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance). They hope to invest in companies with environmental sustainability awareness. Therefore, the development of green finance creates opportunities for the government, companies and investors.

2023-12-13

my country Carbon Exchange Business and Response Strategies for Small and Medium Enterprises

Abstract: As the challenge of global climate change becomes increasingly severe, in addition to the increasing attention of governments around the world on issues related to global environmental protection and sustainable development, companies have also responded to their greenhouse gas reduction responsibilities. my country passed the Climate Change Response Act in February this year (112), clearly setting a net-zero emissions target for 2050 and authorizing the formulation of sub-laws and regulations related to carbon pricing and management. In order to encourage companies to implement net-zero emission goals, the government will launch the operation of carbon rights and carbon trading markets to assist companies in their net-zero transformation and reduce the impact of climate change. Although most government carbon reduction policies prioritize large enterprises or emission sources for control, small and medium-sized enterprises are still part of the supply chain and must also face carbon reduction requirements from customers. Therefore, small and medium-sized enterprises must also keep abreast of international trends (CBAM, etc.) and relevant domestic regulations (such as carbon fee collection, reduction credit transfer, trading or auction, etc.) to understand the risks and impacts on themselves and make corresponding countermeasures , carry out net-zero transformation as early as possible and create green business opportunities. 1. Background: As the challenge of global climate change becomes increasingly severe, in addition to the increasing attention of governments around the world on issues related to global environmental protection and sustainable development, companies have also responded to their greenhouse gas reduction responsibilities. In addition, in response to major international countries' promotion of net-zero emissions-related goals, strategies and mechanisms, China passed the Climate Change Response Act in February this year (112). In addition to enshrining the 2050 net-zero emissions target into law, it also authorized Formulate sub-laws and regulations related to carbon pricing and management, such as total control and allocation, carbon fees

2023-12-12

PAS 2060: 2014 The Structure and Spirit of Carbon Neutrality

Background of carbon neutrality: In recent years, the trend of carbon neutrality has been growing. If you search for "carbon neutrality" on the Internet, you will find that there are national-level carbon neutralities. For example, Japan and South Korea announced 2050 carbon neutrality. Neutralization, to carbon neutrality at the food, clothing, housing and transportation level in public life, such as: carbon-neutral meals, carbon-neutral shampoo, carbon-neutral marathons, etc. As the public attaches great importance to carbon reduction, countries and enterprises , individuals have begun to set carbon reduction goals and plan reduction actions, and carbon neutrality is the carbon reduction goal currently adopted by most entities. In order to cope with the impact of extreme climate, entities around the world have invested money, manpower, and time in carbon reduction. However, substantial carbon reduction is not an easy task and is difficult to implement in most cases. Therefore, "carbon offset" is very important for carbon neutrality. and played an important role. According to the definition of carbon neutrality in PAS 2060:2014, "the greenhouse gas emissions related to the subject matter during a specified period result in no net increase in greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere." Entities can achieve carbon neutrality by reducing and offsetting their carbon footprint through "self-reduction" and "external offsets". The "self-reduction" part is particularly important. It must be reduced to the point where it can no longer be reduced. At this time, the emissions that cannot be reduced will be offset through "external offsets". "Self-reduction" is usually achieved by investing in new technologies, new equipment, and new management methods. In practice, it is often a step-by-step reduction. Therefore, carbon neutrality is essentially a long-term carbon management plan. painting, a reduction plan should be planned and properly managed

2023-12-12

An analysis of carbon tax systems in major countries around the world

Abstract: Climate change and anomalies pose serious consequences not only for the environment but also for the economy, making them a global issue that cannot be ignored. A report by British economist Sir John Stern states that climate change constitutes a serious market failure, potentially resulting in a loss of up to 20% of global GDP. To address this issue, governments around the world have adopted carbon pricing mechanisms to control greenhouse gas emissions, with carbon taxes being one such mechanism. Furthermore, according to a World Bank report, the implementation of carbon taxes is on the rise globally, with global carbon tax rates gradually increasing. To address climate change, Taiwan passed the Climate Change Response Act in February 2023, planning to implement a carbon fee on businesses in 2024 as a countermeasure. Although the price of the carbon fee has yet to be determined, this measure will be a key step in aligning Taiwan with the rest of the world and will be the first such implementation globally. Going forward, Taiwanese businesses will actively conduct comprehensive carbon inventories and develop comprehensive carbon reduction strategies to achieve their net zero goals. I. Background: Global climate change and anomalies have always been a thorny issue. In recent years, humanity has realized that climate change affects more than just the environment in which we live. From an economist's perspective, climate change is the world's most serious market failure. According to the first report on the environmental dilemma written by British economist Sir Nicholas Stern, the cost of climate change could be as high as 20% of global GDP.

2023-12-11

2024 Climate Performance Index: For the first time, no country has a "good" performance on climate policy

The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), which attracts significant domestic attention annually, released its latest rankings today (8th) at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28). Of the 63 countries evaluated, the top three remain vacant. Denmark remains at the top, as it did last year, with the Philippines and India rounding out the top ten. Taiwan dropped four spots to 61st, joining the United Arab Emirates, the host country of this year's COP, as well as Russia and the United States, in the "very poor" group of climate performance. Countries' climate policy indicators haven't performed well, and Denmark, at the top, isn't doing well either. The CCPI, a joint assessment by Germanwatch, the NewClimate Institute, and the Climate Action Network (CAN), has been released for the 19th consecutive year. The CCPI monitors the climate performance of 63 countries worldwide and the 27 EU member states based on four key indicators: greenhouse gas emissions (40%), renewable energy development (20%), energy use (20%), and climate policy (20%). The countries included in the rankings account for over 90% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This year, the top three remain vacant, with no country meeting the 1.5°C target. Denmark, the fourth-highest-ranked country, remains unchanged from last year. Estonia climbed four spots to fifth place. The Philippines, India, and the Netherlands rounded out the top eight spots.

2023-12-08

COP28 launches net-zero nuclear energy industry commitment

The Net Zero Nuclear Industry Pledge, endorsed by 25 countries and 120 companies at COP28, pledges to triple nuclear power capacity by 2050. This follows a US-led nuclear declaration signed by 22 countries at COP28. Sama Bilbao y Leon, Director General of the World Nuclear Association (WNA), stated that the pledge calls on governments, multilateral development banks, and the World Bank to ensure that nuclear energy receives climate financing on par with other clean energy sources, enabling large-scale global deployment of the nuclear energy industry and making a significant contribution to climate change mitigation. Although Russia did not sign the declaration, it welcomed its positive stance, with Deputy Economy Minister Vladimir Ilyichev stating that climate goals cannot be achieved without nuclear energy. In addition, Rosatom has also joined the "Net Zero Nuclear Energy Industry Commitment" and stated that nuclear energy is an effective, rapid and resilient solution for deep decarbonization. By joining the "Net Zero Nuclear Energy Industry Commitment", Rosatom will be committed to working with the government and stakeholders to triple the capacity of nuclear power plants by 2050. Source: Nuclear Engineering

2023-12-07

COP28 focuses on five climate change solutions

The Earth's climate is changing rapidly, and urgent action is needed to avoid devastating consequences for humanity and nature. So what are these "solutions"? And how is progress being made? Source: BBC

2023-12-06

94% of fishing operations result in marine debris. Gillnet vessels clear over 313 kg of marine debris.

November 21st marks United Nations World Fisheries Day. The Fishermen's Rights and Environmental Sustainability Center (FRESC) held a press conference on marine waste recovery records near the coast of Yunlin and Chiayi. Ten gillnet fishing vessels conducted 504 surveys in the first three quarters of 2023, clearing 313.59 kilograms, or 4,680 pieces, of marine debris. Plastic and fishery waste were the primary components, accounting for 88% of the total marine debris. Oyster strips, a unique marine waste source in the southwestern waters, accounted for 86% of the total. [The following appears to be unrelated and should likely be omitted:] Marine debris collected by fishermen during fishing. Image source: Fishermen's Rights and Environmental Sustainability Center. 94% of fishing operations result in marine debris. The Fisheries and Environmental Protection Center, with a grant from the Coast Guard Administration, conducted a one-year pilot project. Ten fishing boats and ten crew members from Taizi Village, Kouhu Township, Yunlin County, conducted a survey from January to September 2023 in four areas: Taixi, Sihu, Kouhu, and Dongshi Townships. They recorded data on marine debris caught with gillnets in coastal waters, totaling 504 surveys. The survey locations were located near oyster sheds, offshore wind farms, the Sixth Naphtha Petrochemical Plant, landfills, and landfill restoration sites. Results showed that 94% of fishing operations resulted in marine debris. Over the nine-month period, 313.59 kilograms (4,680 pieces) of marine debris were removed. The debris was primarily plastic and fishery waste, but also included household waste such as sneakers and plastic bottles. Qiu Jingchun, a research assistant at the Institute of Marine Affairs and Resource Management of the National Ocean University who participated in the data analysis, said that the amount of garbage in the four areas will be affected by the number of fishing boats collecting garbage, but on average,

2023-11-23

Greenpeace International Supply Chain Decarbonization Ranking: TSMC and Pegatron Tied for Third in East Asia

Greenpeace released the "2023 International Supply Chain Decarbonization Report" yesterday (21st), focusing on the carbon reduction and renewable energy actions of 11 major suppliers of consumer electronics with factories in East Asia. The evaluation targets included three Taiwanese companies: TSMC, Pegatron and Foxconn. The report pointed out that TSMC and Pegatron's overall ratings have improved, tied for third place in East Asia, while Foxconn has not improved and remains in the lower half of the ranking. The overall performance is still not positive enough. Compared with the median proportion of renewable energy of other companies of 20%, there is still a big gap for domestic companies. High-power consumption industries face decarbonization pressure. The proportion of renewable energy in the electronics supply chain has increased. Greenpeace East Asia Office has conducted an electronics supply chain decarbonization survey for two consecutive years. This year, it analyzed the carbon reduction and renewable energy actions of 11 major suppliers of consumer electronics with factories in East Asia and released the "2023 International Supply Chain Decarbonization Report" yesterday (21st). The survey subjects include Luxshare Precision and BOE in China, LG and Samsung in South Korea, and three companies in Taiwan: semiconductor leader TSMC, final assembly giant Pegatron, and electronic component giant Foxconn. Greenpeace analyzed that most of these 11 companies are still highly dependent on fossil fuel electricity. Currently, the median proportion of renewable energy in these companies is 20%, an increase of about 10% compared to the previous year (2021). Greenpeace emphasized that looking at the semiconductor industry in the consumer electronics industry alone, carbon emissions are expected to reach 86 million tons in 2030. If the goal of curbing global warming to 1.5°C is to be achieved, all companies should actively plan for 2030.

2023-11-22

Protests at the SRF plant spark concerns among environmental groups about the import of ocean waste. The Recycling Agency has pledged not to use imported waste plastics for fuel rods.

Solid renewable fuel (SRF), made from combustible waste, has been considered by the government as a key to converting waste into energy in recent years. While this development has been ongoing, the construction of these plants has repeatedly sparked local controversy. Legislator Chen Jiahua of the New Power Party held a public hearing on the 14th, inviting environmental groups and government agencies to discuss the matter. Environmental groups questioned whether SRF power generation is internationally recognized as green electricity and expressed concern that large-scale investment in SRF by businesses could lead to an influx of foreign waste plastics if there is insufficient waste to burn. The National Resources and Waste Recycling Agency (NRWA) immediately pledged to ban the import of foreign waste plastics for use in SRF. The Agency of Energy has not responded to requests for legislative amendments to remove SRF from the list of renewable energy sources. Solid renewable fuel (SRF) made from waste paper and plastic. (File photo/Photo by Chen Zhaohong) Environmental groups have criticized SRF as "fake green electricity," arguing that burning waste plastic is equivalent to burning fossil fuels. To increase waste processing capacity, the government has encouraged private sector plants to shred, sort, and compress combustible waste, such as waste plastic and paper, into SRF, which is then sold to factories and power plants, transforming waste into energy. If the power generation efficiency reaches 25%, the business can obtain a renewable energy bulk purchase rate of nearly NT$3.95 per kilowatt-hour. However, environmental groups pointed out that burning waste plastic is equivalent to burning fossil fuels, and SRF power generation is "fake green electricity." Chen Jiahua, a legislator from the New Power Party, held a public hearing on "SRF burning waste to generate electricity is not green energy, and insufficient regulations are controversial." Representatives from environmental groups, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and local environmental protection bureaus were invited to attend the discussion. Lin Zhenghan, an associate researcher at Tainan Community University, said that the green electricity defined by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) does not include burning plastic to generate electricity, and called on the Energy Agency to amend the law.

2023-11-16

Corporate Water Footprint Inventory Summary

The carbon cycle and water cycle are key to the earth's climate system. Changes in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have a great impact on changes in the earth's temperature. Water absorbs heat during the cycle and has the effect of cooling and lowering the temperature. For every 1°C increase in global average temperature, water resources will decrease by 20%. Climate change has caused an imbalance in the earth's water cycle. Frequent water shortages have become a new challenge that developed countries are struggling with. For example, in 2022, California in the United States suffered the worst drought in 1,200 years, and Europe experienced the most severe drought in 500 years, with rivers drying up. Impacting shipping, power generation, grain production and supply chains. Since 2000, the frequency and duration of droughts around the world have increased by 29%. Scientists predict that the global water shortage will be as high as 40% in 2030, and 700 million people may be forced to relocate due to severe water shortage. Droughts in 2050 will affect more than 3/4 of the world's population. , water shortages trigger water wars, which may lead to political unrest, food shortages, and economic recession. According to United Nations data, 2 billion people lack safe drinking water, 2.3 billion people live in water-scarce countries, and 1/5 of river basins are undergoing rapid changes due to flooding, new reservoirs, and drying up. Water is not only a victim of the climate crisis but also a contributor to it. Drought-induced fires have caused massive losses in biodiversity. If the loss of wetlands represents depleting the largest carbon storage on the planet, and the decline in soil moisture reduces the ability of terrestrial and forest ecosystems to sequester carbon, it is likely to increase in the next few years. turn these natural ecosystems into sources of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global warming

2023-11-16
error: Content protected