Taiwan has set ambitious targets to combat climate change, aiming to peak its carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. However, attaining these “dual carbon” goals will require substantial investments. The World Bank predicts that meeting these targets will necessitate massive financial commitments. In this article, we will explore the challenges Taiwan faces in reaching its carbon reduction objectives and the investment requirements involved.
Closing the Investment Gap: Assessing Taiwan’s Decarbonization Investment
To achieve its climate goals, Taiwan needs to make significant investments. Overseas research institutes estimate that a minimum of US$38 trillion is required to attain these targets. However, both domestic and international institutions present varying predictions regarding the current gap in Taiwan’s decarbonization investment.
Investment Priorities: Power and Transportation Sectors at the Forefront
The power and transportation sectors play crucial roles in Taiwan’s journey towards a low-carbon economy. To achieve net-zero goals and facilitate the transition to sustainable practices, these sectors need to invest a staggering sum of up to US$17 trillion. Such substantial investments underscore the magnitude of the challenge and the urgent need for capital infusion.
Unlocking the Potential: Encouraging Private Participation
In 2021, Yi Gang, the governor of the People’s Bank of China, emphasized the necessity of involving social capital in decarbonization investments. He acknowledged that government funding alone falls short in realizing these ambitious goals. To bridge the financial gap, Taiwan must guide and incentivize greater participation from private entities.
Asia’s Crucial Role: Taiwan’s Impact on Global Carbon Emissions
The significance and urgency of investing in decarbonization cannot be overstated. According to Invesco Group’s white paper “Asian Net Zero Target,” over half of the world’s carbon emissions originate from Asia, with China alone contributing more than 25% to the global total. As Taiwan’s carbon emissions contribute to this alarming statistic, the nation’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality is of paramount importance.
Taiwan’s pledge to reach carbon neutrality by 2060 and peak its emissions by 2030 represents a commendable ambition. However, the investment requirements for accomplishing these goals should not be underestimated. The power and transportation sectors, in particular, must allocate substantial funds to transition to a low-carbon economy. Furthermore, the involvement of social capital and private entities is vital to bridge the investment gap. As Taiwan strives to lead by example, its efforts in decarbonization will have a significant impact on global carbon emissions reduction. Only through determined action and substantial investments can Taiwan pave the way for a sustainable and greener future.
