March for the climate, before it’s too late
It was now two years ago that Gretha Thunberg launched the climate strike, in 2018. Followed by more than 7 millions people across the world, it prompts governments to take action before it is too late.
The year 2020 could be the year that will determine if it is too little too late, or if we still can hope.
It is this year that the governments of the world will announce their plans to reach the objectives of the Paris agreement. It is now that the future of our planet is being decided.
That is why we take action ! After thorough investigations, we have come to conclude that the current policy and regulations are not enough to reach the climate objective and to make it economically sustainable.
We will therefore march for the climate on the 27/09, for the future generations and our planet.
We will march to carry 6 demands and a proposition of 165 actions to the attention of the government.
We need all of you to make this voice heard, and let the government know that we care about the issues that are raised this year. We need to push for reform and for climate related issues to be brought to the forefront.
1. Aim for net zero carbon emission by 2050.
The government should announce a 2050 horizon, work on an alternative energy supply by 2030 and ask all its departments to work on an action plan to reach net zero emission by 2050. That is in 30 years from now, it is entirely feasible.
2. Declare climate change as a national crisis, and move its governance to the presidential office
We ask for the topic to be declared as serious as it should be. The higher governmental level should take those matters in hand (presidential office, and the executive yuan) to allow adequate allocation of means and the right level of coordination to see through the implementation of the ambitions.
3. Implement a “Green Deal” to show the way into becoming an sustainable economy
Following the example of the European Commission, we demand our government to develop an action plan and resources to foster a healthy and just transition, allow a budget to tackle climate change issues, and insure policies aligned with long-term goals towards 2050 on mitigation and adaptation issues. Nevertheless, policy instrument should be prepared in order to reflect the external cost of greenhouse gas
4. Raise awareness and educate people on climate change
It takes every taiwanese to fight back climate change and come up with inventive ideas. We need the collaboration of every Taiwanese to go toward a greener planet together. We demand the government to include climate change lectures in the compulsory education system, explain the scientific background, implement the policies and provide skill-training programs to adapt to work in a greener economy. With syllabus at school, with more training for workers in the new fields to be created, and with legal help to accompany those impacted by new measures.
5. Include diversity in the climate policy
The nine groups of constituencies defined by the UNFCCC should be represented in climate change policy-making process. Business and industry, Children and youth, Farmers, Indigenous Peoples and their communities, Local Authorities, Non-governmental organizations, The scientific and technological community, Women and Workers and Trade Unions. To make this happen, a National Conference with the nine constituencies included should be held ASAP, involving stakeholders into the process. Moreover, the GreenHouse Gas Management Act should allow citizens to sue their government, in order to hold the politicians’ feet to the fire directly.
6. More research funding, and a policy driven by science
We demand more funding and resources allocated to local research, which should study the impact of climate change, and downscale the research from international studies towards applicable levels. Our policy should be based on a thorough understanding of the impacts of climate change on our country, both scientific-wise and social-wise.
Is it that much to ask ?
Those demands are based on our observation on our current national climate law, policy & governance approach compared to other countries’ approaches. Taiwan has a very high emission ranking among the developed countries, and we are located in a very risky geographical region.
We are simply asking to make this more of a priority. To plan ahead the next decades in order to anticipate a peaceful and gradual transition to a more sustainable Taiwan.
And gradual it has to be, but we need to start now. We must face the coming impact and work on transition, prevention, resource distribution, and social security.
The climate impact is gonna be more severe in the coming years. We hope to build Taiwan into a low-carbon, resilient, sustainable country, so that the future generations can enjoy our precious island.
Join our march to speak up !
