Taiwan’s Commitment to Climate Action: A New Chapter for Taiwan-India Cooperation

As climate change reshapes our world, Taiwan and India, like many other nations, find themselves grappling with the profound challenges it brings. As major economies in the Indo-Pacific, Taiwan and India not only bear responsibility for their own environmental welfare but also share a commitment to addressing the global climate crisis. Our cooperation on climate change holds immense potential, as Taiwan and India pursue a shared vision of green growth, innovation, and sustainable development.

In recent years, Taiwan has faced severe impacts from climate change, including the worst drought in a century, unprecedented rainfall, and powerful typhoons. Under the leadership of President Lai Ching-te, Taiwan has outlined a comprehensive strategy for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This vision includes advancing a second energy transition, accelerating the development of geothermal, hydrogen, biomass, solar and  ocean energy, fostering a dual digital and green transformation of industries, and promoting sustainable lifestyles. Taiwan’s net-zero journey prioritizes fairness, ensuring that every individual benefits from this transformative process.

In June, Taiwan established the National Climate Change Committee under the Office of the President. This high-level initiative strengthens policy transparency and public engagement, aligning Taiwan’s efforts with global climate goals. With a focus on seven key areas—including pathways to net-zero, diverse carbon reduction technologies, green finance, and sustainable living—the committee provides a solid foundation for both domestic and international climate action. Taiwan’s commitment to climate governance offers an opportunity for new collaborations with India on issues of mutual interest.

India has demonstrated its ambition to become a global leader in clean energy, possessing rich resources for renewable energy development. Taiwan, a world leader in green technology, climate adaptation, and low-carbon innovation, complements India’s strengths, allowing both countries to accelerate their sustainable development goals. Taiwan has integrated its 2050 net-zero target into the Climate Change Response Act and will implement a carbon fee system starting in 2025. This initial carbon fee of approximately USD 10 per ton of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) will gradually increase, aligning with international standards of USD 40 to USD 60 per tCO2e by 2030. Additionally, Taiwan plans to introduce an emissions trading system within the next four years, enhancing its role in the global carbon market. This framework presents a robust platform for cooperation in carbon markets, policy exchanges, and technology sharing.

Taiwan is launching three major funds to boost the growth of green industries, including the NT$10 billion Green Growth Fund to support emerging net-zero industries domestically. Additionally, long-term investments in energy-saving, circular economy, and net-zero sectors will be supported by the Green Finance Innovation Fund, backed by the insurance and finance sectors. The Taiwan Net-Zero Fund will collaborate with high-emission industries, venture capital, and financial institutions to invest in advanced carbon reduction technologies. These initiatives align with Article 9 of the Paris Agreement, which calls for mobilizing climate finance from various sources to support global climate actions. Taiwan’s efforts will attract greater green investment, strengthen international competitiveness, and deepen its climate partnership with India.

In the realm of climate adaptation, Taiwan released its latest National Climate Change Science Report in May. This report provides essential scientific data to assist local governments in planning effective short- and medium-term adaptation measures, enhancing urban resilience. It underscores the need for early-warning systems and disaster prevention mechanisms that integrate prediction, response, and recovery. Taiwan’s adaptation initiatives align with Article 7 of the Paris Agreement, and we see great potential for Taiwan and India to collaborate on early-warning technologies, disaster prevention, and resilience-building, strengthening both nations’ ability to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Taiwan and India share a clear goal in climate action. Bilateral cooperation will promote green growth and jointly confront the global climate crisis. As Taiwan advances carbon pricing and green technologies, we look forward to deepening cooperation with India in renewable energy, net-zero transition, and technological innovation, contributing together to global climate governance.

About Baushuan Ger, Taiwan’s Representative to India:

Having previously worked in MOFA’s Bureau of Consular Affairs as Section Chief from 1999 to 2002 and subsequently in the Ministry’s East Asian and Pacific Affairs Department as Deputy Director-General from 2009 to 2011 and Director-General from 2018 to 2020, Amb. Ger came to his current assignment well-versed and highly experienced in the geopolitical, economic and social developments in the Indian Subcontinent and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

A seasoned diplomat with a career spanning continents over three decades, Amb. Ger was last appointed as Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in August 2014 where he served for almost four years. In addition, Amb. Ger has cultivated extensive experience in the US while serving as Director-General of Taiwan’s Mission in Chicago from 2011 to 2014 and earlier as Deputy Director-General in Houston from 2006 to 2008 and Consul in New York from 1994 to 1997. Amb. Ger worked as First Secretary in Taiwan’s Mission to the World Trade Organization from May 2002 to July 2005, shortly after Taiwan acceded to WTO. Amb. Ger started his first assignment overseas in the ROC Embassy to Solomon Islands from 1991 to 1994.

Am. Ger holds an MA and a BA both in political science from the National Taiwan University.