Download EU-Taiwan NGO Exchange Workshop on Climate Change and

EU-Taiwan NGO Exchange Workshop on Climate Change and Coastal
Adaptation 2015
Dear Secretary General CHEN,
Distinguished guests,
Good afternoon.
I am honored to be here today on behalf of the European Economic Trade Office
at this important EU-Taiwan NGO exchange on climate change and coastal
adaptation, organized by the Taiwan Environmental Information Association.
2015 is decisive year in the effort to tackle climate change. We are preparing for
a new global legally binding climate deal in Paris in December. The aim is to
agree on a robust deal capable of restricting global temperature rise to less
than 2oC compared with preindustrial times.
On 6 March the EU and its member states submitted their proposed
contributions committing to a legally binding target of at least a 40 percent
domestic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990
levels.
This shows that the EU feels the urgency of the moment. But reducing
greenhouse emissions calls for a global alliance. We therefore welcome the
passage on 15 June of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act by
the Legislative Yuan.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is not the only priority. Increasing emphasis
is now on the development of adaptation measures to manage the adverse
impacts of climate change.
One of the main threats is from rising sea levels, which can displace
communities, disrupt trade supply chains and render land unusable. Low-lying
coastal areas with extensive coastlines are particularly vulnerable. Taiwan, with
a coastline of over 1,500km is already experiencing erosion and salinization in
coastal areas.
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Rising sea-level affects a significant number of Europeans. One third of our
population lives within 50 km of the coast, from the North-East Atlantic and the
Baltic to the Mediterranean and Black Sea. The GDP generated by this
population is higher than 30% of the total EU GPD. The costs of doing nothing
against the effects of climate change in coastal areas are estimated to be
significantly higher than the annual costs of taking actions.
EU Member States are playing a leading role on innovative adaptation strategies
that cover coastline management. The European Commission provides support
especially where impacts transcend borders through instruments like the 2013
EU Adaptation Strategy.
Climate change action does not just concerns governments. While their
responsibility is higher, engagement of civil society plays a vital role in this
collective effort.
Today provides a unique opportunity to exchange experiences on improving
capacities of NGOs as they play a critical role in addressing local issues and
as they engage on strategic issues such as the preparation of adaptation policies
and frameworks.
This workshop is also a significant milestone in the development of Taiwan-EU
NGO relations, and the first dedicated formal collaboration between NGOs in
climate change adaptation. It is testament to our joint commitment to cooperate
in this important area. Thank you for joining the event today, and I hope we can
gather fresh insights and inspiration!
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