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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. 1 150608KC 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! 2 150608KC