Fight for Climate Change

FIGHT FOR CLIMATE CHANGE: SGS OFFERS NEW OPTIONS FOR TAIWAN

The UN Climate Change Conference 2007 took place between 3 and 14 December in Bali, Indonesia. The most important issue on the table was the formal launch of negotiations for a post-2012 international climate change deal (Kyoto Protocol). The main aim is a 2040% reduction in GHG (Greenhouse Gases) among the thirty-eight main countries by 2012. Taiwan's SGS, the world's leading verification company, invited the director of the Climate Change Program, Robert Dornau, to share his experience and the latest information in a conference with Taiwan's domestic buyers. He indicated the new options available to Taiwan.

As Robert Dornau explained, world energy demands will increase by 50% by 2030, and 'If we don't succeed in shifting our energy matrix in a low-carbon direction global emissions will increase by 50% by 2050.' Participants in the Climate Change Conference have reached agreements in order to fight against world climate change: Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by developed countries in the range of 2540%, adaptation, technology and finance, and the completion of negotiations by 2009. Also, those countries have come up the main idea of Bali Action Plan keeping in mind common but differentiated responsibilities. The plan also focuses on problems of deforestation, such as in Indonesia and Brazil, since 20% of global emissions are caused by the release of carbon through deforestation.

The problem of climate change has become a hot issue around the world, and many countries have come to the floor to work as part of the global community. However, the US has accidentally become one of the major obstacles to the agenda. The US and several other developed countries rejected emission reduction targets (25-40% by 2020). Dornau gave an interesting analogy, explaining that the US is just like a hockey player who passes the puck to where the player will be, thus leaving a blank space for the US to be filled in two years. This means the US has to keep up with the pace of world trends, trying harder to reach the agreement by 2010. As the global industry development leader, the US should take steps to show its determination and act as a model. As Dornau explained, 'This issue is not politics but for our next generation. If we don't take action and face the problem, we will see global people power movements.' More specific targets and plans have not yet been set, but there is no doubt that the US will come under criticism worldwide.

Although Taiwan is not allowed to sign up to the Kyoto Protocol, the country can still play a practical role. In other words, there is no direct political pressure for Taiwan to act, but there is indirect pressure, especially as Taiwan's actions would reflect on Taiwanese products exported around the world. Kyoto countries who are also important importers will be on the lookout for products with the lowest embedded emissions. The long-term cooperative action demanded by the Kyoto Protocol will be a huge challenge, but also an opportunity for Taiwan. Enhancing Taiwan's international competitiveness will become a vital practical target for the future.

SGS is one of the leading service providers for validation and verification of CDMs (Clean Development Mechanisms) and JI projects (Kyoto Protocol). The SGS Greenhouse Gases Service Team says because Taiwan does not belong to the UN, it has a unique political status in the world and this is why Taiwan is not allowed to sign the Kyoto Protocol. But international trade sanctions are inevitable, which is the main cause of concern for the Taiwanese government. In recent years, Taiwanese industries have been also contributing to this global debate, for example by promoting ISO 14064 series verification. To be a part of the global community, Taiwan has to make take positive action to reduce GHG.

Furthermore, the official VCS (Voluntary Carbon Standard) announcement was just in time showing the access of world for Taiwan. In summary, industries would take related measures based on VCS to make 'green' products with less embedded gas emissions, and require the verification statement to trade on the VCS's business platform. VCS gives Taiwan two advantages: advancing the visibility of Taiwanese industries around the world, and exporting Taiwanese-developed techniques. This is the best way to show the global community Taiwan's commitment to reduce GHG emissions, linking the Taiwanese market and the global market for voluntary credits. Taiwanese products with lower emissions will be more widely accepted and more competitive in the world marketplace.

Dornau emphasized that, compared to other developed industrial countries, Taiwan is a pioneer in technology. If Taiwanese industries can follow plans like the Bali Action Plan, and take on the measures talked about at the conference, not only will Taiwan be qualified to stand on the world stage, but it will also have the opportunity to cooperate with the other countries for technological development. The road to Taiwan's future is widening.

The SGS Group is the global leader and innovator in inspection, verification, testing and certification services. Founded in 1878, SGS is recognised as the global benchmark in quality and integrity. With more than 50’000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1’000 offices and laboratories around the world.