Taiwan’s minister of environmental protection, Wei Kuo-yen, says that the country has a good chance of participating in the UNFCCC as an observer. That’s the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Wei’s remarks came at a press conference on Sunday after he returned from the COP21 climate change talks in Paris.
Taiwan is not a party to the UNFCCC. That’s because it does not have a seat in the United Nations, due to opposition from China, which sees Taiwan as part of Chinese territory. Taiwan is, however, looking to participate in the convention as an observer and cut its carbon emissions along with the world community.
At COP21, a total of 12 of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies showed support for the country’s participation. Some 19 countries sent letters on Taiwan’s behalf to the UN Secretariat.
Wei said that Taiwan’s efforts in cutting carbon emissions show its commitment to doing its part as a member of the international community. He said that Taiwan will join the international community in its efforts to cut carbon emissions in half by the year 2030. He said that carbon reduction technology could also offer major business opportunities for Taiwan in the future.
On Saturday, representatives from 195 countries approved the Paris Agreement at the end of COP21. They set a goal of limiting global temperature rise to below two degrees Celsius this century.