Taipei, Taiwan — As the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) kicks off in Baku, Azerbaijan, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has released a powerful bilingual video urging the international community to support Taiwan’s participation in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The 2-minute-30-second video, titled “Our Pale Blue Dot,” premiered on Monday, aligns with the opening of COP29 and is part of Taiwan’s ongoing campaign to push for meaningful inclusion in global climate discussions. The video features stunning imagery and video footage from Formosat-5, Taiwan’s first domestically developed Earth observation satellite, which highlights the country’s significant contributions to climate change research and the fight against global warming.
Video Calls for Support in Taiwan’s Push for Meaningful UNFCCC Participation
The MOFA’s video underscores Taiwan’s longstanding commitment to climate change mitigation and sustainable development. The clip references Carl Sagan’s 1994 book “Pale Blue Dot”, which explores humanity’s place in the universe, drawing a parallel between the fragility of Earth and the urgent need for global cooperation on climate change. Taiwan’s participation in the UNFCCC, however, remains a point of contention due to its exclusion from the United Nations since 1971, when the People’s Republic of China (PRC) assumed Taiwan’s seat.
Taiwan has been excluded from the U.N.’s special agencies, including the UNFCCC, despite being a highly active player in climate change initiatives. The video features Taiwan’s Formosat-5 satellite, which has been crucial in monitoring climate changes across the globe, offering Taiwan’s contribution to the international community’s fight against climate change.
In addition to the full version, a 30-second video has been released, available with Mandarin and English subtitles, and translations in Japanese, French, German, Spanish, and several other languages, including Arabic and Ukrainian.
Taiwan’s Call for Recognition: A Bid for Meaningful Engagement in Global Climate Action
Taiwan has been participating in COP as an NGO observer since 1995 through its Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), but it has been excluded from direct participation in the annual talks due to its political status. The government’s objective in creating this video is clear: to amplify Taiwan’s voice in global efforts to combat climate change and demonstrate the country’s capacity to contribute to global climate solutions.
Taiwan’s exclusion from the UNFCCC and other international organizations has been a point of frustration for the government, which believes that Taiwan’s experience in green technologies, renewable energy, and sustainability could provide valuable insights and solutions to the world’s climate challenges. Taiwan’s call for support has been ongoing, with various international bodies urging the U.N. to reconsider its stance.
Key Details of Taiwan’s Video Release and COP29 Participation
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Video Title | “Our Pale Blue Dot” |
| Release Date | November 2024, coinciding with COP29 in Azerbaijan |
| Video Length | 2 minutes and 30 seconds (full version), 30 seconds (short version) |
| Languages Available | Mandarin, English, Japanese, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian, Ukrainian |
| Main Message | Urges global support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the UNFCCC |
| Taiwan’s Contribution | Showcases Taiwan’s achievements in climate science through Formosat-5 satellite and its cooperation with global allies |
| COP29 Dates | November 11-22, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan |
Taiwan’s Efforts in Climate Science and Sustainable Development
Despite its exclusion from the UNFCCC, Taiwan has made significant strides in environmental protection and climate change mitigation. The country has launched multiple initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, advance renewable energy technologies, and promote sustainable urban development. Taiwan’s Formosat-5 Earth observation satellite plays a vital role in climate monitoring, helping to track and analyze changes in land use, air quality, and greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.
Taiwan’s leadership in green technology innovation has earned the country global recognition for its contributions to sustainable development. The Taiwan Climate Change Program, managed by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), focuses on fostering green technology, supporting environmental research, and advancing sustainable practices in various industries, including energy, agriculture, and transportation.
The COP29 Agenda: Discussing the Future of Global Climate Action
The COP29 conference, held from November 11-22, 2024, brings together governments, international organizations, businesses, and civil society groups to discuss policies aimed at combating climate change. One of the key goals of COP29 is to accelerate action toward meeting the targets set by the Paris Agreement and to address the climate crisis through adaptation, mitigation, and financing strategies.
While Taiwan is not officially part of these discussions, its participation as an observer through organizations like ITRI has allowed it to make valuable contributions to the global conversation. The government’s ongoing push for recognition at the UNFCCC highlights Taiwan’s desire to be more than just an observer, but a full-fledged participant in shaping global climate policies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why is Taiwan excluded from the UNFCCC?
Taiwan has been excluded from the United Nations since 1971 when the People’s Republic of China took its place. As a result, Taiwan is not allowed to participate in the UNFCCC and other U.N. specialized agencies, despite its contributions to global climate action.
2. What is the purpose of the video released by MOFA?
The video, titled “Our Pale Blue Dot”, aims to garner international support for Taiwan’s inclusion in the UNFCCC and highlight the country’s achievements in climate science, including its Formosat-5 satellite contributions to global climate monitoring.
3. How can Taiwan contribute to global climate action?
Taiwan has expertise in green technologies, including renewable energy, climate research, and sustainable development practices. The government hopes that by being included in international climate discussions, it can share its knowledge and collaborate with global partners to address the climate crisis.
4. What is COP29 and why is it important?
COP29 is the 29th annual United Nations Climate Change Conference, where governments and organizations gather to discuss and implement policies to mitigate climate change, fulfill Paris Agreement goals, and address global warming’s impacts. It is being held from November 11-22, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan.
5. How has Taiwan participated in previous COP meetings?
Since 1995, Taiwan has participated in COP conferences through the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) as an NGO observer. However, it has been unable to participate fully due to its exclusion from the United Nations.
Conclusion: Taiwan’s Call for Recognition on the Global Climate Stage
Taiwan’s efforts to secure a place at the UNFCCC come at a critical time in the fight against climate change. As the world faces unprecedented environmental challenges, Taiwan’s technological innovations and commitment to sustainability can play a key role in shaping global climate action. Through initiatives like the “Our Pale Blue Dot” video, Taiwan continues to advocate for its recognition as a full participant in the global climate conversation, seeking not only to contribute to global climate goals but also to strengthen its diplomatic presence on the world stage.
