Environment Protection Department, New Taipei City Government, in collaboration with various local and international experts, hosted the 3rd Youth Climate Forum" in September, themed "Net-Zero Emissions Era: Taking Action for a Sustainable Future." This gathering brought together representatives from government, academia and industry, along with hundreds of young individuals, to explore the essential skills required for the upcoming net-zero emissions era. The forum served as a platform to guide and inspire the youth to embark on their unique journeys towards net-zero emissions.
Environment Protection Department, New Taipei City Government, hosted the "3rd Youth Climate Forum" in September this year to discuss with hundreds of young individuals the latest interprofessional communication and technological application capabilities necessary for the future net-zero emissions era.
Under the visionary leadership of Mayor Hou, Yu-Ih, New Taipei City Government has maintained a steadfast commitment to addressing climate change and taking concrete actions. In 2019, the city joined the International Powering Past Coal Alliance, PPCA, followed by the unveiling of the Climate Declaration in 2020, the release of the second Voluntary Local Review (VLR) in 2021, and the publication of "New Taipei City 2050 Net Zero Pathway and Climate Action White Paper" in 2022. In the same year, the city achieved its goal of becoming an industrial coal-free city by shutting down its last industrial coal-fired boiler ahead of schedule. Additionally, New Taipei City is currently initiating the "New Taipei City Climate Change Response Act Autonomous Ordinance" in 2023, which will provide a legal framework for various mitigation and adaptation measures.
New Taipei City Mayor Hou, Yu-Ih (4th from right) took the lead in the country in signing the "Climate Emergency Declaration" in 2020, in response to major global cities joining the line of actively fighting against extreme climate change.
Emphasizing the significance of public support and involvement in the success of net-zero emissions policies, Secretary-General of New Taipei City, Chiu, Ching-Pin highlighted the critical role of the youth, who are growing up in a world shaped by climate change. New Taipei City remains dedicated to engaging with young voices and welcomes climate action experts from both domestic and international backgrounds, as well as representatives from government, academia and industry who share a commitment to sustainability. This collaborative approach ensures the infusion of global perspectives, stimulates critical thinking, and inspires meaningful actions.
Commissioner of Environment Protection Department, Cheng, Da-Wei noted that New Taipei City is devoted to environmental education for all age groups. Initiatives such as the "Sustainable Future Academy" were launched in 2020 to engage college students in discussions on topics like the circular economy and net-zero emissions, fostering their ideas for sustainable development. To date, this initiative has nurtured 136 New Taipei Sustainability Youth Ambassadors. Starting in 2021, the "New Taipei Youth Climate Forum" was established to facilitate dialogues with the youth. This year, the forum had the distinct honor of hosting Jen Kretser, the director of Climate Initiatives at the Wild Center, New York, bringing international insights to New Taipei's youth climate action.
Jen Kretser, recognized by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy as a "Climate Education and Literacy Advocate," is deeply committed to mobilizing young people worldwide to take action against climate change. She provides the knowledge and skills required for climate action and nurtures young climate leaders.
Jen emphasizes the importance of grounding every action in values of equality, diversity, and localization. She also encourages the youth not to underestimate their impact, stressing that "We ALL can Make a Difference." Jen expressed her hope for future collaboration with New Taipei City to establish Taiwan's first Youth Climate Summit.
The forum also facilitated discussions between government, industry, and academia. Senior international news media figure Paul Peng led a session on viewing issues from a youth perspective, teaching strategies to adapt communication to meet the expectations and needs of various stakeholders. Huang, Chih-Yang, CEO of the non-profit organization RE-THINK, guided young attendees to understand the pain points of target audiences and leverage meaningful communication to make an impact. Marcia Qiu, Commissioner of New Taipei City Government Youth Department, highlighted the department's three main missions: advocating for youth, promoting entrepreneurship, and fostering career development. Various communication platforms enable youth participation and contributions to these objectives. Chen, Hsin-Liang, Section Chief of the Green Industry Division in the Economic Development Department, introduced policies such as the New Taipei Carbon Health Check Center and the New Taipei Green Energy Matchmaking Association, supporting industrial transformation towards net-zero emissions. Local sustainable exemplar enterprises like Hwacom Systemns Inc., Singtex, and Da Fon Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. all shared their net-zero emission actions and achievements in different sectors, from smart transportation trends to circular fashion economies, and innovative AI-driven resource recycling solutions, demonstrated to young people that net-zero actions and results taking place in different industries.
"New Taipei City Resource Recycling Education Base" uses AI technology sorting arms to sort resource recycling, demonstrating New Taipei City's technology application capabilities in net-zero emissions era.
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Company Name: Environmental Protection Department, New Taipei City Government
Contact Person: Low Carbon Community Development Center
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Phone: +886-2-2953-2111
Country: Taiwan
Website: https://www.epd.ntpc.gov.tw/English?pltID=1081
