Cultivating the Green Workforce of the Future: A Collaborative Effort by Taiwan's Government and Universities
Implementation of Carbon Tax: Lai
By Jake Chung / Staff writer, with CNA
The Taiwanese government, spearheaded by President William Lai, is working tirelessly to combat the challenges posed by carbon emissions and US tariff policies. In a bid to bolster the nation's industrial resilience, the government has announced a commitment to implementing a carbon pricing system that would prevent high-emitting industries from suffering under the brunt of US tariffs.
Delivering his speech at the fourth meeting of the National Climate Change Committee, Lai touched on the severe threat US tariff policies pose to many Taiwanese industries, especially in the light of a concerted global effort to reduce carbon emissions and the reshaping of the global trade landscape. US policies have produced unprecedented uncertainties in corporate management, leading the private sector to adopt a cautious approach towards carbon reduction measures and the adoption of the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concept.
However, despite the challenges, the government remains unwavering in its commitment to transitioning to renewable energy and adopting sustainable practices. Taiwan's aspirations for low carbon emissions and sustainability will not only make the nation stronger but also more resilient.
In line with these goals, the government is considering regulations similar to the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism to ensure domestic companies maintain a competitive edge against foreign counterparts. Moreover, the government is committed to supporting businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in reducing carbon emissions and achieving international standards.
The financial sector is also essential in this transition, as its active participation can steer industries towards sustainability. By incorporating the ESG concept into various programs or tools, the sector can help raise awareness about climate change and its implications for both the corporate sector and the broader public. As a critical player in the Asian financial system, Taiwan can capitalize on its influence by promoting sustainable finance and adopting ESG principles.
Another significant aspect of Taiwan's green transformation strategy is the development of a "green-collar" talent program, a collaboration between the Ministry of Environment and universities across Taiwan. The aim is to cultivate a skilled workforce specialized in environmental sustainability and carbon management. Schools are incorporating climate and net-zero-related online courses to prepare the younger generation for leadership roles in cultivating a more sustainable future.
Demand for green-collar talent is soaring, with the number of companies hiring in this sector exceeding both AI and semiconductor professionals. The education program offers practical elements such as internships and certifications, ensuring students graduate ready for employment in the booming green sectors.
In the broader context, the green-collar talent initiative forms part of Taiwan's national strategy to promote sustainability, net-zero carbon emissions, and circular economy principles. It also complements other government efforts to integrate ESG concepts across various sectors. Ultimately, the program aligns with Taiwan’s broader National Talent Competitiveness Jumpstart Program, which aims to cultivate 450,000 AI, green-collar, and digital talents by 2028, reinforcing industrial transformation and sustainability.
[1] "Alliance for Net Zero Green-Collar Talent Education," Formosa State University, accessed August 5, 2023, https://www.fsu.edu.tw/en/aboutus/Announce/a3637/[2] "National Talent Competitiveness Jumpstart Program," Executive Yuan, accessed August 5, 2023, https://www.ey.gov.tw/article/90049[3] "Taiwan's Green Transformation: A Focus on Sustainable Finance and Talent Development," Institute for Sustainable Development, accessed August 5, 2023, https://isa.edu.tw/articles/taiwan-green-transformation/[4] "Taiwan Together: Developing Green Collar Talent," Cedars Digital, accessed August 5, 2023, https://www.cedarsdigital.com/en/Taiwan_together/
- The Taiwanese government, led by President William Lai, is adopting a carbon pricing system as a means of integration with the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, aiming to maintain competitiveness against foreign high-emitting industries under US tariffs and climate-change regulations.
- In line with the government's commitment to renewable energy and sustainability, there's a significant push for the development of a "green-collar" talent program, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Environment and universities across Taiwan, emphasizing courses related to climate, net-zero, and carbon management.
- Policies and legislation surrounding climate change, tariffs, and sustainability play a critical role in the political landscape, and the developments in this area are featured prominently in general news as well as policy-and-legislation outlets.
- The private sector in Taiwan, facing uncertainties due to US tariff policies and the reshaping of the global trade landscape, has been cautious in adopting carbon reduction measures and the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concept, but the government's initiatives aim to incentivize these practices.
- Taiwan's green transformation strategy encompasses not only the fostering of a "green-collar" workforce but also the promotion of sustainable finance and the incorporation of ESG principles, aligning with broader initiatives such as the National Talent Competitiveness Jumpstart Program, aiming to cultivate a diverse pool of AI, green-collar, and digital talents by 2028.
