Climate Change Administration

Highlights

The sixth conference on "Circular Economy" successfully took place on the afternoon of November 22nd. This session was an important part of the "COP29 Enhancing Ambition and Enabling Action Conference" series and served as the final event in the series. The conference focused on the key role of the circular economy in achieving global net-zero goals. As natural resources deplete and waste issues become more severe, the circular economy has emerged as a critical strategy to address these problems. The conference explored how to establish mechanisms for the circular economy, emphasizing resource recycling, innovative design, and waste management methods, which not only create economic value but also reduce environmental burdens while ensuring a just transition.

The event was hosted by Director General Lai Ying-Ying of Resource Circulation Administration, MOENV, and the opening remarks were delivered by Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Wales and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs Deputy First Minister, via a pre-recorded video, emphasizing the critical role of the circular economy in global carbon reduction and resource sustainability. Three highly influential experts in the fields of circular economy and sustainable development were invited as speakers. The first speaker, Charles Huang, Chairman of the Founder of Circular Taiwan Network, opened with the question, "Without a circular economy, how can we solve the climate crisis?" He highlighted the importance of circular economy and called for enhanced cooperation between domestic and international stakeholders, as well as between the public and private sectors. Next, Dr. Yu-Min Peng, former Vice President of the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), used the example of solar panels to focus on technological innovation, demonstrating how technological advancements and resource recycling applications can improve material recovery rates and reduce waste. The final speaker, Usan Karo, founder of the South-link eco Tourism Union, approached the issue from a community and local perspective, discussing how the circular economy model can coexist with indigenous culture's sustainability issues and sharing experiences from the implementation of sustainable tourism in the South Link Taiwan region.

During the Q&A session of the conference, the speakers and participants engaged in an in-depth discussion of the key challenges and future opportunities in the circular economy. The speakers shared how they balance business goals with environmental and cultural sustainability and introduced successful strategies such as innovative applications and cross-sector collaboration, which help achieve a win-win situation. They also pointed out the unique opportunities and challenges in the Taiwanese market, emphasizing Taiwan’s innovation potential in the circular economy field. They called for stronger policy support and technological innovation to address the challenges posed by resource limitations and market structure. Additionally, the speakers shared unexpected discoveries and learning experiences during their journey toward sustainable operations, which deepened their understanding of the practical implications of the circular economy and its contribution to sustainable development goals. The circular economy is not only a core strategy for environmental sustainability but has also become an important driver of economic development. Taiwan can work together with the international community to achieve resource sustainability and carbon reduction goals, make a positive contribution to global climate action, and move toward a more resilient future.