This programme, officially termed the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate), has garnered financial support from governments, corporations, and non-governmental organisations since its launch at COP26 in Glasgow in 2021. Against the urgent need to address the severe greenhouse gas emissions caused by food and agricultural production, this initiative has announced nearly 80 projects aimed at expanding agricultural research, implementing sustainable agricultural practices, and reducing methane emissions.

Among these impactful projects, the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) in Egypt has stood out for its commitment to fostering sustainable development and responsible investment, particularly in the green economy sector. In an exclusive interview with The Icons, GAFI’s country officer, Nadeen Wahdan, discussed Egypt’s role in this global effort, stating:

“The increase in funding and the advancement of projects highlight the international community’s emphasis on sustainable agricultural innovation. Since 2021, the funding for the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate has risen from $8 billion to $17 billion, comprising $12 billion from governmental sources and an additional $5 billion from non-governmental entities, such as corporations and humanitarian organisations.”

Wahdan also mentioned that the 27 new projects announced at COP28 range from $500,000 to $150,000, including several large-scale initiatives, such as projects by Bunge and Alphabet’s Google, which are collaborating with the Nature Conservancy and the renowned Para project in Brazil, showcasing achievements in agricultural innovation. “With agriculture becoming a focal point at COP28, global attention to food and agriculture has reached new heights, reflecting the international community’s prioritisation of sustainable agriculture in climate change discussions and opening new avenues for future innovation and practices.”

Wahdan further stated that the Egyptian government’s efforts underscore the country’s leadership in promoting sustainable and responsible investment, setting a positive precedent for the forthcoming COP29 and future climate actions. With ongoing increases in funding and the progression of more projects, Egypt anticipates launching additional innovative initiatives, calling on more countries to join in addressing the challenges of climate change together.

The post Egypt General GAFI Country Officer Nadeen Wahdan: Egypt is Leading the Way in Sustainable Agriculture towards COP29 first appeared on The Icons.

“The objective is clear: to provide swift emergency response and effectively coordinate relief efforts,” Khajeh emphasized.

One of the notable initiatives discussed during the interview was the collaboration with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent in “Operation Gallant Knight 2.” This joint endeavor aimed to provide moral and psychological support to individuals affected by the Syria-Turkey earthquake. Notably, in April 2023, members of the Red Crescent celebrated Eid Al Fitr with 150 children and cancer-stricken orphans in Syria’s Latakia governorate, exemplifying their commitment to holistic support.

Khajeh also shed light on the Emirates Red Crescent’s remarkable fundraising endeavors, having amassed over AED 10 billion (approximately $2.9 billion) in humanitarian funding over the past 15 years. With a reach spanning 128 countries, both within and beyond the UAE, more than 228 million individuals have benefited from their humanitarian initiatives.

“The objective is clear: to provide swift emergency response and effectively coordinate relief efforts,” Khajeh reiterated. The organization’s annual winter campaigns stand as a testament to its proactive approach in addressing critical needs. Through the “Be Their Warmth” operation launched in 2023, the Emirates Red Crescent provided essential healthcare, sustenance, and shelter to half a million people across 31 countries. Previous campaigns have proven impactful, with Jordan witnessing aid distribution to 120,000 individuals, ensuring a more bearable winter season.

In response to the Syria-Turkey earthquake, the Emirates Red Crescent swiftly erected a shelter camp accommodating 300 individuals, equipped with vital provisions such as blankets, beds, and food packages. Concurrently, the construction of 1,000 solar-powered homes in Syria, costing $17.7 million, offered sanctuary to 6,000 displaced individuals, embodying the organization’s commitment to sustainable solutions.

Khajeh reiterated, “The objective is clear: to provide swift emergency response and effectively coordinate relief efforts.” The interview also highlighted the Emirates Red Crescent’s endeavors in Yemen, where mobile clinics have delivered vital healthcare services to remote communities. Since 2015, Yemen has received over $6.3 billion in aid, with close to 16,000 Yemenis benefiting from clinic services, underscoring the organization’s dedication to addressing long-standing humanitarian crises.

Moreover, the inauguration of the Umm Al Emarat Hospital for mothers and children in Comoros reflects the Emirates Red Crescent’s ongoing efforts to aid communities affected by natural disasters. Developed in collaboration with the UAE Embassy in Moroni, the hospital is poised to serve nearly 20,000 individuals, providing improved healthcare accessibility to those impacted by Cyclone Kenneth.

Khajeh also discussed the Emirates Red Crescent’s response to Pakistan’s 2022 floods, where aircraft dispatched with relief aid bolstered relief efforts. The “We Stand Together” initiative, launched in collaboration with various UAE humanitarian organizations, facilitated the distribution of emergency relief kits to affected women and children, emphasizing solidarity in times of crisis.

“In addition, the Emirates Red Crescent collaborated with several UAE humanitarian organizations to launch the ‘We Stand Together’ initiative, promoting the distribution of emergency relief kits to women and children affected by disasters, emphasizing unity in times of crisis. Furthermore, the Emirates Red Crescent participated in COP28 in Dubai at the end of last year, and they will also be participating in COP29 this year, continuing their efforts to address climate change and promote related humanitarian challenges.

In their endeavors, we see their unwavering dedication to serving humanity, transcending borders and barriers, offering hope to those in need. As they continue to tackle complex global issues, their steadfast commitment to humanitarian principles remains unwavering. 《The Icons》hopes that our interview report can shed light on their dedication and encourage more people to join in these meaningful global endeavors!”

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Dimitris Moulavasilis, the CEO of Diaverum, stated in an interview with 《The Icons》during the COP28:

“We are committed to providing healthcare services better than national healthcare systems through personalized medical and care services, improving the lives of renal patients. As of now, we operate 440 clinics in 23 countries, treating approximately 39,000 patients globally.”

Diaverum is Dedicated to Providing the Highest Quality Personalized Care

Diaverum’s corporate culture is built on a profound sense of mission and a commitment to fostering an environment where employees and patients thrive. Moulavasilis emphasized that the core of this culture is based on the belief that everyone deserves the highest standard of medical and care:

“Diaverum places patients at the center of its mission. The company is dedicated to providing personalized, differentiated medical services, ensuring that each patient receives tailored attention and treatment to meet their unique needs. In my view, caring for the well-being of patients goes beyond disease treatment and includes emotional support and holistic health care.”

Empowering Not Only Employees but Also Patients

Moulavasilis stated that the core of Diaverum’s success lies in investing in human development. He is continually committed to cultivating a sense of belonging among employees and providing them with opportunities for professional development. He believes that all these efforts will ultimately benefit the patients: “We not only keep pace with the latest medical developments, but our employees also love their work, strive to improve their skills, and treat patients as their own family, creating a positive cycle.”

Moulavasilis emphasized that the key to everything lies in whether the focus is on the patient, creating an environment where patients feel cared for, establishing trust, and confidence in their entire medical journey:

“Empowerment is crucial, not only for empowering employees but also for empowering patients. In simple terms, Diaverum empowers patients with the ability to actively participate in their own medical journey, including encouraging them to engage in community interactions and take the utmost care of their health.”

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Sharing his insights on the transition to green energy for the APAC region, Fernandez claims that “”the Asia-Pacific region can play a significant role in promoting net-zero emission solutions.” 

Asia-Pacific’s Growing Significance

Fernandez emphasizes the increasing importance of the Asia-Pacific region in the global economy during his travels. As the CEO of the leading financial service company, MSCI, he notes that Asia Pacific countries are vying to become the focal points for climate and sustainable development within the region. 

Fernandez also found a willingness among corporate and government leaders to discuss investment solutions related to climate change and expedite the decarbonization process. Notably, the region is witnessing the emergence of new products, companies, and platforms supporting the transition to net-zero. In fact, many countries have committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 or 2060, including mainland China (by 2060), Japan (by 2050), and South Korea (by 2050).

Impact of Climate Change in Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region has faced unprecedented heatwaves and extreme weather events. Fernandez underscores concerning figures, citing UN data that reveals residents in the region are six times more likely to encounter natural disasters compared to those outside the region. He points to the economic and fiscal ramifications of climate change, highlighting potential losses surpassing $1.2 trillion in Asia by 2050, primarily attributed to flood-related disasters. 

Referring to McKinsey Global Institute’s high-emission scenario model, Fernandez delves into the potential global stock losses triggered by flood disasters, emphasizing that Asia would bear the brunt with a share exceeding 75%. The Swiss Re Institute projects a 2.6℃ temperature increase by 2050, foreseeing a substantial 20% decline in Asia’s economic output, notably with Southeast Asia facing a staggering 29% reduction, surpassing losses in any other region worldwide.

Financial Solutions and Investment Tools

Fernandez recognizes the role of financial instruments and investment tools in facilitating the transition to net-zero. MSCI’s research suggests that 15 APAC markets, including Australia, China, India, Japan, and South Korea, can systematically phase out coal-fired power plants by 2050, reducing coal-related emissions by 39% to 95%.

As Fernandez attends the 28th annual United Nations Climate Conference of the Parties (COP) in Dubai, he “looks forward to the conference bringing meaningful outcomes for countries and businesses in the Asia-Pacific region.” The COP conference, to Fernandez, serves as a crucial platform for global leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions, negotiate agreements, and collectively address the pressing challenges posed by climate change.

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The post Henry Fernandezz, Chairman of MSCI: Charting the Course for Climate Action in the Asia-Pacific Region  first appeared on The Icons.

Taiwanese illustrator BLUE, who has recently been focusing on sustainability issues, has been closely following COP28. In a previous interview with 《The Icons》 titled “Arousing Societal Awareness of Sustainability through Illustrations, Taiwanese Illustrator BLUE: Aspires to Leave an Inhabitable Living Environment for My Son,” he discussed his early works’ strong emphasis on current events, with the birth of his child, he became increasingly concerned about sustainable education.

He particularly worries about global issues such as climate change affecting the living environment for his child and the next generation. Consequently, he has started using his art to convey sustainable ideas to the world.

“I hope sustainability is not just a slogan but something that can be implemented in our daily lives, providing a livable environment for the next generation,” says BLUE. He believes that in the face of the impacts of extreme weather, each individual has the capability and responsibility to contribute to slowing down climate change.

Nations Gather at COP28 to Combat Climate Change

“In 2015, COP21 established the Paris Agreement, aiming to control global warming within 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of this century. To achieve this climate goal, global carbon emissions need to decrease by 43% by 2030, 60% by 2035, and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This target poses significant pressure on oil-producing or developing countries,” notes BLUE, who is well-versed in sustainability issues. He shares the key points he observed at COP28.

According to a recent study in the journal “Nature Climate Change,” the average temperature over the past decade has risen by 1.14 degrees Celsius compared to the 19th century, reaching 1.26 degrees Celsius last year. If the current pace of burning fossil fuels continues, global warming is projected to surpass 1.5 degrees Celsius by early 2029.

Facing uncontrolled global warming, BLUE emphasizes, “To defend the 1.5-degree line, we must stop burning fossil fuels, or island nations like Taiwan will face the crisis of their homes being submerged by the ocean.” BLUE also mentions the documentary “Melting Greenland: Save the Marshall Islands,” screened at COP28, which vividly portrays the imminent threat of the Marshall Islands being submerged due to rising sea levels.

However, COP28 did not include the phase-out of fossil fuels in its resolutions. Members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), including Saudi Arabia and Iraq, led opposition to such measures. COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber even stated, “There is no scientific evidence that gradually phasing out fossil fuels can achieve global climate goals.”

This stance sparked strong opposition from European and island nations. BLUE finds such statements hard to accept. Originally scheduled to close on December 12, COP28 extended discussions after protests from various countries and eventually reached a resolution to transition away from all fossil fuels.

Action is Needed Now

Regarding COP28’s resolution, BLUE points out, “This is the first time in COP history that the issue of fossil fuels has been addressed. We have finally taken a significant step.”

What impact does COP28’s resolution have on Taiwan? “The largest source of Taiwan’s carbon emissions is energy, and the main source of electricity is still fossil fuels, accounting for over 80%,” says BLUE. While there may be limited individual efforts in energy transition, BLUE believes there is still much that can be done.

“I recently bought a GOGORO electric scooter, not just because it looks good but also because of its environmental friendliness,” BLUE shares his efforts in energy conservation. He also reduces the use of disposable items, especially those made of plastic, stating, “These are opportunities for educational moments I can provide for my child!”

“Additionally, for Halloween this year, I made Minecraft costumes with my son using IKEA cardboard boxes. Our Christmas gifts are also DIY. Through playful moments with my son, I let him know that the Earth is sick, and now he can be a little soldier, and in the future, a hero saving the world,” BLUE encourages parents to cultivate awareness of caring for the Earth early on through enjoyable activities.

“Climate change is a significant issue, and while individual efforts may seem insignificant, when combined, they can make an impact and urge businesses and governments to make changes,” BLUE urges everyone to start taking action now for the sake of the next generation’s living environment.

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With service locations in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States, Octopus Energy serves over 5 million homes and businesses. The PR Manager Sam Salehi stated in an interview with 《The Icons》 during the COP28, “To prevent climate disasters, we must change the energy system globally, moving towards net-zero to halt the increase in carbon emissions from human activities.”

To achieve this goal, Octopus Energy is the largest investor in solar farms in the UK. It also invests in wind power and anaerobic digesters. Additionally, the company encourages households to install smart meters to help them understand their energy usage and reduce consumption.

Furthermore, the automatic meter reading every half hour allows customers to access “dynamic pricing” for energy rates. Sam Salehi pointed out, “This enables them to use energy at a lower cost during ‘greener’ times, such as when there is abundant wind or sunshine, or during periods of low electricity demand in the early morning.”

Smart meters can help people reduce electricity consumption during peak hours to avoid the need to burn additional fossil fuels to meet demand, effectively reducing carbon emissions and electricity bills.

Sam Salehi emphasized, “We are driving systematic change, building a smart, sustainable, low-carbon energy system to end our dependence on fossil fuels and provide households with fair-priced green energy. Our ultimate goal is to propel global transformation by using 100% renewable energy.”

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He said that if nations can reduce methane discharges by 30% by 2030, we can mitigate climate change and safeguard our planet. Kerry also announced that Turkmenistan has signed an existing commitment to restrain methane discharges. Turkmenistan has the highest methane leakage rate per unit of oil and gas production of any nation. 

Kerry met with Chinese Special Envoy for Climate Change Xie Zhenhua and reached a collaboration agreement. The two sides agreed to collaborate to reduce methane discharges and will develop particular action plans in the coming months. 

Kerry said that methane discharges are “an issue we can take action on promptly and make a big difference.” He said that the US-China collaboration “will have a major impact on global climate change efforts.” 

Kerry participated in a series of occasions at COP28, including meetings with representatives from various nations, attending conferences, and delivering speeches. 

In his meeting with representatives from the Turkmenistan government, Kerry discussed Turkmenistan’s efforts to reduce methane discharges. He said that the US supports Turkmenistan’s efforts and will provide technical and financial assistance. 

In his meeting with Chinese representatives, Kerry discussed how the US and China can collaborate to reduce methane discharges. The two sides agreed to develop particular action plans in the coming months. Kerry’s words and actions demonstrate the US’s commitment to reducing methane discharges and provide hope for global climate change efforts. 

Here are some excerpts from Kerry’s speech at COP28: “Methane discharges are a grave issue for climate change. It is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide, so reducing methane discharges is an important way to mitigate climate change.”

“The US is committed to reducing methane discharges. We have taken a number of steps, including revising our oil and gas industry emissions standards and investing in methane capture and recovery technologies.” 

“We call on all nations to take action to reduce methane discharges. We believe that if we work together, we can achieve the goal of reducing methane discharges by 30% by 2030.”

Kerry’s words and actions have been widely supported by the international community. John Polson, director of climate policy at Greenpeace, said: “Kerry sent a clear message at COP28 that the US is committed to reducing methane discharges. This is a positive development for global climate change efforts.”

Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency, said: “Kerry’s words and actions show that the US is back in the climate change agreement. This is an important step for global climate change efforts.”

Kerry’s words and actions at COP28 demonstrate the US’s commitment to reducing methane discharges and provide hope for global climate change efforts.

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The Roots of Advocacy – Shiva’s Early Years and Formation of RFSTE

Vandana Shiva’s journey into environmentalism began with a poignant moment from her childhood – the clearing of a beloved forest for an apple orchard. This awakening experience fueled her dedication to environmental causes. After earning her doctorate, Shiva returned to India and founded the Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology (RFSTE) in 1982. This organization became the crucible for her grassroots campaigns against clear-cut logging and large dam constructions. Shiva’s early years laid the foundation for her conviction that the human-environment relationship demanded a profound reevaluation.

According to the on-site records of 《The Icons,》In her speech at COP28 on December 5th, Shiva reiterated, “Climate change is the metabolic disorder of the Earth,” emphasizing the urgency of recognizing the planetary-scale impact of human activities. Her early campaigns and foundation work were the initial steps in her larger mission to address the environmental repercussions of industrial agriculture.

Navdanya – Seeds of Diversity, Seeds of Resistance

In 1991, Vandana Shiva launched Navdanya, meaning “Nine Seeds” or “New Gift” in Hindi. This initiative, an integral part of RFSTE, sought to combat the rising tide of monoculture driven by large corporations. Recognizing the dangers posed by the homogenization of crop production, particularly in the face of climate change, Shiva and Navdanya took bold steps. The organization formed over 40 seed banks across India, advocating for the conservation of unique strains of seed crops.

Shiva’s commitment to diverse, locally adapted seeds was fueled by her anticipation of threats like the Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement. This agreement, she warned, could enable corporations to patent life forms, making farmers dependent on purchasing seeds each year. Her efforts were not just theoretical; Navdanya actively engaged in educating farmers about the benefits of preserving their indigenous seed varieties. Shiva’s conviction that decentralized, diverse agriculture is more resilient in the face of a changing climate echoes in her words, “Unlike native seed strains, developed over long periods of time, the seed strains promoted by large corporations required the application of large amounts of fertilizer and pesticides.”

Agroecology and Sustainable Living – Bija Vidyapeeth’s Impact

In 2001, Vandana Shiva further expanded her influence by establishing Bija Vidyapeeth, a school and organic farm offering month-long courses in sustainable living and agriculture. This endeavor represented a tangible step towards realizing Shiva’s vision of a decentralized approach to agriculture based on agroecological principles. Bija Vidyapeeth became a hub for individuals seeking to learn and practice sustainable living, fostering a community dedicated to Shiva’s ideals.

In her speeches and writings, Shiva consistently highlighted the pitfalls of corporate-dominated agriculture. She believed that the biological wealth of poorer countries was often appropriated by global corporations without consent or fair profit-sharing. Shiva’s commitment to agroecology and sustainable living extended beyond theory; it became an experiential reality at Bija Vidyapeeth.

Global Impact and Ongoing Challenges – Shiva’s Advocacy in the 21st Century

As Vandana Shiva’s influence transcended national borders, her critique of corporate domination and environmental exploitation gained global attention. Through works like “Biopiracy: The Plunder of Nature and Knowledge” and “Stolen Harvest: The Hijacking of the Global Food Supply,” Shiva addressed the impact of corporate trade agreements, the decrease in genetic diversity of crops, and the implications of patent law.

In contemporary times, where pesticide consumption globally stands at 4 million tonnes annually, with potentially harmful chemicals leaching into aquifers, Shiva’s warnings resonate even louder. Her words, “chemicals for agriculture are basically oil,” encapsulate the challenges posed by the current agricultural practices. Despite receiving numerous awards and honors for her environmental and social justice work, Shiva continues to grapple with the ongoing challenges, particularly in the context of a rapidly changing climate.

Vandana Shiva’s journey from her formative years to her recent advocacy at COP28 showcases a relentless commitment to the principles of sustainable agriculture. Her quotes serve as guideposts, reminding us of the urgency to address climate change and the interconnectedness of our actions with the health of the Earth. As Shiva persists in her environmental odyssey, her impact reverberates globally, inspiring individuals and communities to embrace a more harmonious and sustainable coexistence with the planet.

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Heading the initiative is Professor Chuh-Yung Chen, the convener of the carbon reduction/negativity sector in Taiwan Science and Technology Office for Net Zero Emission and a specially appointed professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at NCKU. In an interview with 《The Icons》 at COP28, Professor Chen expressed excitement, saying:

“Thanks to the Ministry of Education and President Shen of NCKU for allowing Taiwan’s research achievements to be presented at the United Nations. The artificial synthesis of green natural gas technology showcased at COP28 can convert hydrogen and CO2 into economically valuable ‘e-methane,’ ‘e-ethane,’ and ‘e-propane.’ This not only replaces traditional fossil fuels but also achieves carbon circular economy! Moreover, the global green hydrogen standard introduced the second generation ‘Green Hydrogen Standard 2.0’ at COP28, incorporating artificial synthesized natural gas into the global standard for green hydrogen derivatives. This is a joint commitment of the international community to the sustainable future of energy, highlighting the commercial application potential and international collaboration prospects of artificial synthesized green natural gas, accelerating the global low-carbon transformation of energy.”

In addition to e-methane, which provides a shortcut to carbon neutrality, Professor Chen highlighted the transformation of biogas into economically valuable green synthesis gas (CO+H2), another highlight of the event.

Turning CO2 into Resources

COP28, focusing on energy transition and the gradual elimination of fossil fuels, featured a speech from the NCKU team that immediately became a hotspot at the conference. NCKU, supported by the Ministry of Education’s “Regional Industry Talent and Technology Development Base Project” with NCKU President Meng-Ru Shen as the project leader, has pioneered the country’s first “Carbon Neutrality Technology and Talent Cultivation Base.” The NCKU team collaborated with the Taiwan Climate Partnership to hold the forum “Carbon Cycle Economy: The Green Revolution and Technological Innovation in the Global Petrochemical and Energy Industries” on December 8 at COP28.

Under the leadership of Professor Chuh-Yung Chen, the team, including Professor Cheng-Chien Wang, Dean of the College of Engineering at Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, and ESG expert Dr. Wei-Hua Chien, focused on “Artificial Synthesis of Green Natural Gas” and “Reuse of Biogas,” convincing experts worldwide that CO2, once considered waste, can now be turned into a valuable resource. Professor Chen emphasized the need for international cooperation, saying, “This technology absolutely requires international collaboration to make a positive contribution to global climate change from a global perspective.”

E-Methane Provides a Carbon-Neutral Shortcut

Professor Chen recalled that Taiwan’s Vice President Ching-Te Lai expressed at the inauguration ceremony of Taiwan’s first carbon-negative demonstration factory that the transition to net-zero has become an established international game, and Taiwan cannot be absent. The NCKU team, representing Taiwan, has lived up to expectations.

“The past petroleum economy has gradually shifted toward a carbon circular economy. This time, we can feel that COP28 has made a clearer resolution about phasing out fossil fuels. The global demand for energy transition is growing. Against this backdrop, NCKU’s carbon-negative demonstration factory uses a core catalyst with low-temperature reaction (low energy consumption) and high selectivity to capture and convert CO2 into artificial synthesized green natural gas, which is an environmentally friendly synthetic ‘e-methane,’ as well as ‘e-ethane’ and ‘e-propane.’ This not only replaces traditional fossil fuels but also achieves a carbon circular economy,” Professor Chen said. E-methane can be used in existing natural gas supply facilities to achieve carbon neutrality and is already part of the green energy strategies for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 in regions such as the European Union and Japan.

Chuh-Yung Chen: Conversion of Biogas into Green Synthesis Gas with Economic Value (CO+H2)

Professor Chen pointed out that the difficulty in promoting carbon capture lies in the inability to establish a scaled carbon circular economy. If captured CO2 is treated as waste and buried underground, it is challenging to create additional economic benefits, and the cost becomes unrecoverable. This inevitably reduces the willingness of companies to invest. The carbon-negative demonstration factory showcased by NCKU can transform carbon pollutants (CO2/CO) into resources, demonstrating the potential for a carbon circular economy.

Cheng-Chien Wang: Out with the Old, In with the New, Establishing an Artificial Carbon Cycle

Regarding the net-zero carbon target for 2050, Professor Cheng-Chien Wang, Dean of the College of Engineering at Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, pointed out that although countries are actively developing low-carbon and decarbonization technologies to significantly reduce CO2 emissions, the new technologies have yet to replace high-carbon-emission equipment. Therefore, how to “capture” the currently continuously emitted CO2, quickly reduce carbon emissions, and even further transform CO2 into chemicals/materials or fuels to replace existing products derived from petrochemical raw materials is a direction that countries should actively consider.

“Our team has been involved in new types of carbon capture absorbents that can efficiently convert CO2 into pollution-free artificial shale gas technology. This system aligns with this year’s COP28 theme of ‘Eliminating Fossil Fuels.’ We have found alternative methods and procedures to replace fossil fuels, and we have even established a pilot plant, starting to collect engineering data for reference in subsequent development.”

Professor Wang hopes to find international partners at COP28, using global green hydrogen resources to transport Taiwan’s major carbon emitter, especially CO2 captured by Taiwan Power Company, abroad. After converting CO2 into e-methane, e-ethane, and e-propane, these products can be transported back to Taiwan, completely replacing the current demand for LNG domestically. This will achieve the complete self-production of Taiwan’s artificially synthesized green natural gas energy, significantly reducing the carbon emission coefficient of electricity. It will have a decisive impact on Taiwan’s high-energy-consuming industries such as semiconductors, steel, electronics, machine tools, and the petrochemical industry in achieving net-zero goals, contributing to the sustainable development of the world.

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Climate Change: a Terrifying Global Experiment

King Charles III refers to climate change as a “terrifying global experiment,” where simultaneous alterations to ecological networks far exceed nature’s capacity to respond. Citing this year’s unprecedented global extreme weather events, including wildfires in Canada, floods in Pakistan and Bangladesh, and droughts in East Africa, King Charles III urged COP28 delegates and participants to recognize the critical need for change, stressing the future shaping position the outcomes of the summit will hold.

King Charles III Advocates for Multiple Measures to Accelerate Climate Action

To address the climate crisis, King Charles III called for increased financial support from global public and private funds for climate action while accelerating renewable energy promotion and integration. King Charles III emphasized that the Earth does not belong to us; rather, we belong to the Earth, stating the need for global collaborative efforts on climate action to ensure the well-being of future generations.

COP28 Signs Damage Fund; Global Leaders Prioritize Agriculture and Food Issues

As COP28 unfolded, global leaders signed a damage fund to assist nations taking the brunt of the climate crisis. Leaders from 134 countries also declared prioritization of food and agriculture issues in their respective climate plans, making history as the first COP to declare food-centric climate action plans. Observers noted the significant breakthrough, sending the strong message of the need for rapid global food systems transformation to maintain the 1.5 degree celsius target.

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