[Life] Let's All Reduce Carbon Emissions Together! Taiwan's First Climate Action Week Kicks Off Today

Facing the challenges of the climate crisis and energy transition, Taiwan's first "Climate Action Week" officially kicked off today (20th). Co-initiated by 10 environmental groups, it connects multiple cities and counties across Taiwan with over 20 events, ranging from forums and exhibitions to street actions. From transportation and energy to daily life, it creates Taiwan's first "whole-society participation" climate week model, inviting the public to personally participate and jointly brainstorm climate solutions. #CNA Reporter Chiang Chao-lun reports# The first "Taiwan Climate Action Week" emphasizes decentralization and whole-society participation, not solely led by large organizations or the government, but encouraging civil groups, communities, and individuals to propose their own climate action plans. On the first day of Climate Action Week, the "Walkable Vision Festival" was held in Dadaocheng, Taipei, by the Pedestrian Rights Promotion Association and the Taiwan Climate Action Network Research Center. Tsai Chung-yueh, chairman of the association, stated that the "Walkable Vision Festival" has been held in Taiwan for three years and is integrated with Climate Action Week for the first time this year. While seemingly focused on pedestrian rights, the event is inseparable from climate action. He pointed out that transportation is one of Taiwan's major sources of carbon emissions, and walking is the most carbon-neutral way to travel. Creating safe and friendly pedestrian spaces not only improves the situation for pedestrians but also encourages people to reduce their reliance on cars and motorcycles, making transportation transformation a part of the climate solution. Therefore, the event this morning specifically arranged a pedestrian rights experience, inviting wheelchair users and the public to walk through the streets of Dadaocheng to identify areas that are still unfriendly. He said: "(Original sound) Today we are in Dadaocheng, the capital of Taipei City, where people say public transportation is the most developed. Yet, there are still some places where pedestrian rights are insufficient. Having good walking spaces provides an opportunity for people to switch their modes of transportation and achieve carbon reduction effects. This is a very important reason why we linked this walking festival with Climate Action Week as one of the opening events." A person with mobility issues also expressed hope to voice their opinions by participating in the walking festival. Citizen: "(Original sound) I happen to be paying attention to transportation issues, and I think the perspective and opinions of people with disabilities on transportation issues are important." In the afternoon, the association also organized the "Dual Zero Lecture" to echo the two goals of "Zero Deaths for Pedestrians by 2050" and "Net-Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050," emphasizing that traffic safety and climate governance can be advanced together. In the evening, there was also a market event at Dadaocheng Wharf, extending climate action from policy advocacy to practical life. Chao Chia-wei, Director of the Taiwan Climate Action Network Research Center, stated that the Dadaocheng event serves as the prelude to "2026 Taiwan Climate Action Week." From today until July 5th, there will be over 20 more events across Taiwan. The hope is to connect citizens from all walks of life to jointly launch diverse initiatives, urging Taiwan to respond more proactively to climate challenges, and to let more people see that in the face of the climate crisis, civil power is gradually converging, becoming an important force driving change. (Editor: Liu Hsiang-hua)