Taipei saw over 1,000 people rally yesterday, urging the government to strengthen climate action and adapt to environmental changes. The March for Climate featured live music and calls for resilience to protect the Earth.
Environmental advocates, including more than 100 civic groups, emphasized sustainable development, intergenerational justice, climate democracy, national security, and respect for diversity. They said Taiwan must enhance climate action to meet international commitments.
Chao Chia-wei, director of the Taiwan Climate Action Network Research Center, warned that current pledges globally meet only 17 percent of the Paris Agreement target for 2035. He urged Taiwan to raise its national carbon reduction target from 38 percent to 52 percent by 2035 to stay on track for net-zero emissions by 2050.
Tu Yu-wen, executive director of the Environmental Rights Foundation, highlighted the human rights dimension of climate issues. She called for procedural justice and public participation, ensuring local communities and minority groups influence policy decisions.
Participants also stressed the impact of climate change on economically vulnerable groups. Tsai Ming-chieh of Wanders Lodge said homeless people face extreme heat while working outdoors. She urged employers to provide drinking water and cooling devices, noting that mandatory heat-related leave could reduce their income.
Former Central Weather Administration director-general Cheng Ming-dean explained that climate change is accelerating faster than anticipated. He highlighted rising ocean temperatures and warned that limiting global warming to 1.5°C may be increasingly unlikely. Cheng also stressed the need to respect diverse perspectives during climate debates.
The rally demonstrated growing public concern over Taiwan’s climate policies. Activists emphasized that climate action must balance carbon reduction, adaptation, and social equity. They urged the government to implement concrete measures that protect both the environment and vulnerable populations.
Overall, participants argued that effective climate action requires ambitious targets, inclusive policies, and immediate measures to enhance Taiwan’s resilience against climate impacts.
