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 Taipei
City's Response |
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In the
recent years, the Earth's climate has undergone dramatic
changes. In the year 2001, Taipei city was hit by
Typhoon Nari, the worst in a hundred years. Then in
2002, the city was struck by a drought and the hottest
summer in 50 years. International studies point out that
in the last 200 years, human produced greenhouse gases
accumulating is a reason for unusual global climates
that we cannot neglect. Because of this, the UN, under
the general ideal of international cooperation on
environmental protection, has produced the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and in
1997, the Kyoto Protocol, to proclaim that all developed
countries be responsible for lowering the amount of
greenhouse gases produced. Now, the details of the Kyoto
Protocol have reached international consensus, and has
been put into force as of February 16th,
2005. The world is now entering a new era where
greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide will be controlled.
We
live in Taipei City, and in response to the global
effort to control climate changes, we, Taipei City, as a
member of the international community and global
village, cannot forget our responsibilities. We
enthusiastically plan and set into motion many actions
to control greenhouse gas emission, cooperate in
international reduction conferences and organizations,
and exchange experience and ideas with foreign cities on
the efforts of reduction. This is to let the
international community understand what Taipei City is
doing to stabilize the climate and work for a better
future. Accomplishing our responsibilities as a member
of the global community and promoting Taipei City's
international status and reputation should be a focus of
the overall plan to respond to the world's changing
climates.
To
accomplish the goals stated above, we need the
cooperation and support of everyone, and especially the
self conscious of the people. To accomplish this, this
association, under the assistance of the Taipei City
Government EPA, has developed the"Taipei City- Response
to Global Climate Changes Global Info Website”, and in
coordination with lectures, hopes to combine related
information and with this communication platform,
encourage citizens to support actions against global
climate changes. Also, we hope that this can also be one
of the fundamental blocks of our city's efforts against
global climate changes. Resource:
http://depair.taipei.gov.tw/climate/ |
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Measures
taken by our citizens |
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As an
international city, the amount of greenhouse gases
released by homes and businesses has grown by an average
of 5% a year, and account for 70% of the total amount
produced. As a member of our city, we should start from
our everyday life and try our best to reduce emission.
Usually, the energy sources in our everyday lives
include electricity, petroleum products, and gas, which
directly or indirectly cause greenhouse gases to be
reduced. If we can save energy, we can not only save
money, but also help lower the amount of greenhouse
gases. Below are some of the measures we can accomplish
in our everyday lives:
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Homes
■Turning
off unused lights and appliances.
■Opening
the refrigerator less, and not filling it
completely.
■Drying
clothing naturally, lowering the usage of dryers.
■Changing
or washing the AC's filter periodically. The AC
should be set at around 26~28∘C,
and used in
■combination
with fans to enhance the cooling effects.
■When
the AC's temperature sensing control is abnormal it
uses more electricity, so it should be fixed.
■Using
TVs, refrigerators, ACs, washing machines, and other
appliances with"environmental tags"or"energy
conserving"tags.
■Using
high efficiency, energy conserving light bulbs, to
lower the amount of carbon dioxide reduced, and also
save on the electricity bill.
■Turning
off the computer when it isn't is use, because they
still use electricity under the sleep mode.
■Taking
the stairs more often.
■Choose
houses with better airing and lighting, not directly
in the sun, and with good shading.
■The
roof and walls should use light colors, to enhance
the brightness indoors.
■Use
blinds, pergolas, or other designs to shade the
windows.
■Improve
the heat blocking or airing effects around, and
plant trees or greens in alleys and balconies.
■Use
solar powered heaters, to reduce the burning of gas.
■Cooperate
with government regulations on recycling, leftovers
recycling, and restrictions on various materials.
■Combine
the power of communities, and improve the dirty and
messy places in the community, and plant greens as
much as possible.
■Join
in the greenhouse gas reduction plans and education
and promotion activities of local environmental
groups.
■Community
activities and environmental education plans of
local schools should cooperate to let every member
of the community understand climate changes.
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Office Areas
■Use
emails to take the place of unnecessary documents.
Print double-sided, and as much as needed.
■Avoid
buying products that use CFCs in the manufacturing
process.
■Use
office items with"energy stars"or"environmental"stickers, like printers, computer, and fax machines. |
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Transportation
■Take
the MRT or bus, in combination with walking or
biking. This is easy, convenient, and lowers the
burden on the environment.
■Consider
living close to work, school, or any activity
locations, to greatly lower your everyday
transportation needs.
■Use
electronic communication, like the internet, phones,
webcams, or messages, to avoid unneeded traveling.
■Buy
low oil consuming vehicles (over 12km per liter),
and periodically maintain your vehicles abilities.
If a vehicle isn't maintained, it can use up to 10%
more oil.
■Instead
of driving on your own, car pool with your
neighbors, coworkers, or friends. Every carpool
party can save up to 2000 liters of oil a year, or
4,720 kgs of carbon dioxide.
■Change
your driving habits and avoid high speed driving,
sudden acceleration, and fast braking.
■Maintain
your vehicle periodically.
■Avoid
bumpy rides, and lower fuel consumption.
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Shopping
■Join
the"Green Shopping"way, and refuse over-packaged
products and gift boxes.
■Buy
environmental products that fit in the criteria of
low pollution, energy saving, and using reusable
materials.
■Bring
your own shopping bags, lower the use of plastic or
paper bags.
■Us
electronic shopping, and save on space and energy
spent on going to shops.
■Shop
at stores that are considerate about the
environment. |
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Resource:
Taipei City- Response to Global Climate Changes Global
Info Website
http://depair.taipei.gov.tw/climate/ |
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