An analysis of Taiwan's energy ecological efficiency and the effectiveness of the Kyoto Protocol

Abstract

This paper examines and discusses core issues relating to ecological pressure and climate policy performance in Taiwan, given Taiwan's status as a non-signer of the Kyoto Protocol. Taiwan's CO 2 emissions account for 0.9 percent of the world's total, making it the 23rd largest producer of global CO 2 emissions. To better understand Taiwan's performance in energy efficiency, this study calculates Taiwan's energy ecological footprint (EEF) and its ecological debt and eco-energy efficiency (EEE) from 1990 to 2005. These measures are then used in cross-national comparisons of EEF and EEE between Taiwan and Annex 1 and non-Annex-1 countries that have ratified the Kyoto Protocol. In addition, a regional comparison of the same indices is made between Taiwan, Japan and the Republic of Korea. The results suggest that Taiwan would experience a decline in its EEF and an increase in its eco-energy efficiency if it were to sign the Kyoto Protocol and to implement policies for better management of energy resources. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.