Study tour on emissions trading for experts from Taiwan

How can a domestic offset system fit into an Emissions Trading System (ETS)? How do ETS regulations interact with other related policies? In order to address these and other questions, adelphi organised a study tour on emissions trading for 13 delegates from Taiwan.

In June 2015, Taiwan adopted its Climate Change Act, aiming at a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 50% by 2050, compared to 2005. In the meantime, the Environmental Protection Agency (TEPA) responsible for the goal has published National Climate Change Action Guidelines to achieve this emission reduction target.

With the objective to support Taiwan in dealing with conceptual questions on the establishment of a national ETS, adelphi conducted a five-day study tour to Berlin for 13 Taiwanese delegates. The delegates came from the Taiwan Environmental Protection Agency (TEPA) as well as from research institutions, think tanks and consulting agencies. During the study tour, participants were introduced to the concept of ETS and the practices needed for successfully implementing an effective ETS. The programme offered a comprehensive overview of emissions trading theory and practice in Germany and Europe, with a special focus on the governance structures and working processes of competent authorities that are necessary for operating an ETS. In addition to organisational tasks and supporting the Taiwanese delegation, adelphi was responsible for developing training materials, facilitating interactive dialogue formats, and giving expert presentations.

The study tour was implemented as part of the German Ministry for the Environment (BMUB) programme “Emissions Trading System: Capacity Building", in cooperation with the German Emissions Trading Authority (DEHSt), Future Camp Climate GmbH and Öko-Institut. The programme aims to share knowledge and experience to help interested countries establish an emissions trading system.