Greenpeace released its latest report today (10th), which summarizes the carbon reduction progress of the top 20 carbon-emitting companies in Taiwan, including TSMC, Innolux, China Steel, and Formosa Plastics. It found that 80% of these companies have not met the United Nations recommended carbon reduction targets; with the exception of TSMC, the other 19 companies failed to meet the renewable energy use ratio. Greenpeace called on major carbon emitters to keep up with the international trend of carbon reduction, invest in green electricity for their own use as soon as possible, and take responsibility for carbon reduction.
Most companies are lagging behind on net-zero targets and carbon reduction progress.
Greenpeace today (10) released the report "Climate Action Warning Light: The Climate Responsibility of Taiwan's Top 20 Carbon Emitters", which takes stock of the carbon reduction, green electricity progress and other aspects of climate change response actions of the top 20 carbon-emitting companies in Taiwan. According to Greenpeace statistics, these 20 major carbon emitters accounted for approximately 43.82% of the country's carbon emissions in 2022. The list includes 5 "ICT industries" such as TSMC, Innolux, Micron Taiwan, AUO, and UMC, as well as 15 "traditional industries" such as China Steel, Formosa Plastics, CPC Corporation, etc.
Regarding the carbon reduction targets of various companies, Greenpeace Climate and Energy Campaign Director Hsu Hsiang-cheng analyzed that while most companies have medium- and long-term carbon reduction targets, they do not fully meet the 43% emissions reduction target by 2030 recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and therefore need to be strengthened. Micron Taiwan, in particular, lacks a net-zero target by 2050, making it the only company among the 20 that failed to meet this target.
A closer look at the carbon reduction progress of various companies reveals that the IPCC recommends that to limit global warming to 1.5°C, global carbon emissions must be reduced by 43% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels, an average annual reduction of 3.9%. Greenpeace's analysis of the average annual carbon emissions change from 2019 to 2022 shows that 80% of major carbon emitters have failed to meet the recommended reduction targets. Traditional industries, in particular, have been relatively passive in reducing carbon emissions. For example, Rongsheng and Dalian Chemical have seen their emissions increase in recent years.
Greenpeace released its survey results, with green lights indicating passing, yellow lights indicating need for improvement, and red lights indicating failing. Image source: Provided by Greenpeace
Green electricity share is "red," Greenpeace calls for self-use
Regarding the crucial issue of renewable energy usage, Greenpeace statistics indicate that most companies lack renewable energy power usage targets, earning them a red light. Only some ICT companies, through their membership of the RE100 initiative, have set more ambitious targets. However, actual renewable energy usage is almost universally poor, with most companies receiving a red light rating, with usage rates below 2%. Only TSMC achieved 5%, earning a yellow light, but this still falls short of the International Energy Agency (IEA)'s recommended rate.
Greenpeace emphasized that over 80% of the ICT industry's carbon emissions come from electricity, yet its overall renewable energy use is very low, resulting in an increase in carbon emissions rather than a decrease. TSMC, AUO, and UMC have pledged their commitment to the RE100 goal, but with the exception of TSMC, the actual renewable energy use by other companies in 2022 is less than 0.2%. Micron Taiwan lags far behind, with no progress or target plans for renewable energy use.
Greenpeace is calling for the ICT industry to urgently invest in self-generated green electricity, increase its use of renewable energy, and take the lead in energy responsibility, despite the ICT industry's growing demand for green electricity and its slow progress in achieving renewable energy targets. Furthermore, to enhance sustainable competitiveness and fulfill environmental and social responsibilities, the industry should follow the 2030 targets set by international companies such as Google and Apple, which aim to use 100% renewable energy.
Green electricity statistics for the ICT industry. Image source: Provided by Greenpeace
SonoSign and Green Collar Talent Evaluations Hope Companies Will Pay More Attention
This report also included, for the first time, biodiversity and green-collar talent development. Greenpeace noted that climate change is causing rapid biodiversity loss, and major carbon emitters must also take responsibility to mitigate the impact. However, statistics revealed that most companies lack commitment or action in this regard. Only TSMC and Taiwan Cement, following the Nature-Related Financial Disclosure (TNFD) framework and regularly conducting relevant monitoring and conservation activities, received the green light.
Furthermore, to effectively plan and implement climate action, Greenpeace is calling on major carbon emitters to assess the green talent gaps needed for transition and develop training programs to ensure their employees have the necessary skills for net-zero transition. With the exception of Taiwan Cement, China Steel Corporation, and Innolux, companies generally under-emphasize the development of green-collar talent and lack training, potentially leading to talent gaps during the net-zero transition.
Source: Environmental Information Centre
