Amb. LEE urges Slovak society to support Taiwan to participate in the UNFCCC.

Taiwan wants to be part of climate efforts.

Climate change caught everyone's eye as recently a 8.9-magnitude earthquake hit off the east coast of Japan. The quake - one of the largest in recorded history -- triggered a 23-foot tsunami that battered Japan's coast, killing hundreds and sweeping away cars, homes, buildings, and boats.

The earthquake and tsunami caused damage to Fukusima nuclear plant creating the largest nuclear accident since the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.

Likewise, in 2009, Taiwan was devastated by the Morakot Typhoon, the worst storm to hit the island in recorded history. More than 600 people lost their lives, in excess of 40,000 were displaced, and immeasurable material damage was done.

Now, it is time for the global community to work together as we are facing the climate change. However, Taiwan is not involved in the worldwide network against climate change, due to political reasons.

Taiwan's exclusion constitutes a significant breach in the global mechanism. In order to redress this, Taiwan is bidding for Observership at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), with the hope that through this agency it can meaningfully participate and contribute.

There are number of persuasive reasons for bringing Taiwan into the fold:
1. Taiwan's government and people have voluntarily shown their commitment to creating a better and more sustainable future by introducing a wide array of environmental protection legislation.
2. Taiwan has met international standards for air quality improvement, river restoration, waste treatment and toxic substance management. Its proper garbage disposal rate stands at 99 percent and over 40 percent of refuse is recycled.
3. Mostly, Taiwan is exposed and susceptible to the increasingly unstable
weather and rising sea levels that climate change threatens to bring.
Taiwan needs to be able to use UNFCCC resources and have access to new information. Most crucially of all, Taiwan needs to be included in the early warning system so that lives may be saved.

Taiwan is ready to assume her responsibilities and make a significant contribution. Its government and people deserve recognition for their- commitment and initiative.

When the country itself stands on the frontline, it seems only fair that it can be included in the chain.