Evaluation of the Feasibility of the Energy Policy Developed to Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions in Taiwan

Abstract

Since the Kyoto Protocol officially came into effect on February 16, 2005, many countries have gradually changed their wait-and-see attitudes, becoming more serious in confronting the possible future impact of global warming. Finding a balance among economic development, energy consumption, and environmental protection has become a common concern to the international community. For this reason, it may be important for Taiwan to increase the speed at which it implements regulations related to greenhouse gas and thereby reduce emissions. This paper will discuss and evaluate in depth the various energy policies and objectives that emerged after Taiwan's first National Energy Conference held in 1998 using a decomposition input–output analysis model. We also analyze the effects of different energy policies on reducing CO2 emissions. This analysis not only helps the relevant governmental organizations understand the possible effects of various policies, but it also serves as an important reference for future energy policy-making and allocations of governmental resources.