Germany hoping to cooperate with Taiwan on climate change research

Taipei, Sept. 10 (CNA) A German climatologist said Tuesday that his country is very willing to share with Taiwan its experience in transition to renewable energy and hopes that the two sides can foster exchanges on research into climate change and its impact on the environment.

Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, director emeritus of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), made the comment during a visit to the Ministry of Science and Technology in Taipei, where he met with Minster of Science and Technology Chen Liang-gee (陳良基) to discuss exchanges with Taiwan on the issue of climate change.

Taiwan's geographic location and vulnerability to natural disasters makes it an ideal spot for climate research, Schellnhuber said.

He also touched on the topic of renewable energy, saying that Germany is hoping to establish exchanges with Taiwan, given the European country's pioneering efforts in the development of renewable energy technology.

Chen for his part responded that Taiwan can definitely learn from Germany to help push the country's sustainable development.

Taiwan is open to collaboration on a range of energy transition issues, including the sharing of knowledge and experience on energy policies, management and technologies, as well as the promotion of clean energy.

Schellnhuber later visited the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction in Taipei, where he was informed about the country's efforts in disaster reduction and emergency preparedness.

Taiwan's experience in this regard is a worthy lesson for the international community, he said.

The German scholar is scheduled to attend a forum on renewable energy and the challenges of climate change at the Research Center for Humanities and Social Sciences in Taipei's Nangang District Wednesday.