Kaohsiung City Council Passes Net Zero City Autonomy Ordinance

The photo tribute to Kaohsiung City Council Online Magazine

　　With the industrial sector accounting for 80% of carbon emissions in Kaohsiung, pursuing net zero emissions presents unique challenges distinct from other cities. To address this, on June 28th, the Kaohsiung City Council approved the "Kaohsiung City Net Zero City Development Autonomy Ordinance" during its regular session, aiming for the city to advance towards the "2050 Net Zero Emissions" goal through forward-looking policies, strategies, and concrete actions.

　　The "Kaohsiung City Net Zero City Development Autonomy Ordinance" revolves around four key principles: strengthening governmental net zero governance, supporting industrial adaptation, encouraging citizen participation in sustainable living, and implementing equitable transition. This ordinance marks the first instance of local authority net zero regulations following the enactment of the "Climate Change Adaptation Act" by the central government.

　　This act was promulgated in February of this year, bringing clarity to national and local net zero policies. To minimize redundant regulations between the central and local levels, enhance incentives and guidance mechanisms, this autonomy ordinance was established in accordance with city's emission structure and characteristics. It encourages industries to collaborate on energy conservation, carbon reduction, and advancing energy transition. It aims to guide voluntary carbon reduction initiatives through a voluntary carbon reduction and trading market mechanism, thereby fostering local industrial development and employment opportunities.

　　Kang Yu-Cheng, President of Kaohsiung City Council emphasized that achieving net zero carbon emissions is the responsibility of every international city, and Kaohsiung cannot stand aside. Particularly, given Kaohsiung's status as a traditional industrial city where citizens have endured industrial pollution, the Net Zero City Development Autonomy Ordinance represents a significant milestone toward transforming Kaohsiung into a net zero city. It is hoped that the municipal government will execute the ordinance effectively and ensure Kaohsiung does not lag behind other cities.