2021/01/13
News Briefing:
 
    In Decembers’ "Climate Ambition Summit", attended by leaders from more than 70 countries, the President of the People's Republic of China promised that carbon emissions in China will be reduced by 65%, by 2030. (Compared to 2005 figures.) 

Impact Analysis 

    　While carbon emission reduction is not a new area of concern, the global epidemic in 2020 had an unexpected positive benefit to the environment. According to the Global Carbon Project annual evaluation report, global carbon emissions, worldwide, in 2020, decreased by 7%, marking a historical reduction in carbon emissions. 

   　China, as a global manufacturing hub, has not only committed to lowering emissions by 2030 but, also stated at the UN General Assembly, that it will achieve the goal of carbon neutrality by 2060.

　　Although such a goal is viewed as a significant challenge, it illustrates the commitment of China’s government towards sustainable development. Not only will this have a direct impact on the petrochemical industry, but it will also affect the use of raw materials. It will, in effect, trigger a transformation across the industrial and manufacturing sectors – including production design, and the production process.

　　Apple, a well-known, global brand that has historically set the benchmark, concerning eco-friendly practices has been aggressive in creating greener products.  Since Apple began to implement a Supplier Clean Energy policy in 2015, it has also committed to achieving 100% carbon neutrality, by 2030.  Globally, after the epidemic, there has been a tendency for the world to pay even closer attention to clean energy. 
    
　　For decades, Taiwan has been a dominant force in the manufacturing industry, as well as playing a crucial role, in the global supply chain. In the face of current, global, and changing environmental and industrial trends, Taiwan too, will need to include such changes in its policies. Although many Taiwanese manufacturers have been seen to make changes, as they turn their mindset into concrete actions, these efforts are limited to larger enterprises, enterprises with abundant resources. The reality is, that for Taiwan, many more manufacturers, in the supply chain, will have to respond to the call for change, before a goal of carbon neutrality could be possible. 

　　More optimistically, the global status of Taiwan's PCB industry has continued to improve, after the epidemic. Circuit boards are a critical part of the components manufactured for clients, many of whom are key players in setting industry standards. PCB manufacturers must be prepared for the inevitable changes, that will affect the industry, presently, and in the future. Take Apple as an example -even if there are ten years to go before 2030, it will take a considerable length of time, for green transformation, and results to be perceived. Although outsourcing for green power allows for immediate results, the responsibility should remain with the company. As such, manufacturers must start to plan, as early as possible, so that they can respond to future needs and with a calm mind, and with a relaxed attitude. Being able to plan, and see what changes will need to be implemented, in all areas of production, will create a more seamless transition, working with new parameters – which consider the need to lower carbon emissions, on a time-lined schedule.