Taiwan Reports Hottest Year on Record Amid Global Warming Concerns
In 2024, Taiwan recorded its highest average temperature since 1897 at 24.97 degrees Celsius, amid a global trend of unprecedented heat. The government has increased its greenhouse gas emissions reduction target to 30% by 2030. Natural disasters linked to climate change have resulted in significant economic losses worldwide, illustrating the urgent need for effective climate action.
Taiwan has reported that 2024 is set to be the hottest year on record since temperature monitoring began 127 years ago. According to the Central Weather Administration, as of Sunday, the island’s annual average temperature reached 24.97 degrees Celsius (76.95 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing the previous record of 24.91 degrees Celsius established in 2020. The state forecaster noted that while Taiwan has experienced unprecedented heat, it anticipates relatively lower average temperatures in the upcoming months, potentially leading to extreme cold spells despite the overarching trends of global warming.
In response to escalating climate concerns, the Taiwanese government has revised its target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to a goal of up to 30 percent from 2005 levels by the end of the decade, an increase from the earlier target of 25 percent reduction. Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming expressed confidence in achieving these goals with the planned advancements in offshore wind power and other renewable energy initiatives by 2025. The United Nations has confirmed that the year is poised to be the warmest on record, contributing to unprecedented heat events worldwide.
The ramifications of global warming extend beyond mere temperature increases, influencing weather patterns and resulting in severe weather phenomena. Warmer air has the capacity to retain more water vapor, leading to heightened evaporation from oceans, thus causing intensifying rainfall and violent storms. Taiwan, like many nations, has been impacted by this trend, with significant natural disasters reported. These include powerful tropical storms and flooding that caused considerable destruction and economic losses estimated at $310 billion globally in 2024 according to Swiss Re, an insurance firm.
The ongoing climate crisis has led to increasing averages in global temperatures, with 2024 marking a significant year for climatic extremes. The state of Taiwan, located in a region prone to tropical storms, has observed its highest temperature records coinciding with a global trend of rising temperatures. The effects of climate change have manifested in various natural disasters across the globe, contributing to damaging weather events and significant economic repercussions. As nations grapple with the consequences of climate change, Taiwan’s enhanced commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions reflects a global necessity to mitigate further environmental degradation.
Taiwan’s declaration of 2024 as the hottest year on record highlights the dire implications of global warming and its associated weather extremes. The government’s proactive stance in increasing its emissions reduction targets and the anticipated response to future climatic challenges signal a commitment to environmental sustainability. As climate change continues to exacerbate natural disasters worldwide, the need for urgent action from all nations is underscored, emphasizing the interconnectedness of global climate health.
Original Source: www.france24.com
