Taiwan Declares Record Heat in 2024 as Climate Crisis Intensifies

Taiwan has announced that 2024 is the hottest year recorded since 1897, with an average temperature of 24.97 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous record. The government plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% from 2005 levels by 2030, citing developments in renewable energy. The UN also notes this year may mark the highest global temperatures, as climate change continues to cause severe weather worldwide, leading to significant economic losses.

Taiwan has officially declared that 2024 has become the hottest year recorded in its history, surpassing a record that stood since 1897. According to the Central Weather Administration, the annual average temperature as of Sunday reached 24.97 degrees Celsius (76.95 degrees Fahrenheit), marking an increase from the previous high of 24.91 degrees Celsius set in 2020. This alarming trend correlates with a broader pattern of unprecedented temperatures globally, primarily driven by climate change and resulting in extreme weather events that have caused significant economic burdens.

Despite the alarming record heat, the Taiwanese government anticipates a temporary decrease in average temperatures over the following months, which may bring a chance of extreme cold spells. Nonetheless, it has resolved to intensify efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adjusting their previous reduction target to as much as 30% from 2005 levels by the end of the decade. Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming expressed confidence that Taiwan would achieve these new goals through the development of offshore wind power and other renewable energy sources by 2025.

The United Nations has indicated that the current year may record the highest global temperatures to date, underscoring a decade characterized by extreme heat. The complications arising from this warming trend are diverse, including catastrophic weather phenomena such as severe flooding in Spain and Kenya, intense storms across the United States and the Philippines, as well as immense droughts and wildfires in South America. In Taiwan specifically, one of the most powerful typhoons seen in decades resulted in significant devastation, causing landslides and flooding in October, highlighting the increasing severity of such natural disasters that are becoming common due to climate change.

Swiss Re reported natural disasters worldwide resulted in 310 billion dollars in economic losses in 2024, showcasing the substantial impact of climate change on global economies. Taiwan continues to confront the dual challenge of extreme weather patterns and the obligation to mitigate climate change effects with innovative and robust environmental policies.

The declaration from Taiwan regarding 2024 as the hottest year on record reflects a concerning trend which mirrors the global climate crisis exacerbated by greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change has manifested in rising temperatures worldwide, resulting in extreme weather patterns that have devastating effects on human populations and economies. With natural disasters becoming increasingly severe and frequent, countries worldwide are called to reassess their environmental strategies and commitments to reduce their carbon footprints and invest in sustainable energy sources. Taiwan, characterized by its vulnerability to typhoons and extreme weather, illustrates the pressing need for proactive climate action.

In conclusion, the year 2024 has revealed alarming temperature increases in Taiwan, marking a significant milestone in the context of climate change. The government’s revised targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions reflect a commitment to combat these challenges, amidst a backdrop of increasing global temperatures and the dire consequences brought about by natural disasters. As Taiwan adjusts its environmental policies, the international community also faces the urgent task of addressing the ongoing climate crisis.

Original Source: www.france24.com