Key Takeaways:
– Taiwan confirmed 2024 as the hottest year on record since 1897, with an average temperature of 24.97C, up from 24.91C in 2020.
– The Central Weather Administration predicts lower temperatures and potential cold spells in the next two months despite the global warming trend.
– As a response to climate change, Taiwan has increased its target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 30 percent from 2005 levels by the end of the decade.
– The impact of global warming is evident around the world, with extreme weather patterns, including storms and floods causing severe damage and economic loss.
Record Heat in 2024
An exceptional increase in global temperature due to climate change was experienced this year in Taiwan, corroborating the increasing temperature trend felt around the world. Taiwan marked this year as the hottest since its record-keeping began 127 years ago. Climate change has fuelled extreme weather events and record heat, causing economic and property damage totaling billions of dollars.
On Sunday, the annual average temperature in Taiwan was at 24.97 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous record of 24.91C registered in 2020. This new record indicates how climate change is exacerbating heatwaves and leading to higher average temperatures.
Future Weather Predictions
However, the Central Weather Administration expressed that even in the face of global warming, the upcoming two months could bring relatively colder climates with the possibility of extreme cold spells.
Aiming for Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Taiwan proved its commitment to addressing climate change by announcing on Monday an increased target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The new goal is a substantial 30 percent cut from 2005 levels by the end of this decade. The previous target had been a 25 percent reduction.
The nation’s environmental minister expressed confidence in these green initiatives, saying the development of offshore wind power and other renewable energy sources by 2025 would help achieve this ambitious goal.
Global Warming Impacts
Climate change isn’t just about increased temperatures, far-reaching effects accompany the extra heat in the atmosphere and seas. Warmer air can hold more water vapor, leading to more intense and damaging storms. Warmer seas can result in increased evaporation, thereby intensifying rainfall.
Property damage, crop destruction, and other costly impacts become increasingly likely with these climate changes. The resulting price is steep, with global natural disasters causing an estimated $310 billion in economic loss in 2024 alone.
Effects on Taiwan
Taiwan did not escape this global phenomenon. This year, one of the biggest typhoons to ever hit the island resulted in uprooted trees, floods, and landslides in October. While Taiwan is prone to tropical storms from July to October, a typhoon of this strength so late in the year was unusual and worrying.
Global Effects
Weather extremes were not limited to Taiwan. In 2024, Spain and Kenya experienced severe flooding, multiple regions in the United States and the Philippines faced violent storms, and South America suffered from significant drought and wildfires.
As these unprecedented weather patterns persist, there is growing urgency for countries to address climate change, with initiatives such as Taiwan’s greenhouse gas reduction goal becoming more vital than ever.