Taiwan has reported that 2024 is the hottest year on record, with an average temperature of 24.97°C. This significant increase aligns with a global trend of rising temperatures and extreme weather, leading to substantial economic losses and natural disasters, accentuating the urgency for effective climate action. In response, Taiwan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030, driven by renewable energy developments.
Taiwan has announced that 2024 is officially the hottest year on record since meteorological observations began 127 years ago. The Central Weather Administration reported an annual average temperature of 24.97 degrees Celsius (76.95 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing the previous record of 24.91 degrees Celsius set in 2020. This alarming increase in temperature aligns with a global trend of extreme weather patterns and natural disasters, which have caused extensive economic and environmental damage worldwide this year.
The ongoing effects of climate change have been palpable, leading to various natural disasters with significant repercussions. For instance, 2024 has seen hurricanes, floods, and wildfires leading to losses amounting to $310 billion globally. Taiwan itself was not immune; the island experienced one of its most powerful typhoons in decades, resulting in considerable property destruction and landslides. In spite of this, Taiwan’s climate forecasters have projected potentially lower average temperatures in the coming months.
In response to these unprecedented climatic events, Taiwan has set an ambitious target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% from 2005 levels by the end of the decade, an increase from the previous goal of 25%. Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming expressed confidence in achieving this new target, driven by the development of offshore wind power and renewable energy initiatives slated for 2025. This initiative reflects a broader commitment by various nations to combat climate change amid a mounting global crisis.
The United Nations has recently echoed Taiwan’s concerns, marking 2024 as potentially the warmest year ever recorded, emphasizing that the rise in global temperatures is not merely about heat but also includes the broader implications, such as intensified storms and increased evaporation resulting in more severe weather. The combination of these factors highlights the urgent need for action against climate change, as the impacts grow increasingly deadly and disrupt the fabric of society and economies globally.
The phenomenon of climate change has been recognized as a critical issue for decades, resulting from human activities, primarily the combustion of fossil fuels, which leads to a gradual increase in Earth’s average temperature. This warming trend has a cascade of effects on weather patterns, often leading to extreme weather events. Such events include droughts, floods, hurricanes, and other natural disasters that have manifested with increasing frequency and severity in recent years. Countries like Taiwan, positioned in areas prone to tropical storms, find themselves at the forefront of these climatic challenges, prompting governments to adapt policies and set more ambitious emission reduction targets.
In summary, Taiwan’s declaration of 2024 as the hottest year on record underscores a significant global trend driven by climate change, resulting in widespread natural disasters and economic losses. It reflects the urgent need for countries to pursue aggressive policies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and developing sustainable energy solutions. The situation in Taiwan serves as a microcosm for the larger climate crisis facing the world, emphasizing the necessity for immediate and impactful action to mitigate future risks.
Original Source: www.france24.com
