Taiwan has reported that 2024 is the hottest year on record, with an average temperature of 24.97°C, surpassing previous highs. The government is increasing its greenhouse gas reduction target to 30% by 2030, while the global climate crisis leads to significant weather-related disasters. Natural disasters this year have incurred $310 billion in losses worldwide, reflecting the extensive impact of climate change.
Taiwan has officially declared 2024 as the hottest year on record since temperature monitoring commenced 127 years ago. This announcement mirrors the unprecedented global heat experienced throughout the year, driven largely by the impacts of climate change. As of the latest reports, Taiwan’s average temperature has reached 24.97 degrees Celsius (76.95 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing the previous high of 24.91 degrees Celsius recorded in 2020, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA).
The CWA stated that while 2024 stands as the warmest year recorded since 1897, it anticipates a slight respite in temperature over the following months, potentially encountering colder spells despite the overarching trends of global warming. Furthermore, the Taiwanese government has revised its greenhouse gas emission reduction target for the end of the decade, aiming for a 30% decrease from 2005 levels, an increase from their earlier 25% goal. Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming expressed confidence in achieving this target with the advancements in offshore wind power and renewable energy by 2025.
The effects of warming climates are not limited to rising temperatures but also manifest in severe weather phenomena, exacerbated by increased atmospheric moisture retention and elevated ocean temperatures. This year has witnessed catastrophic weather events globally, such as severe flooding in Spain and Kenya, alongside devastating storms in the United States and the Philippines, and extreme drought-induced wildfires in South America. In Taiwan, one of the most powerful typhoons in years struck in October, leading to significant destruction including uprooted trees and landslides, underscoring the growing challenges posed by climate change.
Swiss Re, an insurance firm based in Zurich, reported that natural disasters in 2024 have incurred an estimated $310 billion in economic losses worldwide, a stark reminder of the mounting financial toll of extreme weather events and climate-related catastrophes.
Climate change has emerged as one of the foremost challenges of our time, with rising global temperatures leading to increasingly severe weather patterns and ecological disruptions. 2024 has been marked by numerous instances of climate-related disasters, reflecting a pattern of heightened temperatures and extreme weather conditions that have become alarmingly common. Such phenomena are a direct consequence of anthropogenic factors, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases from fossil fuel combustion, which trap heat in the atmosphere. This year’s data from Taiwan serves as a microcosm of the wider global effects of climate change, demonstrating its immediate and adverse impact on regions across the globe. As nations grapple with the realities of climate change, Taiwan’s government is taking notable steps to address these challenges through enhanced commitment to emission reduction goals, collaboration on renewable energy initiatives, and attention to disaster preparedness in the face of increasingly volatile weather patterns.
In conclusion, Taiwan’s announcement of 2024 as the hottest year on record highlights the urgent reality of climate change that is being felt worldwide. With average temperatures exceeding previous highs, the country faces the dual challenge of adapting to immediate environmental shifts while contributing to global efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The intensifying frequency and severity of natural disasters underscore the need for comprehensive action from both governmental and international platforms, as the consequences of climate change escalate in their economic and social impact.
Original Source: www.france24.com
