Taiwan has announced that 2024 is the hottest year recorded, with an average temperature of 24.97 degrees Celsius. This rise mirrors global trends of climate change leading to extreme weather events. The government has increased its emissions reduction target to 30% by 2030, coinciding with significant natural disaster impacts worldwide, including a costly $310 billion in damages this year.
Taiwan has officially declared 2024 as the hottest year on record since data collection commenced 127 years ago. According to the Central Weather Administration, the annual average temperature recorded so far is 24.97 degrees Celsius (76.95 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing the previous record of 24.91 degrees Celsius established in 2020. This alarming rise in temperature aligns with a global trend of extreme weather events spurred by climate change, contributing to extensive natural disasters worldwide that have inflicted billions of dollars in damages.
In addition to this stark revelation, Taiwan has announced an increase in its greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for the decade, now aiming for a cut of up to 30 percent from 2005 levels, as opposed to the previous 25 percent goal. Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming expressed confidence that advancements in offshore wind power and renewable energy will facilitate this achievement by 2025. Despite the rising temperatures, the forecaster cautioned that Taiwan could experience a dip in average temperatures and possibly severe cold spells in the coming months.
The implications of global warming are profound and multifaceted, resulting not only in rising temperatures but also in heightened humidity and increased evaporation, leading to more severe weather phenomena. This year has already witnessed catastrophic flooding in regions such as Spain and Kenya, devastating storms across the United States and the Philippines, and severe droughts and wildfires in South America. Taiwan itself experienced a significant typhoon in October, resulting in widespread destruction, including uprooted trees and subsequent flooding and landslides.
In total, natural disasters incurred an estimated economic cost of $310 billion in 2024, according to Swiss Re, a global insurance firm. This figure exemplifies the severe impact of climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for nations across the globe to take decisive action to mitigate these increasingly frequent and devastating occurrences.
The statement regarding Taiwan’s record temperature is part of a broader narrative concerning the alarming effects of climate change worldwide. As fossil fuel consumption continues to rise, so do average global temperatures, with significant repercussions for weather patterns and natural systems. The increase in greenhouse gas emissions is linked to heightened occurrences of extreme weather events, necessitating urgent efforts by governments and organizations to address this environmental crisis.
In conclusion, Taiwan’s declaration of 2024 as the hottest year on record highlights the urgent challenges presented by climate change. With global temperatures on the rise and extreme weather becoming more common, the need for proactive measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is more pressing than ever. Taiwan’s increased targets reflect a commitment to tackling this crisis, yet the global and local ramifications of climate change remain profound and far-reaching, necessitating collaborative worldwide efforts to mitigate its impact.
Original Source: www.france24.com
