Taiwan Reports 2024 as Hottest Year on Record Amidst Global Climate Crisis
Taiwan has reported that 2024 is the hottest year on record, with average temperatures reaching 24.97°C, surpassing previous highs. The government aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030. Global warming has precipitated severe weather phenomena and extensive economic losses estimated at $310 billion this year, underscoring the urgent need for climate action.
Taiwan has officially declared that 2024 marks the hottest year on record, surpassing the previous temperature highs established since the beginning of temperature measurements in 1897. According to the Central Weather Administration, the annual average temperature has reached 24.97 degrees Celsius (76.95 degrees Fahrenheit), eclipsing the past record of 24.91 degrees Celsius set in 2020. This spike in temperatures coincides with alarming global climate trends characterized by extreme weather events, leading to extensive natural disasters and significant economic losses worldwide.
Despite the grim findings, Taiwan’s meteorological agency anticipates cooler average temperatures in the forthcoming months, which may bring the possibility of extreme winter conditions. In response to the worsening climate crisis, the Taiwanese government has escalated its greenhouse gas reduction targets by 30% from 2005 levels by the end of the decade, an increase from the previous target of 25%. Environmental Minister Peng Chi-ming expressed confidence in achieving this goal through advancements in offshore wind power and renewable energy slated for 2025.
These extreme climatic conditions are part of a broader phenomenon, with the United Nations noting that 2024 is poised to be the warmest year on record, concluding a decade of unprecedented heat. Rising temperatures result in a myriad of adverse effects including worsened storms, flooding, and drought. Severe weather incidents this year, such as destructive flooding in Spain and Kenya and catastrophic storms in the United States and the Philippines, have underscored the increasing frequency and intensity of such natural disasters.
Taiwan has been impacted significantly, facing one of the most powerful typhoons in decades, which resulted in extensive property damage and loss of life through floods and landslides. Global economic repercussions of these natural disasters are staggering, with losses amounting to $310 billion in 2024, as reported by the Zurich-based insurance company Swiss Re.
Climate change has become an urgent global issue, with rising temperatures leading to extreme weather events that cause widespread destruction and economic losses. The world has experienced record-breaking heat and a surge in natural disasters attributable to climate change, particularly driven by the burning of fossil fuels. This year, countries around the world have witnessed unprecedented weather patterns, emphasizing the need for urgent action to mitigate and adapt to these challenges. Taiwan’s recent findings regarding temperature records are a reflection of these global trends, highlighting the critical state of the environment and the ongoing impacts of climate change.
In summary, Taiwan’s declaration of 2024 as the hottest year on record emphasizes the alarming realities of global warming and its far-reaching consequences. The increase in average temperatures, coupled with the anticipated adverse weather patterns, underscores the pressing need for nations to enhance their climate goals. Taiwan’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% further illustrates proactive measures being taken to combat climate change. As the global climate crisis worsens, the need for a collective response intensifies.
Original Source: www.france24.com
