Taiwan has reported that 2024 is the hottest year since records began 127 years ago, with an average temperature of 24.97 degrees Celsius. This marks a significant rise due to climate change, which has driven extreme weather and natural disasters globally. Taiwan has increased its emissions reduction target to 30% by the end of the decade, focusing on renewable energy solutions. The climate crisis continues to lead to substantial economic losses worldwide, totaling $310 billion this year.
Taiwan has declared that 2024 is officially the hottest year on record, with an average temperature of 24.97 degrees Celsius (76.95 degrees Fahrenheit) surpassing the previous record of 24.91°C in 2020. The announcement, made by the Central Weather Administration, emphasizes the significant impact of climate change, which has induced extreme weather conditions globally, leading to catastrophic natural disasters and significant economic losses. Despite the alarming trends, the agency predicts a potential drop in temperatures over the next couple of months, coupled with possible extreme cold spells.
In response to the climatic crisis, Taiwan has set a more ambitious target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30 percent by the decade’s end, an increase from the former goal of 25 percent. Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming expressed confidence in achieving these goals through advancements in renewable energy, particularly offshore wind power, anticipated to come to fruition by 2025. The United Nations recently confirmed that the current year is on track to become the warmest in recorded history, further emphasizing the ongoing repercussions of global warming.
The rising temperatures are not isolated phenomena; warmer air holds more moisture, resulting in increased precipitation and intensified storms. This year has witnessed severe flooding in areas such as Spain and Kenya, numerous violent storms across the United States and the Philippines, and devastating droughts and wildfires in South America. Taiwan has experienced catastrophic weather events, including one of the most powerful typhoons in decades, which led to widespread destruction.
Natural disasters incurred substantial economic damages globally, with an estimated loss of $310 billion in 2024, as reported by Swiss Re, a Zurich-based insurance company. These developments highlight the critical importance of addressing the climate crisis and the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate its effects on both a local and global scale.
The phenomenon of global warming, primarily driven by the combustion of fossil fuels, has led to an increase in average global temperatures, resulting in widespread climatic changes. In 2024, numerous regions across the globe have reported unprecedented temperature highs, contributing to extreme weather events, such as destructive storms, severe floods, and relentless droughts. These changes have not only affected environmental stability but have also led to significant economic repercussions, as illustrated by the extensive damages from natural disasters this year. Countries like Taiwan are witnessing the implications directly through altered weather patterns, underscoring the urgency for mitigation strategies and sustainable practices by governments.
In summary, Taiwan’s announcement of 2024 as the hottest year on record reflects pressing concerns over the impact of climate change and extreme weather events. The nation aims to address these challenges through increased greenhouse gas reduction targets and investments in renewable energy. As the global community grapples with the ramifications of climate change, the examples set by Taiwan could serve as pivotal in shaping responsive strategies for other nations facing similar hardships.
Original Source: www.france24.com
