Taiwan Reports 2024 as Hottest Year on Record Amid Climate Crisis

Taiwan has reported that 2024 is the hottest year on record, with an average temperature of 24.97°C, exceeding previous records. This year’s extreme weather patterns have led to global economic losses of $310 billion due to natural disasters. In response, Taiwan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30% by 2030, while the UN confirms 2024 as the warmest year, indicating a concerning trend in climate change.

Taiwan has officially declared that 2024 is the hottest year on record since the beginning of data collection 127 years ago, revealing alarming temperature averages that reflect a broader pattern of global climate change. The Central Weather Administration reported an annual mean temperature of 24.97 degrees Celsius (76.95 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing the previous record set in 2020 by 0.06 degrees. Despite expectations of a slight cooling trend in the approaching months, the current figures exemplify a troubling warming trajectory linked to severe global climate disruptions.

The influence of climate change manifests through extreme weather patterns and consequential natural disasters across the globe, which have collectively resulted in substantial economic damages estimated at $310 billion in 2024. This year’s climatic anomalies have included catastrophic flooding in regions like Spain and Kenya, intense storms in the United States and the Philippines, along with pervasive drought and wildfires across South America. Taiwan experienced significant impacts as well, marked by one of the most powerful typhoons in decades which occurred unusually late in the year, culminating in destructive floods and landslides.

In response to these alarming findings, Taiwan’s government announced an elevated target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by the end of the decade, aiming for a reduction ranging between 25 to 30 percent compared to 2005 levels. Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming expressed confidence that advancements in offshore wind energy and overall renewable energy initiatives by 2025 would facilitate the achievement of this enhanced goal.

Moreover, the United Nations has affirmed that 2024 is poised to become the warmest year on record globally, encapsulating a decade marked by record-setting temperatures influenced heavily by human-induced climate change, particularly due to fossil fuel combustion. This climate phenomenon has secondary impacts, such as increased precipitation and storm intensity, illustrating the intricate relationship between rising temperatures and extreme weather patterns, ultimately jeopardizing infrastructure and agricultural productivity.

The evidence of climate change has become increasingly apparent over the past few decades, with global temperatures rising at an unprecedented rate. Taiwan’s announcement regarding the hottest year on record underscores the urgency to combat climate change. The link between extreme weather events and rising global temperatures highlights a growing concern for nations around the world. Countries are responding by setting higher emissions reduction targets and investing in renewable energy sources to mitigate these impacts and adapt to the changing climate.

In conclusion, Taiwan’s announcement of 2024 being the hottest year on record serves as a critical reminder of the pervasive effects of climate change, reflected not only in temperature records but also in the frequency and severity of natural disasters. The government’s commitment to more aggressive emissions reduction targets demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing these challenges. As the impacts of global warming continue to escalate, international cooperation and action will be essential in mitigating future risks and safeguarding ecosystems and economies.

Original Source: www.france24.com