Trends of Climate Change Impacts in Taiwan
Our ministry and National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) jointly published the “Taiwan Climate Change Scientific report”. This report shows that intensity and frequency of heavy rainfall in Taiwan are expected to increase due to warming. Currently, extreme events that occur in every 50 years may become more frequent. Under a 4°C global warming level scenario, such events may occur approximately every 10 years.
The projected increase in the number of hot days continues in the future: Under a high emissions scenario, the average number of hot days across Taiwan is expected to increase by 75 days. The longest consecutive dry spell per year is estimated to increase by 1 to 10 days by the end of the century, with the magnitude of the increase depending on the intensity of warming.
Extreme Climate in Taiwan
The Scientific Report illustrate the extreme vulnerability of Taiwan facing climate change. For example, in August 2009, Typhoon Morakot brought a record-breaking rainfall resulting in the worst flood in Taiwan in 50 years, causing flooding and landslides in many places. In April 2021, Taiwan experienced the worst drought in 50 years. The water storage capacity of many reservoirs fell to below 10-20%. The manufacturing and service sectors restricted water use, and more than 70,000 hectares of farmland stopped farming.
Climate Change – Mitigation and Adaptation
Facing the challenges brought by climate change, we recognize the urgent need for action. The 2023 Climate Change Response Act covers both mitigation and adaptation. In terms of mitigation, we ensure a gradual reduction in greenhouse gases by establishing a carbon budget approach. For adaptation, we consolidate national development priority through the establishment of national climate change adaptation action plan. Sectoral Greenhouse Gas Reduction Action Programs are proposed based on carbon budget while Adaptation Action programs are developed based on the national climate change adaptation action plan.
Moreover, we focus on cooperation between central and local governments, with local governments participating and collaborating in the implementation of actions. To facilitate collaboration between central and local governments, the central government assists local governments in establishing Climate Change Response Promotion Committees, chaired by each mayor and governor, to ensure cooperation between local and central governments.
Legal Actions for Adaptation in Taiwan: the Climate Change Response Act
The act introduces a new chapter on adaptation. First, we focus on enhancing the national adaptation capacity. The government will promote adaptation capacity-building initiatives encouraging active participation from citizens and businesses to collectively address the challenges of climate change. Secondly, we strengthen climate change research and risk assessment. Central governing and technological agencies will regularly publish climate change scientific reports, establish risk assessment criteria, and assist all levels of government in formulating adaptation plans. The central governing agencies will regularly draft sectoral adaptation action plans and goals, hold public hearings, and integrate the formulation of national adaptation action plans. Lastly, we tailor adaptation strategies to specific regions. Local governments will formulate local adaptation implementation plans to address climate change challenges in various regions.
Adaptation Governance under the Climate Change Response Act
Building upon the foundation of the Climate Change Response Act, the National Development Council and the Ministry of Environment have jointly facilitated the establishment of a multi-level, multi-stakeholder climate change adaptation governance platform. This platform is led by several ministries, serving as the core drivers responsible for coordinating and integrating resources and capabilities to enhance climate change adaptation. Moreover, it is based on the collaborative foundation of local governments, further promoting the involvement of industries and the public in connecting resources and encouraging proactive participation in addressing climate challenges.
National Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan (2023-2026)
The latest National Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan has allocated a total of 411.6 billion NT dollars, aimed at strengthening our overall climate change adaptation capacity and promoting sustainable development in society, the economy, and the environment. These endeavors target areas in Taiwan that are vulnerable to impacts, with the goal of enhancing environmental adaptation capabilities, strengthening resilience among vulnerable groups, introducing diverse adaptation strategies in urban and rural areas, and enhancing water resource system management. These efforts encompass seven objectives:
- Improving the resilience of critical infrastructures,
- Increasing climate adaptation capacity and stabilizing water supply,
- Ensuring homeland security and strengthening integrated management,
- Preventing coastal disasters and ensuring sustainable marine resources,
- Improving energy supply and industry adaptability,
- Ensuring agricultural production and biodiversity,
- Bolstering medical and disease prevention systems and health risk management.
Water Resource Aspects
I will be using water resources and health as two examples. The sourcing, conservation, scheduling, backup, and management of water resources have been prioritized. Taiwan has increased water supply by 20%. Upstream, we have utilized reservoir sediment removal facilities and ensured the conservation management of watershed areas.
In the midstream, we have promoted the interconnected reservoir pipeline projects for water distribution and increased artificial lakes and detention basins. We’ve also promoted the use of groundwater resources and established four seawater desalination plants.
Downstream, efforts have focused on reducing the leakage rate of the tap water supply and constructing four wastewater recycling plants. Additionally, we have increased the access rate of tap water and implemented water consumption fees for excess use. Furthermore, smart irrigation management has been promoted to effectively utilize water resources and enhance agricultural productivity.
Health Aspects
In terms of health, we are not only addressing the impact of climate change on health but also combating environmental pollution. We have placed particular emphasis on developing health education materials to enhance public awareness and preparedness for climate change. Additionally, we have established diverse support measures and channels to ensure that affected communities receive adequate care and support.
To better respond to extreme weather events, we have developed an extreme temperature warning system that issues high-temperature alerts in advance and provides relevant coping advice. We have also set up an adaptation recognition mechanism that integrates warning information into various platforms, such as meteorological information platforms. This mechanism offers features like location tracking, emergency calls, and linking to social communication software to help the public cope with extreme weather events promptly.
The Way Forward
We emphasize the importance of local government cooperation. We assist local governments in establishing Climate Change Response Promotion Committees and promoting local “Climate Change Adaptation Implementation Programs.”
Moreover, we understand the importance of scientific research in this aspect. The MOENV and the NSTC jointly conduct research and development on climate change science and impact adaptation, serving as the basis for formulating and promoting adaptation programs. Through these collaborations between local and central governments, we hope to implement our adaptation policies in a climate-resilient way.