Weather
(photo credit: Diao-Xun Lin)
Through the report published in 2007 by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), climatologists have tried to warn us the severity of the undeniable effects of global warming.
The effects of global warming are evident in Taiwan as well. How has the climate in Taiwan changed over the years? Data shows the average temperature in Taiwan rose by approximately 1.4 degree Celsius in the last century, which is twice as high as the rate of increase in global average (0.74°C).
The warmer climate of Taiwan has taken a toll on precipitation levels. Although there has not been an obvious change in the annual precipitation level, the number of days with rainfall has decreased dramatically. This means Taiwan will be facing extreme weather conditions, such as increased chances and intensity of rainfall.
at Sun Moon Lake
(photo credit: Jing-Ru Yang)
In 2009, Typhoon Morakot caused the loss of 681 people’s lives and left 18 people missing. The Bureau of Meteorology recorded rainfall of over 1,000 mm on that day in 14 different weather observation stations. Typhoon Morakot caused a massive mudslide that wiped out the entire Xiaolin Village and 474 people were buried alive. Also, in 2015, Typhoon Soudelor left Wulai District with severe damages. It took months to repair the roads and to reconstruct the famous hot spring resorts in the area.
Heavy rainfall does not guarantee Taiwan with a stable source of water. Between March and April of 2015, the famous Nine-Frog Statue at Sun Moon Lake resurfaced because of low water level due to drought. In New Taipei City, the government had to enforce water restrictions because of water shortage in the Shihmen reservoir in the month of April.
These abnormal climate patterns are starting to get everyone’s attention, and water management experts are urged to find ways to solve the water shortage problem in an urban environment.
Reference：
1. Chen, Yun-Lan, Chen. (April, 2008).
Climate change in Taiwan in the past century. Science Development, pp 6-11.008.04
2. Central Weather Bureau (http://www.cwb.gov.tw/V7/climate/)
By Gordan Huang