Climate change brings stronger typhoons to Taiwan

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Temperatures around the world have been rising rapidly in recent years due to climate change, and Taiwan is no exception, with an increase of 1.5°C over the past century. In March, temperatures soared past 34 degrees Celsius in various parts of Taiwan, accompanied by increasingly frequent torrential rains.

Lo Tzu-ting, head of the Marine Meteorology and Climate Division at the Central Weather Administration, noted, "In the context of global warming, there will actually be an increase in moisture. When conditions are favorable, it will bring a lot of rainfall." She added, "That's why many may feel that when it's not raining, there's no rain. And when it rains, you get the feeling of extreme rainfall."

The discrepancy between droughts and intense rainfall is expected to intensify as climate change brings about drastic alternations. Meanwhile, meteorologists explain that natural convective circulation in the atmosphere is weakening due to climate change, reducing the likelihood of typhoons or tropical systems forming. 

Wu Sheng-yu, a WeatherRisk analyst, stated, "There's more moisture in the air giving it more energy for development. This may mean that the environment in which the typhoon develops, although it has become harsher, but once the conditions are right, it will grow bigger."

The advancement in detection equipment is crucial for early preparation and prevention as typhoons approach. However, due to Taiwan's unique geography, the impact of typhoons may vary by region, necessitating localized adjustments to maximize prevention methods amid the changing climate.