Taiwan plans for 40°C heat and ramps up climate action ahead of COP31

Taiwan is preparing for 40°C heat, mapping neighbourhoods that need more shade and using revenue from a new carbon fee to fund climate adaptation and emissions cuts.

In an October statement ahead of COP31, Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming said Taiwan used a 40°C scenario to coordinate planning for health services, electricity supplies, transport and worker safety. The National Green Canopy Program will use laser mapping and local climate data to identify urban heat hotspots and gaps in shade.

Peng said the measures come as Taiwan faces extreme heat, torrential rain and typhoons. He pointed to Western Europe’s record-hot June as an example of how extreme heat can worsen drought and wildfires and strain water supplies.

Taiwan’s carbon fee raised NT$4.97 billion in its first year of collection. The revenue supports emissions reduction and climate adaptation, while companies with voluntary reduction plans can qualify for lower rates. Taiwan also plans to introduce an emissions trading system alongside the fee.

The government has approved emissions reduction programmes for six sectors through 2030, with 20 flagship projects and 63 measures to track progress. Taiwan’s latest inventory showed net greenhouse gas emissions fell for a third consecutive year in 2024, reaching 6.59 per cent below 2005 levels.

Taiwan has also amended its waste laws to encourage reuse and is consulting workers, businesses and communities on a national plan to support those affected by the shift to net zero.

Taiwan is outside the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Peng called for international support for its participation and pointed to its work with Paraguay on 12 environmental action plans covering technology sharing, youth engagement and the circular economy.