Prof. Chun-Chieh Wu, Dean of College of Science, National Taiwan University
Climate change is no longer a distant concern—it's unfolding rapidly due to human activities like fossil fuel use, deforestation, and industrial emissions. These actions have intensified warming, altered rainfall patterns, and led to dramatic changes in oceans and polar regions.
The impacts are visible and escalating. Stronger typhoons, more frequent heatwaves, and heavier rainfall are becoming the new norm. The Arctic is warming nearly four times faster than the global average, amplifying global climate disruptions. Changing ocean–atmosphere dynamics are shifting regional weather patterns, including monsoons.
Vulnerable communities are on the frontlines. In Vietnam's Mekong Delta, farmers are switching from rice to shrimp farming in response to rising seas—an adaptive but risky shift. Ecosystems are also under pressure. Research on burying beetles in Taiwan shows that warming disrupts insect reproduction, threatening biodiversity and nutrient cycles.
As extremes outpace gradual climate shifts, scientific understanding must be paired with smart adaptation strategies. By connecting global trends with local realities, we can better prepare for a rapidly changing climate.