As climate change worsens, we need to consider a combination of strategies—both mitigation and adaptation. Mitigation focuses on cutting greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the rapid increase in GHG emissions not only comes from burning fossil fuels but also from intensive farming, overfishing, livestock production, and rapid urbanization.

However, the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (IPCC AR6) makes it clear that some impacts of climate change are now unavoidable. Extreme weather events have become more frequent in recent years, affecting both human societies and natural ecosystems. These impacts are intensifying, which is why adaptation is essential. Adaptation aims to strengthen the ability of individuals, communities, and nations to face future climate-related risks and adjust to environmental changes that are already happening or are expected to occur.

According to the 2024 Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report by the EU Joint Research Centre (JRC), Taiwan contributes about 0.6% of global carbon emissions. From an adaptation perspective, this means that global GHG levels are largely shaped by major emitting countries. Even if Taiwan achieves net-zero emissions, it would contribute to global efforts but cannot significantly change the climate risks Taiwan itself faces. The Taiwan National Climate Change Science Report 2024 shows that climate impacts in Taiwan are becoming more severe. These include fluctuations in water availability, rising flooding and landslide risks, coastal erosion, threats to food security, ecological changes, impacts on public health, and challenges for urban and regional planning. Because of this, Taiwan must take climate change very seriously. To reduce future climate risks, Taiwan needs to adopt proactive and robust adaptation actions, especially given the uncertainty surrounding global mitigation efforts and their long-term effectiveness.