Voices of Change: Yuan from Taipei , Taiwan
"In western Taiwan, islands once abundant are now submerged due to rising sea levels. Typhoons, while bringing water, occasionally unleash devastating floods."
What is your name and where are from?
I am Yuan, an exchange program student at Tel Aviv University, hailing from Taiwan.
Have you heard the term Climate change?
Yes, I have heard about the term from online articles and news.
What is the climate over there?
Our climate can be succinctly described as scorching summers with extreme heat.
Do you guys see any changes in the climate during past few years
Back in elementary school, air conditioning wasn’t a necessity, but now it’s indispensable to survive the sweltering conditions. The proliferation of skyscrapers and tall buildings exacerbates the heat. Typhoons are a recurring menace during summers, wreaking havoc due to these climatic shifts. I attribute this to industrialization and rampant deforestation, which have decimated our forests, ushering in global warming and relentless summer heat. Taipei, my hometown in the north, serves as Taiwan’s capital. Meanwhile, my grandparents reside in the southern region of Kaohsiung, where a tropical climate prevails, fostering agricultural activity. In the past, typhoons replenished water for farmlands in the south. However, climate change has curtailed their frequency, leading to water scarcity and diminished crop yields. Winter remains rainless in the south, necessitating heavy reliance on summer typhoons for irrigation. Winters exhibit extreme temperature fluctuations. Today’s 10-degree weather might soar to 20 degrees tomorrow. In the north, winter rain graces us during December and January, but the southern mountainous terrain impedes precipitation. Conversely, southern summers receive rainfall driven by prevailing winds. High-altitude mountains even witness snow—an occurrence that was rare eight years ago.
What does your family think about the climate change?
Climate change is a topic of concern and I can say that in my community it is discussed a lot and even taught about in our high school. Climate change was a recurring theme during my high school years. We were taught to conserve resources—switch off lights when unnecessary and minimize plastic usage. I firmly advocate for urgent action to combat the harsh climate changes we face. In western Taiwan, islands once abundant are now submerged due to rising sea levels. Typhoons, while bringing water, occasionally unleash devastating floods.
What is your opinion on climate change, why does it occur, and what is the main cause?
During high school, I read about a turtle tragically succumbing to plastic ingestion. This incident deeply stirred my environmental consciousness. Now, eco-friendly bags are gaining popularity—a small yet impactful step toward preserving our planet. Let’s all contribute to safeguarding our environment!
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