Taiwan is preparing to help residents beat the heat this summer. The Ministry of Environment plans to launch a new cooling center map in July. This digital map will guide the public to indoor and outdoor cooling locations.Officials say this map will feature air-conditioned buildings and shaded outdoor areas. It aims to help citizens stay safe during long, hot days. As temperatures continue to rise, this tool could become essential.National Cheng Kung University architecture professor Lin Tzu-ping supports the plan. He stresses the need for good airflow and shaded areas in urban design. According to him, tree cover and water features help lower temperatures effectively.
Lin pointed to Singapore as a strong model. There, shaded walkways sit within 400 meters of most metro stations. These encourage public transit use and provide relief from the sun.Taipei has started similar efforts. Shaded walkways surround Zhongshan MRT Station. Covered paths also link Taipei Music Center and Nangang Station.However, Taiwan still relies heavily on cars. Road systems and parking lots take up large amounts of space. As a result, there’s less room for trees or shaded walkways. Lin believes this hinders the effort to beat the heat.
In addition to the map, the Ministry of Environment will form a national heat response alliance. Minister Peng Chi-meng announced the initiative will include local governments and private companies.This group will design strategies to protect various industries. These include agriculture, labor, fisheries, and sports. Minister Peng says every sector feels the heat differently.For example, farmers see milk production drop during heatwaves. Fish and shrimp farming also suffer from rising pond temperatures.
Lin explained that Taiwan cannot use a single rule, like a “heat day off,” for all. Instead, he recommends tailored safety plans for each group.The Labor Ministry already offers guidelines for outdoor workers. These rules help reduce health risks during peak heat.Taiwan recorded its hottest year ever last year. The national average hit nearly 25°C, the highest in 127 years.
Reports also show more frequent extreme heat days. High temperatures over 35°C now stretch from April through November.Health impacts are rising too. From June to August 2023, heat-related medical visits hit 1,846. Last year, during the same months, visits rose to 2,667. August saw the highest number.As climate conditions shift, tools like the cooling center map will help Taiwan beat the heat and protect its people.
