Taiwan, Japan sign pact to expand heat protection measures

Taipei, July 4 (CNA) Three organizations from Taiwan and Japan on Saturday signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation on technologies and practical measures to protect people from extreme heat as climate change drives more frequent and intense heat waves.

The agreement establishes a long-term partnership to promote heat protection technologies, disaster preparedness products and related green business opportunities among the Taiwan Association of Disaster Prevention Industry, the Japan Management Association, and a disaster preparedness council in Japan's Shizuoka Prefecture.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Kaohsiung, Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) said governments must focus not only on reducing carbon emissions but also on adapting to a future of more frequent extreme heat.

Peng warned that Taiwan could face temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in the future, making long-term climate adaptation essential to protect public health, workers and the economy.

He said urban cooling strategies should prioritize expanding green spaces rather than relying solely on concrete infrastructure or artificial shading, citing Singapore's approach as an example.

The Environment Ministry also highlighted its nationwide "Cool Map," an online platform that identifies 9,641 locations where people can seek relief from extreme heat.

The sites include government facilities, convenience stores, supermarkets, community centers and participating private businesses, creating a network of publicly accessible cooling spaces across Taiwan.

The Kaohsiung event featured demonstrations of heat adaptation technologies, including smart systems for monitoring heat risks at construction sites, cooling rest stations and Japanese heat protection solutions designed to reduce heat-related illnesses.