TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Environmental Minister Peng Chi-meng (彭啟明) said the government will establish an alliance for extreme heat response in June, in collaboration with local governments and businesses.

The ministry held a press conference on Friday to highlight Peng's achievements since taking office and outline plans. Peng said the alliance will develop heat response strategies and is set to release a cooling center map in July, per CNA.

According to the Central Weather Administration, Taiwan experienced its warmest year on record last year, with an average temperature of nearly 25 C, the highest in 127 years. A report by the National Science and Technology Council and the ministry indicated the duration of extreme high temperatures above 35 C in Taiwan has significantly increased over the past 30 years, with these events now starting in April and lasting through November.

The report also predicted that summers in Taiwan could last seven months by the end of the 21st century, with 75 or more days exceeding 36 C.

Beginning next year, the ministry will impose a carbon fee on power, gas supply, and manufacturing sectors with annual greenhouse gas emissions exceeding 25,000 tonnes. The ministry reported that approximately 252 companies will be subject to this fee.

The ministry said that 51 companies in Taiwan have submitted voluntary emissions reduction plans. The agency estimates that if all companies with significant greenhouse gas emissions were to submit such plans, up to 37 million tonnes of carbon emissions could be reduced by 2030.

In April, the ministry and 17 Taiwanese companies formed a “Green Alliance” to promote carbon emission reduction. The ministry said the alliance will collaborate on the fair implementation of a domestic carbon fee, foster international cooperation on carbon reduction, strengthen the green industrial supply chain, and organize exchange activities.

Since March, the National Environment Research Academy under the ministry has partnered with 32 universities in Taiwan to launch a green talent training program. The ministry said the program, tailored for non-technical professionals, will include courses on greenhouse gas management, climate policy, environmental regulations, and corporate sustainability.