Not only has the northern part of this year been hit by heavy, seemingly endless rain at the start of spring, but even the dry south has seen a surge in rainfall, impacting onion and wax apple production south of the border. Rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and increasing extreme weather events are continuously impacting agricultural production. To this end, the Council of Agriculture has taken the lead in declaring a goal of achieving net-zero agricultural emissions by 2040, strengthening the resilience of Taiwan's agriculture through "reduction," "sink enhancement," "circulation," and "green trends." Money can't buy! Extreme climate exacerbates disaster losses, indirectly impacting food security. "Money can't buy eggs" is the common sentiment of many people these days. In his speech at the "Towards Net-Zero Agricultural Emissions Strategy Conference," Council of Agriculture Chairman Chen Chi-chung pointed out that the cold winter weather and large temperature swings between day and night in western Taiwan, coupled with logistical disruptions caused by the pandemic and sharp price increases for raw materials like soybeans and corn, have increased egg production costs, impacting egg production capacity. This illustrates the speed at which climate change is impacting agriculture. "It is too late to adapt. The fundamental solution is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions." The trend of net-zero emissions in 2050 is sweeping the world, and Taiwan has also responded positively. After 27 seminars and more than 2,000 participants from industry, government, and academia, the Council of Agriculture announced the "Net Zero Agricultural Emissions" strategy, which combines four main themes, 13 strategies, and 59 measures. It will take the lead in net-zero emissions, and help farmers obtain carbon rights through agricultural advantages, and experience the benefits of net-zero emissions through carbon trading. Chen Chi-chung said that Taiwan's average annual temperature has risen by 0.6~0.8℃ relative to the base period over the past 50 years, which has caused significant impacts; three years ago, a temperature rise of 1.5℃ was used as the target for agricultural adjustments.
