Kaohsiung: Three organizations from Taiwan and Japan signed a memorandum of understanding on Saturday to enhance cooperation on technologies and practical measures aimed at protecting people from extreme heat. This initiative comes as climate change leads to more frequent and intense heat waves.

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

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Kaohsiung, Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming emphasized the importance of not only reducing carbon emissions but also adapting to the increasing frequency of extreme heat. Peng highlighted the potential for Taiwan to experience temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in the future, underscoring the need for long-term climate adaptation to safeguard public health, workers, and the economy.

Minister Peng advocated for urban cooling strategies that prioritize expanding green spaces, using Singapore's approach as an example, rather than relying solely on concrete infrastructure or artificial shading. The Environment Ministry also showcased its nationwide "Cool Map," an online platform identifying 9,641 locations where people can find relief from extreme heat. These sites include government facilities, convenience stores, supermarkets, community centers, and participating private businesses, forming a network of publicly accessible cooling spaces throughout Taiwan.

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