Author : Hsu, Huang-Hsiung, Chia Chou, Yi-chao Wu, Mong-Ming Lu, Cheng-Ta Chen, Yung-Ming Chen

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published its fourth Assessment Report (IPCC AR4) in 2007, which discussed climate change in the last 100 years and the possible impact of continuous warming over the next 100 years. The report indicated that, in the last 100 years, global mean surface temperatures have risen by 0.74° C, the rate of warming is accelerating, the sea level has risen, and the frequency and intensity of extreme events such as heat waves, droughts, and heavy rains have increased (IPCC, 2007). The United Nations (UN) has repeatedly called on governments worldwide to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to slow down global warming, to acknowledge the impact of climate change, and to implement adaptation measures. Taiwan is in an area that is at high-risk for natural disasters. The impact of climate change is a major concern to the government and the public. Climate change and homeland security have become critical issues that cannot be ignored.