New Research Unveils Taiwan's Escalating Threat of Forest FiresFeb. 16, 2024
Traditionally known for its lush evergreen forests and a humid climate that historically minimized the risk of large-scale wildfires, Taiwan is witnessing a concerning shift in its environmental landscape. Recent severe forest fires, including devastating incidents in Yushan National Park and across the island, highlight a critical need for updated fire management and prevention strategies in the wake of changing climate conditions. A new study conducted by a cross-border collaboration between National Chung Hsing University in Taiwan and Utah State University in the United States, offering a comprehensive analysis of future wildfire risk projections under various climate scenarios, suggests a quantitative trend towards increased wildfire risks, marking a significant departure from the past for Taiwan. The authors of this study include Wan Yu Liu, Simon Wang, and Hong Wu Yu of Taiwan.