To Combat Extreme Heat, Environment Ministry's CoolMap Accumulates 9,000 Cooling Spots for Public Use

Taiwan's Ministry of Environment has introduced 'CoolMap,' an innovative climate adaptation initiative designed to help the public cope with increasingly frequent extreme heat events. The map currently identifies around 9,000 indoor and outdoor cooling locations across all 22 of Taiwan's counties and cities.

This effort comes as Taiwan faces rising temperatures, with May recording an average temperature of 26.5°C, significantly higher than the climate average of 25.9°C. Some northern regions even broke previous May daily high-temperature records, underscoring the growing challenge of high temperatures as a summer norm due to climate change.

The ministry has officially launched a unified logo for these "cool spots." This visual identifier allows the public to easily locate places where they can rest, cool down, and rehydrate, even without making a purchase. The initiative encourages businesses, government agencies, and the public to participate in climate adaptation measures.

Minister of Environment Pung Ming-tsai highlighted the need for collective action against climate change. He specifically thanked FamilyMart for its significant contribution, rallying over 3,100 stores across Taiwan to become official cooling locations. This partnership transforms the map's information into accessible physical spaces, demonstrating corporate social responsibility in addressing the impacts of high temperatures.

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The challenge of extreme climate requires more strength. We need more companies to participate in high-temperature adaptation. Convenience stores and supermarkets are deeply integrated into communities and have numerous locations, making them the most familiar places for the public. Thank you to FamilyMart for rallying 22 counties and cities across Taiwan, adding 3,100 stores to become cooling spots.