Climate change is a global challenge requiring comprehensive action to ensure sustainable development and maintain competitiveness. To support Kaohsiung's transformation into a sustainable net-zero city, this project aligned with the national 2050 net-zero emission target and emphasized strengthening climate governance, incorporating just transition principles, and advancing low-carbon development. Key initiatives included the formulation of the "Municipal Climate Change Action Policy Framework" and the "Municipal Climate Change Adaptation Implementation Plan." Both were developed using local conditions, national frameworks, and international research. The project hosted critical meetings, including the "2024 Kaohsiung City Climate Change Adaptation Implementation Plan Revision Meeting," five specialized consultations, and the "Kaohsiung City Climate Change Adaptation Implementation Plan Conference." By October 31, the draft plan was submitted to the Ministry of Environment for review. Recognizing that local governments may not need separate adaptation policy frameworks, the project recommended future integration of adaptation provisions into the Kaohsiung Municipal Autonomy Ordinance as appropriate. Efforts also focused on enhancing public and private awareness of climate vulnerabilities. This included the development of a climate risk assessment framework, two conferences on the "National Climate Change Scientific Report 2024," and an expert consultation meeting. Recommendations from these sessions will guide further improvements. To deepen understanding of climate risks, the project extended work with the National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology on milkfish aquaculture hazard simulations. Building on last year’s findings on "short-term heavy rainfall" and "low temperature cold damage," the second phase addressed adaptation planning and provided actionable guidance for local government policies. The Kaohsiung City Sustainable Development and Climate Change Response Promotion Committee convened to review three key climate policies, ensuring alignment with the autonomy ordinance on net-zero urban development. Outcomes were finalized during the committee's sessions in August and November. To demonstrate progress, the "Voluntary Local Review (VLR)" was published, highlighting Kaohsiung’s alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its net-zero achievements. The report was made available in Chinese and English and uploaded online for public access. This project also compiled national and international climate risk data to establish a robust assessment framework for the city. Efforts toward climate adaptation and sustainable development will continue through policy evaluations, media outreach, and other assigned tasks.Promotional materials emphasizing environmental protection, sustainability, mitigation, and adaptation were developed, reflecting Kaohsiung’s local character and distributed at public events.

Climate change,Climate risks,Adaptation,Sustainable development,Net-zero emission