There’s no need for more explanation, as you've likely noticed the intensifying heat of the earth's summers. Join us at the meeting to discuss your perspective on the rising temperatures and how you manage them. Meet you next Tuesday!

(Source: NASA)
Reference:
NASA Announces Summer 2023 Hottest on Record – NASA (September 14, 2023)
2024 could be world's hottest year as June breaks records – Reuter (July 8, 2024)
Questions for Discussion:
Session I
Q1. According to researchers from NASA's GISS, the summer of 2023 was the hottest on record since 1880. There is also an indication that 2024 might be even warmer. Is it likely that Earth's temperature will keep climbing? What factors might explain this ongoing trend?
Q2. Have you observed an increase in the heat during Taiwan’s summers? Has this rise in temperature affected your daily life in any way? What are your strategies for coping with the heat? What do you do when the weather is super hot?
Q3. According to NASA scientist Josh Willis, “The heat waves that we experience now are longer, they’re hotter, and they’re more punishing. The atmosphere can also hold more water now, and when it’s hot and humid, it’s even harder for the human body to regulate its temperature”. How does heat impact our physical and mental state? What measures can we take to protect ourselves from the dangers of excessive heat?
Q4. Is it equitable for air conditioning access to be determined by wealth? Could government subsidies for air conditioning in low-income homes be a viable solution? What can governments or communities do to provide cooling solutions for vulnerable populations?
Session II
Q5. Is it appropriate for governments to apply increased rates for electricity use in the high-demand summer season? Does this strategy promote energy saving, or does it unfairly impact specific populations?
Q6. Would you say that electricity costs in Taiwan are quite low? What's your opinion on the government providing subsidies for household and industrial power consumption? Is it necessary for us to have higher electricity rates?
Q7. Do you support power-intensive industries such as data centers? Economic Minister J.W. Kuo (郭智輝) noted a paradox in Taiwanese public opinion – people want artificial intelligence but resist building power plants. How can we balance economic growth with environmental impact?
Q8. Could you suggest some effective, inexpensive, and energy-efficient methods for staying cool during the hot summer months? Share your clever strategies for reducing energy consumption while beating the heat.
Agenda:
6:45 ~ 7:00pm Greetings & Free Talk / Ordering Beverage or Meal / Getting Newcomer’s Information
7:00 ~ 7:10pm Opening Remarks / Newcomer’s Self-introduction / Grouping
(Session I)
7:10 ~ 7:45pm Discussion Session (35 mins)
7:45 ~ 8:00pm Summarization (15 mins)
8:00 ~ 8:05pm Regrouping / Instruction Giving / Taking a 5 Minutes Break (Intermission)
(Session II)
8:05 ~ 8:40pm Discussion Session (35 mins)
8:40 ~ 8:55pm Summarization (15 mins)
8:55 ~ 9:00pm Concluding Remarks / Announcements
Meeting Date: As shown on the Subject Line
Meeting Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Meeting Venue: 丹堤咖啡 Dante Coffee (Minimum Order $85)
Address: 台北市濟南路三段25號[MAP]-捷運忠孝新生站3號出口步行3分鐘
Important Notes:
1. We suggest that participants read the articles and think about the questions in advance.
2. Newcomers should prepare a two-to-three-minute self-introduction in English to deliver when called upon by the host before the start of the discussion.
3. We welcome newcomers and other guests to attend the meetings and join the discussion freely for three times. After that, we hope you will consider becoming a YoYo English Club member. We charge a NT$1000 lifetime membership fee, or NT$500 for students.